ABM What is your stage name? What inspired your stage name?
Jah Chief: Jah Chief! My boy actually gave me the name one morning.. we had been tripping off the shroomies and they were referring to me as a shepherd. Like I was leading their minds through all that crazy shit you be thinking when you tripping. Jah meaning God, a chief is a leader, so Jah Chief: one of God’s leaders. I was about 19 back then, we was really trippin lol
ABM: What is your story in terms of music, when did you start making music?
Jah Chief: At first music was a way of finding myself, kinda started on some conscious shit but now I just strive to make more and more quality music regardless of the vibe. Just dope for people’s ears ya know. I’d say I was about 18 when I actually tried to start rapping but the love for it been there since I was a kid.
ABM: How did your upbringing in the Modesto, California influence your career?
Jah Chief: This where my family at and we all rooted in this music. My dad, my uncles, we all love hip-hop, so like in a sense this shit was in my blood before I even realized I wanted to make music. My family and my team at Black Krown really guided me and helped make me the artist I am today.
ABM: Do you have any music visuals in the works?
Jah Chief: Working on that right now. Strange times during this pandemic though lol but I got other videos out on YouTube right now, check out my last video “VVS” shot by my man Ceezalino.
ABM: Do you have any other projects in the works?
Jah Chief: I got some singles ready to roll out for this summer 2020. Tap in!
ABM: What inspired you to pursue being an artist professionally?
Jah Chief: The idea of being able to making a living off of what you love. Maybe it’s selfish but shit I can’t see myself doing anything else!
ABM: Do you have any other lanes in music that interest you?
Jah Chief: I think music is limitless and I can’t see myself being boxed into just a rapper. From production, mixing, to owning a label and showing others how to do it. I see myself touching a little bit of every aspect.
ABM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
Jah Chief: A successful musician making a living off my songs. Maybe married with a little Jah Chief runnin around haha!
ABM: Who are some of the musical influences that have inspired you?
Jah Chief: The first albums I ever put on my first music player was All Eyez on Me and Ready 2 Die, so 2pac and Biggie are def some of the biggest inspirations. I’d also say Kid Cudi is up there on my list and there’s a number of artists out there that inspire me. I’m inspired by good music.
ABM: Is there any artists you would like to work with in the future?
Jah Chief: Shoutout my dude Christo, still waiting for that collab haha. Bankrol Hayden would be tight since we coming from the same place too. I fuck wit my city and there’s a lot of talent here I’d like to work with. It’d be dope to work with Joey Bada$$ or Ab-Soul in my future. To be honest my list can go on and on…
ABM: Is there any last words or shout outs?
Jah Chief: Shoutout all of Black Krown Empire, the team that brought me into this shit! Dibea$e, Kane, Damian Dark, Zobo, Brooks, Double R, ItzDa Ghost, Snook Da Bastad, Ci Ci Dior. My boy Gio2Nice. Everyone that has worked with me or helped me in some way along this journey so far. All my family, my lady and all my supporters. Y’all know who you are!
