Ha-Style

Whoever said a broken heart couldn’t lead you to music obviously hasn’t met Ha-Style, a rapper with a mind to inspire a nation of students through music.

MEET JA’COBY aka HA-STYLE



Originally from Houston, Ja’Coby, whose stage alias is Ha-Style, began recording in November 2006. What began as a heartfelt ploy for love ended up becoming his driving passion to this day.

“I initially started recording music because I wanted to record a song to get my ex back with. Through the process, I found out I loved recording and I wanted to make money doing this.”

With his sights set high, Ja’Coby released his first album independently in January 2007, and since then, has gone full-force to make his dream of positively changing the music industry a reality.

As a student at Texas State University, Ja’Coby was a part of GRAMMY U, a program designed to help prepare college students for careers in the music industry by giving access to educational programs in the field and providing performance and networking opportunities. He has also opened for legendary acts such as Boyz II Men, Cameo, the Sugarhill Gang, and fellow Houstonite, Latoya Luckett.

Ja’Coby is also putting his degree in Business Administration and Economics to good use. He has his own label, 2nd City Entertainment (with the paperwork to prove it) and has distributed music overseas to Australia, Budapest, and Hungary.

With every day that passes, Ja’Coby admits he falls in love with recording music more and more. His passion and motivation is not only to create, but to inspire and build on the platforms that some artists have already begun.

“What inspires me to continue to write music is the fact that there really isn’t a voice for college kids today. Kanye sort of touched on it, but no one is out here talking about our struggles. Someone needs to let [students] know that there’s hope. You can live your dream, and that there’s someone out there fighting for them. I want that person to be me.”

We’re sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of Ha-Style in the near future. The only question we have now is…did you win your ex back??

Take a listen to Ha-Style’s song “Got Me Open” (featuring Mr. Wired Up and produced by D_M.O.E) off his newest mixtape, City Lights Volume II: City Is Mine. - Southern Thick

Our Webzine recently had the pleasure to speak with a young gifted artist who is creating a nice buzz within the Indie music industry. His style is certainly one of his biggest appeals as he is bringing to music fans a new flavor of Hip-Hop. In this spotlight with Ha-Style, the poet speaks candidly about his musical influences and he hopes to bring his music to the masses. Enjoy!

Isaac: I just listened to several songs off your new EP/CD. What was the inspiration for making your new album?

Ha-Style: Well, the Album Saxophone & Roses isn't due out just yet, still trying to get the paper work done for it. The tracks were for my newest Mixtape "The Conversation." Umm, the inspiration for the mixtape was that I wanted to give my listeners, me. Instead of having an entire project based on a bland concept and spitting punch lines, I wanted to tell the story of the man behind the music. So a lot of those songs that you hear are actually very personal, I'm really giving you my heart and pain. So the pain that I've accumulated from past relationships with friends, family, and people in the industry is where a lot of this stuff generated from.

Isaac: Who were your influences?

Ha-Style: My influences were of course my pops, my step-father, and real men. Now when I say real men, I mean men that are really about their business and progression. But the main inspiration for my artistry is my Aunt Aleta. She's always been the one that REALLY pushed me to be myself. I mean my moms has told me that, but my aunt really put an emphasis on individuality.

Isaac: What do you consider to have been the highlight(s) and lowpoint(s) of your career to date?


Ha-Style
Photo by T-Square Photography

Ha-Style: Lol! Ah man, I don't think I've come long enough to discuss this because it hasn't been a full 4 years yet. It'll be 4 years in November for my career. But, high points would have to be me opening up for Boyz II Men and Cameo at the Urban Music Festival. It could've been nerve racking for me, but luckily my DJ pushed me like crazy to rehearse so the performance went off with no problem.

Low points would have to be this period of time where I found out that a lot of people that I thought were in my corner wasn't. And I think that was the most pain I've ever felt in a very long time.

Isaac: Brief history about your background plus the style of music you play.

