Jamal HD
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Jamal HD

Houston, Texas, United States | INDIE

Houston, Texas, United States | INDIE
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"Jamal HD plans to meet fans expectations with HDMI"

(Houston, Texas)-Local Houston artist Jamal HD hopes that his third mixtape “HDMI” will be the album that puts him over the top. While his first two mixtape albums Sinthusis and Mixtape with the Kung Fu Grip led the way for him to gain attention on the underground hip hop circuit, Jamal HD hopes that HDMI will be the stone that is thrown and shatter what he considers to be a glass ceiling for talented musicians.


“Since I first started, I have dealt with messy promoters, shady record labels that really are just a group of guys with a microphone and producers who really don’t have talent. It’s a learning experience and HDMI is more of a mature and polished record than the first two. With HDMI I want to take not only my creativity but my ability to entertain my fans. I would never want my fans to feel like I’m not giving them what they want. I think that a lot of talented cats just get over looked because they not rocking with certain sets or following the pop theme of today. I want my music to be something those 20 years from now, it is still relevant.-Jamal HD
- MRE Blog


"Houston Emcee Jamal HD Releases New EP,‘HDMI’"

Houston emcee, Jamal HD releases “HDMI“, today with the anticipation that describes the definition of his music. His undenying single “Top Of The World,’ has created a major buzz which has been featured in acclaimed publications and sites including Rolling Out, WBC Magazine, Reupspot.com and more.

From hometown appearances including Chip the Ripper’s Gift Raps Tour to a memorable encore in New York’s Times Square on The Real Radio Show Jamal HD continues to leave his mark for new fans. Jamal HD has performed alongside Lupe Fiasco, Chip tha Ripper, Trina, Atomsphere, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Evidence, Prof, Dom, Blueprint, Roz Raskin and the Rice Cakes and many others. His new EP HDMI is the emergence of a new sound and catches the listener’s ear with unique melodies, creative in-depth concepts yet thought provoking lyrics that anyone can relate to. Take a look at the “Upgrade” (A Short Documentary over HDMI) below.



- FromAGirlsPointOfView.com


"REUPSpot.com interviews Jamal HD on HDMI, touring and style (Check it out also in the EPK)"

Nick Mar, for REUPSpot.com, talks with Jamal HD about his upcoming mixtape ‘HDMI’, touring the country, and more. Live from Bomdiggidy Smokeshop. Check REUPSpot.com May 1st to download HDMI.


- REUPSpot.com


"Interview with up and coming artist Jamal HD"

Today we have an interview with an up and coming artist by the name of Jamal HD. He is a unique artist who has an interesting mesh of musical genres and time periods. Citing New Order, Notorious BIG and Nirvana as influences, you can only imagine his sound. Jamal HD is from Houston but he has traveled many miles away from home. He has been on his grind for a few years and is making alot of noise in the streets/online and in the music business. In between rocking shows with Chip Da Ripper, Lupe Fiasco, Trina and Atmosphere, we got the time to catch up with him and find out more about the man who calls himself Jamal HD. Do What You Desire…
- Amerikas Addiction


"Interview with up and coming artist Jamal HD"

Today we have an interview with an up and coming artist by the name of Jamal HD. He is a unique artist who has an interesting mesh of musical genres and time periods. Citing New Order, Notorious BIG and Nirvana as influences, you can only imagine his sound. Jamal HD is from Houston but he has traveled many miles away from home. He has been on his grind for a few years and is making alot of noise in the streets/online and in the music business. In between rocking shows with Chip Da Ripper, Lupe Fiasco, Trina and Atmosphere, we got the time to catch up with him and find out more about the man who calls himself Jamal HD. Do What You Desire…
- Amerikas Addiction


"“Jamal Jones Showing Dedication”"

With more than the typical club songs, street anthems and dance clichés, Houston native Jamal Jones AKA [Jamal.] is bringing a more abstract sound from the Texas city.”He puts all cliché’s to rest and resurrects the true essence of hip hop”, says Houstonian contributing writer Shanay Lemon about the 24 year old.

