Ace Jonez

Philadelphia is a city deep rooted in rich Hip-Hop talent. From The Roots, Beanie Sigel, Eve, Cassidy, to Freeway, and of course The Fresh Prince, Will Smith, Philly is one of those cities that have always had a talented artist making moves in the music industry.

Enter Ace Jonez, a young ambitious emcee with the gift of gab and drive to become a star. Raised in the streets of Philadelphia, Ace Jonez has worked with well known artists like Hell Rell, Cannibus, Ray J, Lil Kim, and Jadakiss. With several mixtapes under his belt, Ace Jonez is currently working on his debut street album Get Used To Me, due later this fall.



Yo! Raps had the chance to speak with Ace about his upcoming album, growing up in Philly, and his musical influences.



Get Used To Me is the name of your upcoming street album. Give a little backstory on the title and what fans can expect from the upcoming release?



I mean the title is pretty much self-explanatory. I feel like once you get to know me or know of me, you might as well Get Used To Me because I’m not going anywhere. Just expect to hear good music and get to know me, once you’ve listened to it you’ll feel like you’ve known me for years!



Any special guest appearances for the album?



It’s a few big names we reached out to, but I don’t want to break the news until everything is finalized. For right now, I have my artist Jewelz Jonson and S.U.S appearing on it, and my man S.H.A.H Cypha. But you can definitely expect some major collaborations.



You have a good variety of feel good party/club as well as stellar street records. In your opinion, which style do you prefer to make more?



Believe it or not, I don’t really have a preference. I’m just happy with the response I get with whatever record it is. If I can make you dance or put you in a good mood from hearing one of my club records, cool. Or if you say you can relate to some of the things I talk about in my street records, that’s cool too! As long as the listener can vibe to it we good.



How important do you think variety is in Hip-Hop? I mean in this era, mainstream radio really only pushes one type of sound when back in the 90's you would've had a rich variety of party, gangsta, conscious, and political music. Where do you feel variety comes into play for artists in hip hop?



I mean, I think you still got your variety of music, not as much as we used to have, but it’s still there. Like you got your Beamer, Benz, or Bentley [Lloyd Banks], then you got tracks like O Let’s Do It [Wacka Flocka Flame], they not even on the same level, but they are probably two of the biggest requested records today. Mainstream radio has definitely taken over, and turned the art into a business



In your bio I read that The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album Ready To Die was the first album you ever bought and thought you sat and studied the album's content and sound. How important was that album to your style today?



It was very important! I think it definitely helped me become the artist I am today. If you listen to Biggie’s lyrics you can hear the honesty in every bar, and his words were so vivid you can picture what he’s saying. So I made it a point to be truthful in my lyrics. I don’t have a Bentley, so you’ll never hear me say I’m in one. The aggressive material I write is from personal experience, so that album taught me to be truthful.



What was your favorite song from Ready To Die?



Honestly? I don’t think I can pick just one. A lot of the things he talked about on that album I can relate to, I’ve witnessed first hand, or somebody close to me had to witness it. So that album was like the soundtrack to my growing up. But if I really had to pick one, it would probably be Things Done Changed.



Besides The Notorious B.I.G, who were some of your major musical influences growing up and why?



I followed LL Cool J, and a little bit of Big L. They both had their own style with a story to tell. LL wasn’t scared to be different when he crossed over with I Need Love after his label told him not to, and it wound up being one of his biggest records. Big L was real witty, had clever word play, and his voice demanded your attention. There’s more but those are the two that stood out to me the most.



Growing up in Philadelphia had to be tough. Also coming up in Philly with such Hip-Hop talent signed and unsigned had to be tough but good for competitive spirit. What was it like pursing a career in hip hop with so much competition around you?



Like you said… it’s competitive, so you have to do things that make you stand out from the other artist. Like most of the newer artist did the whole battle thing, that’s cool, but that’s not my scene. So from them doing the battles and DVDs that help create their buzz throughout the city and on the Internet. I don’t do either or, so for me it was harder because I had to do it with just my music from the ground up with no DVD or battle buzz. But as you can see I’m used to challenges and I’m doing alright.



