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J. Osceola
Not your average rapper
Article by Yummy: yummy@flypaperblog.com
Who is J. Osceola?
That's what my crew was asking when I brought his name up. I didn't have an answer for them. When I met him I didn't know what to make of him. He doesn't fit the average rapper stereotype. First of all, he's Filipino but born and raised in Columbus. He doesn't talk or dress like anyone that I know of that was born here. As I sat down to talk to him it became more apparent that there was more to this kid than meets the eye.
My first question to him was "Is that your real name?" He let me know that J. is his first initial and Osceola was the name of the street that he grew up on. He explained that he learned about street life at an early age. Even though he turned his life around, the lessons he learned on that street will always be apart of him. He started rapping in middle school but didn't take it seriously until a few years ago. When asked which rappers he is influenced by, he states matter of factly, "None". He says that rappers like Jay-Z, Biggie, Nas, and Kanye inspire him to reach his goals, but that God and life itself have the biggest influences on his lyrics. He explains that he is not a gospel rapper, but that God has a strong presence in his life. One of the biggest shocks to me is that he doesn't curse in his raps. "If you are in the public eye, you are a role model, no matter what you may think. I have a 2 year old son, and when he gets older I want him to be able to listen to my music and be proud."
Recently, J.O. was featured in the inaugural edition of HiPolocy Magazine as one of six people who are making their mark on the community. He has also shown his diversity by doing intros for The City Night Show on WCKX Power 107.5 and for Maxwell's House on WNCI 97.9. His song, "Feeling Yourself" was featured this summer on Maxwell's "New Ish @ Nine-ish" and was received well by the audience. While listening to his CD, I fell in love with the tracks "Compare 2 Me" featuring Trent Crews and "It's Okay" produced by Ivan of Fly Union. I like the fact the J. doesn't glorify money, cash and hoes. He brings a fresh perspective to the game telling us where he's been, what he has seen, and where he wants to go. I also like that he makes many references to his wifey and his son, letting you know that family is first.
I was very impressed with what I saw and what I heard. J. has that star quality package that is somewhat hard to find these days. He has an original flow with great delivery. His stand-out lyrics are like a breath of fresh air. He's also easy on the eyes. Currently he is looking for producers to work with on his upcoming album. He's also in the process of lining up shows and performances. Shouts out to Roshawn for the meet and greet! Look for J. Osceola to be the next rising star to help bring real hip hop back to Columbus! - Yummy: Fly Paper
Discography
EPK
Compared to Me
Feelin Yourself
What its Lookin Like
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Bio
In a day and age where being a rapper is the new "American Dream", J. Osceola personifies what it means to be a hip-hop artist and not just another star struck individual chasing fortune and fame. Born January 14th in the major midwest city, Columbus, Ohio, J was brought into a world of poverty, where his Filipino mother struggled to support him and his siblings. From dealing with the hard-ships of living in a fatherless home, to the struggles of trying to survive in different hoods around his city, J. found himself living on Columbus' north side on Osceola Avenue, influenced by the "streetlife" at an early age. After witnessing all the negative things that surrounded him, he then turned to music as a refuge. Around the age of 14, already very much influenced by hip-hop, J. went to a Wu-Tang concert in his city. While at the show, he got to go backstage and even got to cypher with members of the Clan. Shortly after that, J. began looking at music as a serious career and not just a hobby. Influenced by artists like the previously mentioned Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie, Kanye West, and Lupe Fiasco just to name a few, J. Osceola has solidified a style and message unlike any other artist in the music industry. From opening for major artists in the industry, to getting support from the top radio stations in his region, to getting attention from many Indie and Major record labels, J. Osceola is ready to take the music industry by storm. Keep your ear out for this young, up-and-coming artist, for he will surely soon be a household name!!!
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