- Alwayz Therro


"“Jamal Jones Showing Dedication”"

With more than the typical club songs, street anthems and dance clichés, Houston native Jamal Jones AKA [Jamal.] is bringing a more abstract sound from the Texas city.”He puts all cliché’s to rest and resurrects the true essence of hip hop”, says Houstonian contributing writer Shanay Lemon about the 24 year old.

- Alwayz Therro


"Introducing...Jamal"

Not your average cat from Houston,Texas... Jamal doesn't have the expected "slow syrup flow" or chopped and screwed sound. Fresh off tour with Chip The Ripper last summer and a brand new mixtape on the horizon, listen in below on why hard work always pays off . Read through the break here as Jamal and I chop it up about everything Weird.Different.Cool. Download Songs (Right-Click>>>Save-As) Jamal Feat. Riva Rhymez- Safety Off Download audio file (Jamal.__feat._Riva_Rhymez-_Sa fety_Off_IAMJAMAL.COM_.mp3) Jamal - You Tha Star [...] - 1League.com


"Black Gossip discusses Jamal HD"

Name: Jamal HD

Years in the business: Eight

Label: Insomnia Music Group (IMG)

What big names have you worked with?

Lupe Fiasco, Chip tha Ripper, Trina and hot up-and-coming artists from other genres like Grace Potter and My Morning Jacket.

- Black Gossip


"Black Gossip discusses Jamal HD"

Name: Jamal HD

Years in the business: Eight

Label: Insomnia Music Group (IMG)

What big names have you worked with?

Lupe Fiasco, Chip tha Ripper, Trina and hot up-and-coming artists from other genres like Grace Potter and My Morning Jacket.

- Black Gossip


"JAMAL HD UPGRADES THE 2011 KAHBANG MUSIC AND ART FESTIVAL!!"

Bangor, Maine August 12, 2011 — Houston music artist JamalHD performed at the 2011 Kahbang Music and Art Festival. 12th, Jamal HD was quoted as saying “It was nice and I was totally blown away by the organizers and the fans who came to show support for me.” JamalHD performed 12 songs from his two during his 30 minute set on stage. The 12 songs were a mixture from his latest mixtape “The Mixtape with the Kung-Fu Grip as well as some from his 2010 “Sin-thu-sis” Mixtape. The week long event featured performances by Lupe Fiasco, My Morning S Jacket and Grace Potter.
- The Raven Read


"Jamal HD – M.W.T.K.F.G."

Jamal HD releases his anticipated Mixtape With The Kung-Fu Grip, with the popular singles (RUN & WAR).

- ReUpSpot.com


"Jamal HD – M.W.T.K.F.G."

Jamal HD releases his anticipated Mixtape With The Kung-Fu Grip, with the popular singles (RUN & WAR).

- ReUpSpot.com


"Jamal HD Offers Sound Advice to Independent Artists"

Why do you think you have been so successful in the U.K.?
A lot of fans out there love that I involve samples from different times and genres. Europe loves oldies. Plus, I have a strong love for European fashion and urban lifestyle.

Why is it so important to garner success in the Houston market?
To be honest, it wasn’t at first. My team would push me to do it and [I'd] be like, “why? They don’t like what my music is about, so no.” Now I can see what they mean by your city’s love can do wonders. I had to learn to embrace it, but now I love my fans in Houston. As independent artists we have to remember that even if our musical style isn’t what our cities are used to, we can’t just abandon the streets. We have to keep pushing the music and find its fan base.

- Rolling Out Magazine


"Jamal HD Offers Sound Advice to Independent Artists"

Why do you think you have been so successful in the U.K.?
A lot of fans out there love that I involve samples from different times and genres. Europe loves oldies. Plus, I have a strong love for European fashion and urban lifestyle.

Why is it so important to garner success in the Houston market?
To be honest, it wasn’t at first. My team would push me to do it and [I'd] be like, “why? They don’t like what my music is about, so no.” Now I can see what they mean by your city’s love can do wonders. I had to learn to embrace it, but now I love my fans in Houston. As independent artists we have to remember that even if our musical style isn’t what our cities are used to, we can’t just abandon the streets. We have to keep pushing the music and find its fan base.