Speaking on the rich Hip-Hop culture in Philadelphia, what other regions (Detroit, NY, Chicago, Atlanta, LA) could you compare to the essence in Philadelphia?



I would say New York is pretty close. Philly is known for battle rap and aggressive lyricism, and New York is on the same page, just not as aggressive. So I would say you can compare the two in that category.



Do you have a favorite artist from Philly?



No, I don’t have a favorite, but I do respect all the artist that’s doing their thing! Everybody’s style is different, but we all come from the same background so and I can relate to all of them.



You've already rocked crowds with artists like Jadakiss and Lil Kim but today if you could choose any artist to work with who would it be and why?



I would have to say Jay-Z. Like he puts on a show for real! With the live band and the way he interacts with the crowd, I would love to perform in that type of atmosphere. You know once you open for Jay, it’s going to be about 20-30,000 in the crowd, and that means you’ve either made it or you doing something right! So I wouldn’t mind being an opener for Jay-Z.



I have to ask you about the current generation of Hip-Hop artists. Drake, J. Cole, Skyzoo, Big Sean, Fashawn and more seem to be slowly bringing the essence of the lyrical golden era of Hip-Hop back. Do you think that there is currently an artist out there signed or unsigned capable of taking Hip-Hop to the next level?



The music industry is constantly evolving, so everyday there is something new. Like some of the newer artists you’ve mentioned don’t really rap from a harsh perspective, so they’re making it cool to be lyrical and rap about positive things. I couldn’t talk about some of the things Drake talks about and he can’t talk about some of the things I talk about. You had your East Coast era, your West Coast era, your Crunk era, now you got your dancing, and next you’ll have your mainstream lyricist. As long as Hip-Hop is alive, we’ll always have that next big thing!



How has the response been for your current single Drinks On Me? We heard that the song was nominated at the prestigious 2010 Underground Music Awards…



It’s been great! I’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback from all over. I just got word that it’s being played in the UK and in Germany. And to be honest, this isn’t the record that I wanted to push, but my team felt it was the perfect choice and I guess they were right. As far as the nomination goes I’m excited, but whether I win or lose I’m just glad my talent was recognized.



Out of all the songs you've ever recorded, do you have an all-time favorite?



Nah, I don’t have a favorite. I think it’s impossible for me to pick one, because I try make my next record better than the last one. That’s why most times when I do a new track I might listen to it once or twice and that’s it. Because I know the next one is going to be way hotter!



I usually ask every artist this question because I get a different response every time but in your own words, define "Underground" and "Mainstream". For example, is a guy like Ice Cube who has a rich history in hip hop considered "Underground" now because he is signed to an independent label even though he has had "Mainstream" success on a major label?



I still consider Ice Cube to be mainstream, even though he’s independent now he still has the mainstream outlet. I think an underground artist is pretty much striving to get their music where it needs to be. We do whatever we can to get our music to the hands and ears of the right people, as to where mainstream artist has a hell of a machine behind them. In Ice Cube’s case if he independently sold 400,000 records, but still has his mainstream fan base he going make a nice come up.



Alright Ace, this has been a pleasure for me. Thanks for taking time out for Yo! Raps today. How can the people contact and stay up to date with you?



Of course you can follow me on Twitter @AceJonez, facebook.com/bagattijonez, myspace.com/acejonezonline, and my website www.Block2DaBooth.com is where you can get all the latest music and show/tour dates. - Yo! Raps magazine

anCor: What is your name and where are you from?

Ace Jonez: I go by the name Ace Jonez and I was born in Chester, PA and raised in South Philadelphia.

anCor: Name a few mainstream artist that you grew up listening too.

Ace Jonez: I grew up listening to LL Cool J, Kool Moe Dee, Rakim, and the Notorious B.I.G. Hands down Biggie is and always will be my favorite rapper.

anCor: Who gave you the name “Ace Jonez”?

