NFL
By: Brock Vierra
The world of hip-hop and rap in 2023 has become a saturated market made up of some really awful music. You could call me an old soul, but I grew up in the 2000s and my musical taste consists of when artists used auto-tune to generate a new sound, not to mask limitations. However, when it comes to raw talent combined with intelligent lyrical precision, up-and-coming artist Just Charles knocks every measurable for an artist out of the park.
Gracious enough to sit down with me, Just Charles talks about his new project, his inspirations, and his future.
Let’s talk Hip-Hop.
Vierra: Tell us a little bit about yourself and what got you into music.
Just Charles: I always toyed with it, but I wrote my 1st rap while waiting for my Dad after church, I was bored and wanted to look busy.
Vierra: Who are some of your musical heroes and who do you take inspiration from?
Just Charles: LL Cool J took the spotlight around the age of 3 years old for me. My Dad was in love with the “Bigger and Deffer” album. Shortly after, from the age of 5 til I was a 15-year-old sophomore in high school, it was Eminem. Once I hit that age, I found myself searching for what I wanted to listen to rather than what was being played. Along the way, I discovered an up-and-coming Logic, Mac Miller, and Wiz Khalifa, who are still pretty vital inspirations to me today.
Vierra: Talk to us about your new project. What was the catalyst and how does it differ from your previous work?
Just Charles: “Just Hip-Hop” is a very special project. It’s a timestamp, I’d say the best depiction of my summer in 2019. I take the listener from the start and tell them what my thoughts are, circulating my perception of what people expect of me (now that I’ve made myself an established name) and going through the struggles of an artist, ultimately ending things on a positive swing.
As far as differences from any other works I have, I’d say as an artist, I think it’s easy to nit pick at your own imperfections in your art. This work feels complete to me. I wouldn’t change a thing. Usually, there’s a song or 2 on every project I’d skip cause I didn’t like it, or there’s a part I knew I wanted different but not on this one.
Vierra: What are your music goals moving forward?
Just Charles: More consistency to be honest, and more content variation for sure, gaming streams, storytimes, music videos, lyric videos, I’m working on a mixtape that will be on underground services only and a compilation project for all platforms set for 2024.
Vierra: I’ve noticed that your style of rap/ hip-hop differs from the current state of that genre. Almost a throwback, it seems like you pay homage to artists from years past. Why?
Just Charles: I have different worlds I like to exist in. When I made “Crowd Surf,” I paid respects to people like Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, and Trippie Redd. There’s no difference here, really. I just love the golden era sound. When brought up to the modern day, in my opinion, personally was needed.
Vierra: What’s next for you?
Just Charles: I’m dropping a single on New Year’s Day called “Spazzin'”. To set the tone for the year, but until then, please enjoy “Just Hip-Hop”!
And we will. I want to thank Just Charles once again for joining us. Listen to Just Charles’ new album Just Hip-Hop with its hit Coolio Julio below.