- Rolling Out Magazine


"Jamal HD – Sin-Thu-Sis"

Jamal HD performed out at t.h.e. MisFit Crazy8 show we covered in our last episode of RUEPSpot Live (post coming soon). We talked a bit before the show about projects he had going on, and hip-hop in general. So I was looking forwarding to hearing his music. As it turns out, I really liked it. He had a good show, which we’ll have pictures and video of shortly. Until then, check out this mixtape, Sin-Thu-Sis.

- ReUpSpot.com


"Jamal HD – Sin-Thu-Sis"

Jamal HD performed out at t.h.e. MisFit Crazy8 show we covered in our last episode of RUEPSpot Live (post coming soon). We talked a bit before the show about projects he had going on, and hip-hop in general. So I was looking forwarding to hearing his music. As it turns out, I really liked it. He had a good show, which we’ll have pictures and video of shortly. Until then, check out this mixtape, Sin-Thu-Sis.

- ReUpSpot.com


"Houston’s Jamal HD is still only for the rest of the world"

Houston native and current above ground everywhere else and underground in Houston Rap Artist Jamal HD is in the studio of his good friend and producer V-DRO listening to a track titled “dreams” that is scheduled to be one of the selections on his third mixtape “HDMI”. He is only one third of the way thru with the track before he stops the track and in a disgruntle manner tells V-Dro that it will not make the cut. “The track it’s too plain, just not feeling it” it utters over the objection of V-Dro who clearly believes in the song strength.
- The Raven Read


"Houston’s Jamal HD is still only for the rest of the world"

Houston native and current above ground everywhere else and underground in Houston Rap Artist Jamal HD is in the studio of his good friend and producer V-DRO listening to a track titled “dreams” that is scheduled to be one of the selections on his third mixtape “HDMI”. He is only one third of the way thru with the track before he stops the track and in a disgruntle manner tells V-Dro that it will not make the cut. “The track it’s too plain, just not feeling it” it utters over the objection of V-Dro who clearly believes in the song strength.
- The Raven Read


"Jamal HD at Club 26Ten"

Click2Houston has the most popular concerts, theater, festivals, kids and family events in Houston including Jamal HD at Houston.
- NBC / Click2Houston.com (Channel 2)


"Jamal HD at Club 26Ten"

Click2Houston has the most popular concerts, theater, festivals, kids and family events in Houston including Jamal HD at Houston.
- NBC / Click2Houston.com (Channel 2)


"J.R. Bang Interviews Jamal HD (Audio)"

Houston, Texas rapper Jamal HD called into the J.R. Bang Morning Show today (March 29). Talked about his upcoming project “HDMI,” being a different kinda of rapper from Houston and more. Check it out.

- Educated Insanity


"J.R. Bang Interviews Jamal HD (Audio)"

Houston, Texas rapper Jamal HD called into the J.R. Bang Morning Show today (March 29). Talked about his upcoming project “HDMI,” being a different kinda of rapper from Houston and more. Check it out.

- Educated Insanity


"Catching up with Jamal HD"

If you don't know Houston's own Jamal HD, get to know him from our previous interview with this talented rapper. If you do , then we first give you props and secondly we reward you with this catch up interview. Watch this video and be looking out for him because he is doing big things ladies and gentlemen. - JoysephandKlaud.com


"Catching up with Jamal HD"

If you don't know Houston's own Jamal HD, get to know him from our previous interview with this talented rapper. If you do , then we first give you props and secondly we reward you with this catch up interview. Watch this video and be looking out for him because he is doing big things ladies and gentlemen. - JoysephandKlaud.com


"Catching up with Jamal HD"

If you don't know Houston's own Jamal HD, get to know him from our previous interview with this talented rapper. If you do , then we first give you props and secondly we reward you with this catch up interview. Watch this video and be looking out for him because he is doing big things ladies and gentlemen. - JoysephandKlaud.com


"WBC Magazine: Jamal HD - Top of the World (Exclusive)"

Houston, Texas emcee Jamal HD has performed alongside artist such as Lupe Fiasco, Chip tha Ripper, & Trina. He's now dropping his new single from his upcoming release in mid May titled "HDMI". Download and Comment after the Jumper - WBC Magazine