Ace Jonez: Honestly I did! I just made it up one day. I used to go by Casino, but after traveling to different places I came across a lot of Casino’s so I had to change my name. I came up with Ace Jonez when I created my Facebook because I didn’t want to use my real name and then when I decided to change my name 8 months after starting my FB Ace Jonez was already in affect. So I think it was really meant for me to go by Ace Jonez.

anCor: What is the hardest part about being an “Indie Artist”?

Ace Jonez: I would say generating enough interest to build a fan base and market your brand.

anCor: Have you had the opportunity to travel? If so name a few cities you were able to perform in.

Ace Jonez: I’ve had the opportunity to travel to a few places such as Boston, New York, Baltimore, St. Louis, New Jersey and I’ll be in Miami at the end of the month. I love to travel to different cities and showcase my talent to the people.

anCor: Are you currently signed to any management company?

Ace Jonez: At the moment I am not, but if the right situation came along I probably would take that route.

anCor: What do you like most about being a rap artist?

Ace Jonez: I don’t think I can really pick one thing! I like the fact that a certain song can make someone feel like they know me or can relate to the lyrics. Or performing for a crowd that you don’t even know and there singing your song. I also like all the traveling, I like seeing different cities and their famous landmarks.

anCor: How often do you write lyrics?

Ace Jonez: I try to write everyday but I have so many other things going on it’s almost impossible for me. I have my own record label (Street Division Records), a magazine (The Grynd Report), and I handle almost all of my own business so I write when I get some down time or if I’m traveling.

anCor: Name a few mistakes that you feel many indie artist make?

Ace Jonez: One of the biggest mistakes a lot of indie artist make is simply not taking their craft serious! Some artist don’t think they have to spend money to make money but you definitely have to invest in your craft. Also you have to stay consistent at what you do. If you can’t write and record everyday then you got to promote or network everyday and extra hard!

anCor: Do you have any upcoming events?

Ace Jonez: Yes, August 22nd I’ll be attending the 2010 UMA’s (Underground Music Awards) because I was nominated for the (Best Club Banger) award for my single “Drinks On Me”. Also September 3rd I have a showcase my partner and I put together called the Underground Movers showcase. In addition to that sometime in September I will be in New York doing an interview for the October issue of XXL Magazine.

anCor: What is the name of your current mix tape out, and where is it available for download?

Ace Jonez: The mix tape hasn’t been released yet but it’s called (No Surrender) which is composed of different artist to make up the group Grynd Mobb. It should be released in August and it’ll be available on GryndMobb.com, Block2DaBooth.com and a few other mix tape sites.

anCor: Any words of wisdom?

Ace Jonez: Just follow your dreams and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do it. Have fun with your craft because once it becomes about the money you lose touch of the fun.

Shout Outs: First and foremost I want to thank god for blessing me with the musical talent. I want to give a shout out to my fiance and my son, because without them I wouldn’t have the drive to pursue music. I also want to shout out my Grynd Mobb/Street Division family; S.H.A.H CYPHA, S.U.S, Lady Bishop, Mirak, Songlist, Smurf, Bok, Sonny, my publicist Kiana and free my man Bos! - Ancorco.com

1.What projects are you working on now?

Right now I’m currently working on my street album titled “Get Used To Me” which should be out later this year. I’m also working a collaborative mixtape with an artist from Cincinnati named Trigga Mane and a mixtape with my Grynd Mobb family “No Surrender” that should be out next month.

2.How do you stay motivated to do music?
I think most of it is self-motivation I just genuinely love music. I could win the lotto today for $300 million, and I would continue to pursue my music career. I also think some of my motivation comes from some of the music that’s being released today; I’m not really a big fan of a lot of the newer music.

3.What are you listening to right now?
Honestly? I listen to a lot of my own stuff, but aside from that I listen to just about everything. Whether it is mainstream or underground, I try to stay up on what’s going on in the hip-hop world. But if you were to check my cd changer you might find Emenim, T.I., Young Jeezy, and Drake.

4.Have you worked with any known producers?
At the moment no, but I’ve been talking to a producer by the name of Drawzilla. He’s worked with artist such as Capone (CNN), Remy Ma, and Jae Millz to name a few. So I’m looking forward to working with him in the near future.