Ha-Style: I'm originally from Houston, but I didn't pick up a pen and pad till I started living in Detroit. So musically I'm from Detroit, but, I'm not gonna do any false claiming but that is my 2nd home. I'm a recent graduate of Texas State University with a degree in Business Management and Economics. My style of music is just a combination of what I listened to growing up. I originally fell in love with music with Jazz. Then it was rock with Adema, Linkin Park, and Limp Bizkit. And then finally it came around to Hip-Hop with Mobb Deep, Eminem, D12, and Nas. So people have told me my style sounds different they can't really put their finger on it. I don't know if I should say; I'm scared people are going to try to put me in a box.

Isaac: How easy is it to gets gigs for you as an artist? What is the live music scene like in your area?

Ha-Style: In Austin, it's not that hard but with the stupidity and the new politicking going on it's gotten there. I mean excuse my language, but it's become harder. Austin, Texas is supposed to be the live music capital of the world but they're shutting down clubs and venues down like they did with the high schools back in Detroit. So through some networking it's possible but it's not as easy as it was a few years ago. A few years ago, I and another artist performed at over 30 different venues in the summer. At one point, we were able to do two venues in one night, now, that's unheard of. And it's not just the Hip-Hop scene suffering; it's everyone. If it wasn't for people like me, Hip-Hop, Congress, Zeale, Phranchyze, and Eleven Fingered Charlie Tuesday and Wednesday nights would be boring. Now the clubs act as though we're not worth their time anymore.

Isaac: What do you think of the state of Indie music at the moment? Do you listen to radio much at all? Has the Internet helped music grow or hindered it in your opinion?

Ha-Style: I think it's great, I've collabed with some great artist. Like I really do listen to the underground. I knew about Tyga before anyone else did. I used to have a Skyzoo mixtape that I would listen to before he signed with Duckdown. I'm on datpiff everyday. So if there's any artist that wants me to listen to their stuff I will. I think the Indie movement is progressing and it's going to continue because they'll always be a need for it. People actually take pride in having songs from artists that no one else has.

I listen to the Underground Movement radio; I really don't listen too much even though I have songs that are made for radio. LOL! So it was either that or 93.3 before the whole radio bill thing happened. The Internet? It's helped music grow. (Sarcastic laugh) Unfortunately, there's a lot of garbage. Like I don't know why people aren't trying anymore. Anyone and everyone have a music page. I knew it was bad when my R.A. had a music page with him rapping and he didn't take music serious, hell, he even forgot he rapped at one point or that he made a page for it. So it's gotten bad. However, if it wasn't for the Internet you would've never heard about me. I've had the luxury of people in other countries listening to my music and I've sent CDs to Australia so it has its pros and its most def has its cons.


Ha-Style
Photo by T-Square Photography

Isaac: If you could create a fantasy band - what would be the line-up and why?

Ha-Style: Band? LOL! Umm, I would have to Frank Beverly and Mase. That's my favorite band of all time.

Isaac: What CD's do you currently have available and where can they be purchased from?

Ha-Style: City Lights and The Conversation are available on my website, www.hastylemusictv.com, or you can go on Datpiff. But the website would be better because you wouldn't have to sign up. All my old material is bit too vintage and I don't think you want to hear music with very low sound quality. Right now I and my manager are going over a possible digital distribution deal that I'm very excited about. But I'll make sure to contact you guys first if the deal goes down.

Isaac: Where can fans access your music, videos, blogs, and anything else about you online?

Ha-Style: www.hastylemusictv.com That site is for everyone to enjoy, not just my listeners but also people trying to get into the music industry and people that need inspiration. I and my brother grew up in different cities, so I try to provide that big brother advice to others as much as I can.

Isaac: Message to your fans?

Ha-Style: I love you, you're the reason I continue and I'm here to serve you guys. You guys are the fuel to my fire and I thank you for it. And thank you Isaac for this opportunity, hopefully we'll be working again soon. - Junior's Cave Magazine