"J.R. Bang Interviews Jamal HD"

Houston, Texas rapper Jamal HD called into the J.R. Bang Morning Show today (March 29). Talked about his upcoming project “HDMI,” being a different kinda of rapper from Houston and more. Check it out. - Windy City UG (radio)


"Jamal HD Offers Sound Advice to Independent Artists"

Jamal HD Years Active: 8 Label: Insomnia Music Group What big names have you worked with? Lupe Fiasco, Chip tha Ripper, Trina ... - RollingOut Magazine


"INTERVIEW WITH UP & COMING ARTIST JAMAL HD!"

Whats Up Adddicts!

Today we have an interview with an up and coming artist by the name of Jamal HD. He is a unique artist who has an interesting mesh of musical genres and time periods. Citing New Order, Notorious BIG and Nirvana as influences, you can only imagine his sound. Jamal HD is from Houston but he has traveled many miles away from home. He has been on his grind for a few years and is making alot of noise in the streets/online and in the music business. In between rocking shows with Chip Da Ripper, Lupe Fiasco, Trina and Atmosphere, we got the time to catch up with him and find out more about the man who calls himself Jamal HD. Do What You Desire… - Amerikas Addiction


"Jamal HD gives Sin-thuh-sis"

ReUpSpot.com supports Jamal HD latest project - ReUpSpot.com


"Get To Know Jamal"

[Jamal.] is an up and coming Houston born hip hop artist! We met up with him this past weekend and got to talk a bit about his mixtape Sin-thuh-sis and his music. Check this out and make sure when December 5th rolls around you download his mixtape for free. So show this native Houstonian some love! - Joyseph and Klaudia


"Jamal HD "Up Next""

Jamal HD is " Up Next" leads into bio. - Hoodgrown Magazine


"You tha Star Makes The Weekly Rap-Up"

#4 between Kanye's G.O.O.D Friday installment and J.Cole's Blow Up - Refined Hype


"A True Insomniac"

Drawing in audiences by the masses to the arrival of his highly anticipated mixtape "Synthesis," [Jamal.] and the artists of the up and coming rap label, Insomnia Music Group, put their hard-hitting beats and versatile subject matter to use in restoring the consciousness and authenticity in the rap genre.

Jamal "[Jamal.]" Jones, 22, one of the founders of Insomnia, formally known as D.O.R (Definition of Real), started with a group of friends from the Alief area of Houston, TX, all with passions for expressing creativity through rap music.

"Basically, D.O.R was the child and Insomnia is the man, grown up. We learned from our mistakes, we gained a lot of experience, so now Insomnia is really true key to a lot of the music we make now," said [Jamal.]. Along with fellow label mates Riva Rhymez, 21, and Harmonik, 19, Insomnia has progressed in networking, including the development of a marketing department. With merchandising on the way, Insomnia is spearheading their label to an expanding business with promises of greater success to come.

[Jamal.] is currently at work on his mixtape titled "Synthesis" set to come out on Dec. 5, 2010. The 18-track mixtape introduces his experiences and growth as a rising artist.

"My early work was more, in my words ‘angry,'…So now my style is more relaxed than it was…. more me as a person, instead of me as an artist," said [Jamal.]. "Synthesis" covers topics ranging from the lack of authenticity in rap music in the track "Take it Away," to the loss of his mother and appreciating the women closest to him in the emotional "Let the Song Play." Through it all, he has considered himself to be the cause of his ongoing success in the track "Dream Merchant," currently available on i-Tunes.

Insomnia Music Group has continued to gain airplay and exposure through performances and appearances in cities around Texas, New York, and California. The label has also accomplished a growing fan base overseas in countries from Germany to London.

After a sold out concert with top-selling recording artist Trina last year, Insomnia Music Group is continuing to grab the attention of professional DJs and established producers, including DJ Whoo Kid and Shadyville DJs.

"The reason behind Insomnia, as you know it's a sleeping disorder, we feel that our music can't be slept on…," said [Jamal.]. The men of Insomnia Music Group have brought the restless energy of "Synthesis" to Sam Houston's 90.5 The Kat with the track "I Wanna Rock" with [Jamal.] featuring Riva Rhymez, last semester. The label is currently preparing to promote their upcoming projects at the South by Southwest Music Festival in early 2011.