5.Where are you from and how does that impact your music?
I am from the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, PA. Philly is known for the real aggressive material, the battle rappers, and lyricist so I think some people give me a chance because of the artist philly has already produced.

6.How has the Internet affected your music career?
It has definitely helped a lot! I think the Internet is the best thing for an up and coming artist. It gives you the opportunity to reach people all across the world, just by uploading your music to different hip-hop and blog sites.

7.How would you describe your style?
I don’t really think I have a style, I’ll try almost anything in the studio except sing or use auto tune. I try to be versatile with my music; whether it be rapping slow, fast, something aggressive, something for the club, or something for the ladies I’ll never sound the same on every song.

8.Do you have interests outside of music?
Yes, I’m actually getting into acting. I’ve been in 2 films so far; one was a speaking role and the other I was hired as an extra. I’m about to start filming for another film tilted “Siren City”, which is based on some of the violence that’s been happening in Chester, Pa. In addition to that I’m in the process of writing a script of my own, so I’m looking forward to that.

9.Female hip-hop is on the rise right now, who are your favorite female rappers?
I’m a big fan of Remy Ma, I think she is very talented and she’s not your average girly rapper. Besides her I like Nicki Minaj, Eve, and a few up and coming artist like Rasheeda, Kanary Diamonds, and Yung Syren.

10.How did you get the UMA nomination?
Well I have a single that’s out right now called “Drinks On Me” and its been getting a lot of good feedback, so I submit it to as many sites and blogs as I can. I guess somebody on the UMA staff or someone they know got a hold of it and thought it was that good, the next thing I know I’m getting notified about being nominated for (Best Club Bange). Win or lose I’m just excited that my talent was recognized.

11.Where can the people find you?
You can find me on twitter.com/acejonez, facebook.com/bagattijonez, myspace.com/acejonezonline, and Block2DaBooth.com is where you can get the latest music and show updates. - Spate Magazine

Ace Jonez is the newest thing out of Philly with the Swag of a Champion and a Heart of a Lion, Ace is out to make a name for himself. His thirst for music came at a young age as he listened to his Step dad’s old records, but would not start writing and taking his skills seriously until the summer of 2003. After hearing how weak the rap game was around him, he realized that he could do the game some good. Now taking the underground scene by storm with features on numerous mixtapes and performing at various clubs in the Tri-State area (NJ, PA and DE). After shutting down The Croc Rock in Allentown, PA where he opened up for Ray J and Jadakiss, Ace is ready to shut the Rap Scene down Nationally and Internationally. Whether he’s performing for two or two million people, he gives his all at every show. - MsLaaady.Blogspot.com

Ace Jonez is a young artist born in Chester and raised in Philadelphia. As a teenager he moved to Delaware where his hunger to create music pushed him to explore the local scene. After being exposed to Delaware artists like Blu Chip and Swanny Rivers, Ace has been inspired to create his own first cd “The Hostile Takeover” and will be host a release party next Thursday.


What do you think of the current state of hip-hop?

I think like everything else over time it evolves, a lot of people say Hip-Hop is dead but I think it’s just changing. At a point and time all you had was Hip-Hop and hardcore Rap, now you have so many different genres of music like you got your Snap music, your Crunk music, the Crank That music, and so forth. I think that’s why the true hip-hop heads are saying its dead because of the era we’re in right now, but I feel like as an artist it’s all about reinventing yourself.


How were you first exposed to hip-hop?

I guess just watching TV. And being around my step pop he was into music, so whenever he would play stuff around the house I would just tune in and listen. The first song I ever heard and liked had to be "Wild Wild West" by Kool Mo Dee, as I got older I listened to everything from Rap to R&B. But I remember the very first Rap cd I ever had and I think my moms only bought it because I begged her for it and that was "Ready to Die" by The Notorious Big. I would listen to that cd front to back everyday, come in the house and listen to it while I did my homework, Biggie is still my favorite rapper of all time.