For more information on Insomnia, upcoming appearances, and show dates visit iamjamal.com.

- The Houstonian


"A True Insomniac"

Drawing in audiences by the masses to the arrival of his highly anticipated mixtape "Synthesis," [Jamal.] and the artists of the up and coming rap label, Insomnia Music Group, put their hard-hitting beats and versatile subject matter to use in restoring the consciousness and authenticity in the rap genre.

Jamal "[Jamal.]" Jones, 22, one of the founders of Insomnia, formally known as D.O.R (Definition of Real), started with a group of friends from the Alief area of Houston, TX, all with passions for expressing creativity through rap music.

"Basically, D.O.R was the child and Insomnia is the man, grown up. We learned from our mistakes, we gained a lot of experience, so now Insomnia is really true key to a lot of the music we make now," said [Jamal.]. Along with fellow label mates Riva Rhymez, 21, and Harmonik, 19, Insomnia has progressed in networking, including the development of a marketing department. With merchandising on the way, Insomnia is spearheading their label to an expanding business with promises of greater success to come.

[Jamal.] is currently at work on his mixtape titled "Synthesis" set to come out on Dec. 5, 2010. The 18-track mixtape introduces his experiences and growth as a rising artist.

"My early work was more, in my words ‘angry,'…So now my style is more relaxed than it was…. more me as a person, instead of me as an artist," said [Jamal.]. "Synthesis" covers topics ranging from the lack of authenticity in rap music in the track "Take it Away," to the loss of his mother and appreciating the women closest to him in the emotional "Let the Song Play." Through it all, he has considered himself to be the cause of his ongoing success in the track "Dream Merchant," currently available on i-Tunes.

Insomnia Music Group has continued to gain airplay and exposure through performances and appearances in cities around Texas, New York, and California. The label has also accomplished a growing fan base overseas in countries from Germany to London.

After a sold out concert with top-selling recording artist Trina last year, Insomnia Music Group is continuing to grab the attention of professional DJs and established producers, including DJ Whoo Kid and Shadyville DJs.

"The reason behind Insomnia, as you know it's a sleeping disorder, we feel that our music can't be slept on…," said [Jamal.]. The men of Insomnia Music Group have brought the restless energy of "Synthesis" to Sam Houston's 90.5 The Kat with the track "I Wanna Rock" with [Jamal.] featuring Riva Rhymez, last semester. The label is currently preparing to promote their upcoming projects at the South by Southwest Music Festival in early 2011.

For more information on Insomnia, upcoming appearances, and show dates visit iamjamal.com.

- The Houstonian


"Jamal Jones Shows Dedication"

In 2008, after defining his position on making music [Jamal.] decided that was well past time to do something that he was afraid would never happen: start his music career. When asked about why he chose his name as his performing name he stated “ I was born Jamal Jones and gonna die Jamal Jones.”

What’s the first thing you would say to someone when they ask you to describe yourself as an artist?
Geniune. There is nothing about myself made by a company, a&r or marketing rep. Everything I record, perform or whatever I say is from me. The artist and the person before the artist is the same guy. I’m very emotional in my music because every song I make some kind of feeling triggered it. Emotional as me giving my all in each record. It’s so many different sounds and samples I use more than the usual “rap artist” because of the wide range of genres I listen to.

How long have you been in the industry?
I’ve been making music for about 5-6 years now,but this year really is my introduction to the industry.

What Inspires Your Music?
Family, friends, life changing situations, beats I can’t see myself not getting on and a vacant recording booth.

Where are you from?
Alief, which is the southwest side of Houston, Tx.

What artist in the industry inspire you the most today?
Without sounding like a cliche hip hop artist, Jay-Z.

Why is that?
Really the reason he is the first rap artist to carry long-term popularity in music and entertainment and I look up to that.

What makes you different from other artist today?
Me being very experimental. Tons of artist now take either the flavor of the month instrumental or something close to it and make it like it’s theirs. While I come out of nowhere with a track sampled from the 1980's Pippi Longstocking theme song (just a example) and dig the vibe from the record. Most close to all wouldn’t attempt to go out their comfort zone but if I know the record is that good I would.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
Yeah, I have a mixtape dropping later on this fall intitled The Evolution Theory. Plus some joints thats being released around the net and on Itunes and other digital sites.

What do you want your future fans to know about you?
If someone told you I collabed with a hitmaker for the sales, made a dance or slept with Kat Stacks call em’ a liar and smack them for me. I do for me,mine and music never for fame.

How can we connect with you online?
For anything [Jamal.] related go to www.iamjamal.com where you can find my facebook, youtube channel and twitter pages and follow me at twitter.com/jamalwuzhere.

- Alwayz Therro Magazine


"Jamal Sits Down With Raw Roots"

Jamal first up thank you for taking time out for this interview

For those who have not heard your music how would you describe it?
I got to say different. Most people that listen to me for the first time are actually surprised because of where I'm from, age and so on.
Even people from my part of Houston still ask if I am from there just because the vibe of my music. It's not your "typical" sound out of town people say it is.

How and when did you get in to Hip Hop and making your own music
I started to gain a interest early 2003 then started making it 2006 during my last year of high school.

What drives you as an artist?
Reality does. In 2008, picture you having a daughter on the way, dead in job working check to check, the lost of your mother a couple days before Christmas and nay sayers claiming your dream is only a dream and you got to wake up and face that you wont be anything but average. My mother worked for companies all her life just to provide for her kids with no second thoughts to give up and witnessing that kind of strength, I couldn't let words and situations stop me from doing what I wanted to do.

Your coming out of Houston which has been home to some greats like Scarface, Z-Ro and Lil Flip. Has watching these artists come up
been insparational to you?
Scarface was a lot. When they asked 2pac who was his favorite rapper to listen to he said Scarface. So sense a lot of these artist from different parts of life favorite rapper's favorite rapper was from Houston showed how far I could go as a artist to be heard.

You have opened for Trina and Candi Redd, how have the crowds taken to you?
I was looked at like," Is this guy serious,". Not only the headliner, but other performers were coming out doing radio built records and dancing and whatever else was hot at the time. Then here I'm come with this non club type music, no dancing just lyrics. A lot of people watching were not digging it but when i got off stage I was hit with commits like," Who you signed with," " Why Trina I you should perform when Lupe or Jay are in town," things like that. A lot of stares but a lot of love too.

Lets get in to your forthcoming release "Sin-thuh-sis" tell us what we can expect?
A classic. Beats, lyrics the whole nine. People were walking in the studio hearing me lace a track were asking when the album dropping was looking at me crazy when I said it was a mixtape. That's when I knew it was something different in a good way.

The release will be hosted by Shadyville's DJ Young Cee how did this link up come about?
I knew Young Cee for some time now we talked months at a time about music. He always kept me informed when he had slots for a new project hosted by a big name artist. He knew I had something to bring to the game, so I knew I needed him for this project.

Are there any producers or features on "Sin-thuh-sis" we need to be checking for
Yea HarmoNick, 6th Sense, Kajmir Royale, Kelz, Lil E, Puzzle a lot of production talent was used in the making of this. Those guys are making hits you can't block.

When is planned release date and how can people get their hands on it?
December 5th you can go to Iamjamal.com, Datpiff and Mixfiend.

What are your future plans after the release of "Sin-thuh-sis"?
I have a EP under works for 2011, a couple singles for digital download on iTunes, music videos and a couple of shows and appearances around the U.S. as well.

How can people keep up to date with what is going on with yourself
Of course, Twitter and my site I'm on both all the time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yea if you're a artist on the rise the only one that can stop you is you. Not just artist but whatever you're grind is stay at it, lookout for Sin-thuh-sis December 5th and follow me on twitter at Twitter.com/jamalwuzhere.

Thanks for your time once again
Thanks for having me here.