Do you have a website where folks can hear your music?

I don't have an official website yet but it’s in the works, but just like everybody else you can find me on MySpace at www.myspace.com/acejonezonline. You can hear new music, get show info, pretty much everything you need to know about me. I'm always online I don't have anybody running my page for me, if you send a message to Ace you get a reply from Ace.


What do you think of Delaware’s local venues?

I just really got into the performance scene so I'm pretty much down to perform where ever in front of whoever, I don't care if its 2 people or 2,000 people I'm going to put on the best show I can. So as of right now I don't have a favorite venue but I will say it’s a big difference between an East End Cafe crowd and a Pale Dog Tavern crowd. East End Cafe is pretty much people come out to show love to the local performers and support, but a Pale Dog crowd they make you work for their support. Which isn't a bad thing, I like a challenge. I don't like being handed anything, if I have to earn it so be it.


When did you first start writing and recording music?

I first started writing and recording in either 2002 or 2003. But at the time I was writing I was only doing it because my older cousin was doing it and it looked fun. I remember my first recording was on a karaoke machine and the quality sounded horrible. My cousin started to do other things musically which didn't involve me so I stopped, but after hearing some of the cats that was rapping around me whether I knew them or not most of it was weak that’s what made me realize I could do this for real cause I knew I could deliver better material. From then to this day I still try to improve and perfect my craft, this mix tape I’m releasing is my first cd and I hope people take to it.


How did you put together this new mix tape?

It was pretty much a matter of picking the music, because when most artist put a mix tape together they rap over the hottest beats that’s on the radio which is cool but mostly every artist does it underground and mainstream. So what I tried to do a little different was mainstream beats I never heard before so I can treat the tracks like they were made for me. Because 9 times out of 10 when you rap over another person beat you might come up with something that the original artist did, whether it be a lyric, flow, style or whatever which your not really standing out because you sound like that artist. But besides that the mix tape is crazy! I got features like my artist Jewelz Jonson, Swish Maddi, A.B., C.h.a.s.e., and one of my peoples from Chester Young Giavonni. So I’m waiting to see what it do in the tri-state area then I plan on expanding from there.


What is your opinion of Delaware's music scene?

To be completely honest, it has its ups and downs but being as though I am a musician and just the fact I love music I’ll buy anybody's material, but I would say 90% of the time I wouldn't like it. Everything I hear is the same stuff, I shoot this, I sell that, and they be the ones that never made it pass their neighborhood in the suburbs. Then you got some of these cats that think because they got money they supposed to be treated like they somebody special when half the time they material suck. But my favorite rappers in Delaware are the ones that’s sort of well known and walk around with the cocky attitude because they know they got a name in Delaware.

Overall I look for material from an artist not a rapper. It's a big difference between the two, an artist can write songs and make hit records or hit material as to where a rapper just raps over the track. A artist can give you material from every aspect of music, for example an artist could do a song that is radio material, something you can dance to, something kids could listen to, and turn around and do a song about struggling growing up, or a song the ladies would like, a song for the true Hip-Hop heads, a song for the people that like to smoke. You know somebody that’s not stuck on one topic in their album, a rapper is just going to tell you how many guns he shot, how many years he did in jail, and how long he stood on the corner hustling, that’s pretty much all you get from a rapper. So I look for substance.


Are you a gambler?

As long as I'm writing, recording, performing, and networking all of that is a gamble. I might write a song that’s way out of normal material and I feel like it’s a hit cause it’s different, but at the same time the people might not take to it so I took a gamble on trying something different. As much as hip-hop has been changing the past few years its like anything you do your taking a chance cause you don't know what people want anymore.


What do you hope to accomplish with your new material?

Being as though this is my first cd I guess you could say I’m introducing myself to Delaware and all the surrounding cities. I'm just trying to get my name out there a little bit more than it is, like me personally I think I'm doing ok as far as people getting to know me and I don't even have a cd out and not being originally from Delaware, so if I keep grinding the way I been doing I’ll be good money. - W. H. Ferrell, Jr.