Find out more about Jamal at www.iamjamal.com

- Rawroots.com


"Introducing… Jamal"

Not your average cat from Houston,Texas… Jamal doesn’t have the expected “slow syrup flow” or chopped and screwed sound. Fresh off tour with Chip The Ripper last summer and a brand new mixtape on the horizon, listen in below on why hard work always pays off. Read through the break here as Jamal and I chop it up about everything Weird.Different.Cool.

Isang-First off, thanks for reaching out jamal we appreciate it, How often do you visit the site?

Jamal-It’s on my daily agenda along with emails, social networks and stuff like that. I started paying attention after I read that Peace and Love post back in March. A lot of blogs usually post “By Popular Demand,” topics but 1League has that plus peace of mind. Something I feel alot of people lack nowadays.


Isang-Most artists say the internet and blogs can be a gift and a curse, have blogs and the internet in general helped or hindered your career so Far?

Jamal-Helped greatly. Before nobody would know a artist until their signed, now not just labels but anybody with internet access can follow somebodies career step by step. By that I’ve learned what to do, how to do it and the value of privacy. When you make it big or your finally on radar your in the public’s eye. Paper publications take a weeks time to press, blogs are minutes after the event.

Isang- Very True…Houston is known for the chopped and screwed “slow” sound but that really isn’t your style…I read at iamjamal.com that Biggie and Big L influenced you…Has anyone else?

Jamal-Big Pun made me step my game up (laughing). He died in 2000, I started rapping in 2003 and I didn’t get on Pun til 2004 going on 05. Also Jay, Fat Pat, and a lot of 80s and 90s bred music. Phil Collins, Tears for Fears, New Order, Nirvana… my songs stayed shuffled. All those different sounds and emotions played a big impact on my train of thought musically.

Isang- I dig that Phil Collins is dope haha… I’ve read a few things about Trae’s situation and being blackballed and what not by the radio station out in houston…Is it difficult to gain hometown airplay or do you bypass that and focus on spreading your music other ways ie blogs, word of mouth, your personal website?

Jamal-It’s very difficult especially since Houston is a “one horse town” when it comes to urban entertainment. So I rely on spreading my music. It’s so easy to do so now then before. Alot of artist still depend on radio to jump start their career, me… nah long as social networks assist and media has a “Contact Us” section… I’m good.

Isang-You Joined Chip The Ripper this past summer on the Gift Raps Tour, How was it?

Jamal-Great, real good experience. Getting off stage as a up incomer and seeing Chip get on in a town that only knows him from his music is a great feeling. That’s like a junior varsity player watching someone from varsity getting looked at by a scout. It’s close for him so you’re thinking I’m not far behind. And people responses really surprised me about my set, I was looked at with positive eyes…. felt good

Isang- Some artists now a days are making their moves with their own production team or at least a couple producers they work with often, do you have a set team or do you accept production thats’s sent to you, if so how can people reach you?

Jamal- Both. If any producers would like to send me a consideration, my mailing list would be the way since I actually check those. Send your name, contact info and link and believe I’ll get it.

Isang-With the mixtape dropping soon are you looking to go back on tour after it drops?

Jamal- Naw, no tours for now but I intend to be at several events for performances though.

Isang-Where does Jamal see himself at this time in 2011?

Jamal-In a position that everybody would say, that Jamal got it next.



Lookout for Jamal’s new Mixtape Sin-Thuh-Sis dropping December 5th



- 1League.com


Discography

14KT Arcadia EP (2013)
HDMI (2012)
Mixtape With The Kung Fu Grip (2011)
Sin-thuh-sis (2010)

Photos

Bio

Being like the perfect storm of abstract and sheik through today's culture,now 25 year old Jamal HD fell in love with urban, pop and later electronic music from his parents old records and cassettes in his southwest Houston home. After the death of his mother in 2008 from cancer, he drove his sadness into a slew of musical projects releasing one after another. When asked why music he responded, " It was something she always seen me do and that alone was enough," With influences drawing from New Order, REM, Phil Collins and Jay-Z,he gave a heavy dose of his dark yet hopeful world through energized and yet sometime Enigma liked sound.He proved that he can pull off crossover and radio friendly appeal with music like "Bass Sh*t" and "Top of the World" plus gems that would be considered future classics and gain fans for years to come.