Ayatollah Jaxx, more commonly known as A-Jaxx, has been rapping for 10 years, but this 23 year old just stepped onto the Pittsburgh hip-hop scene in 2004. In this brief time his accolades have lead this Muslim MC to the UK, Canada, and all across America performing with the likes of Petey Pablo, G-Unit’s Lloyd Banks, Wiz Khalifa, Jean Grae, Talib Kweli, Xzibit, Boot Camp Click and a host of other renown artist. An accomplished battle rapper, his quick wit, unusual wordplay, and stage presence contribute to his dominance on the mic. To date, his releases include “Live From The 72Four”, the critically acclaimed “This Is My Jihad: Harb & Salaam”, and “The Damn Good EP” (Production by Fundamental). Jaxx has been nominated for three Pittsburgh Hip Hop Awards including Artist Of The Year in 2008, Single Of The Year, and Album Of The Year in 2009. An avid aficionado of martial arts and boxing, A-Jaxx also has many writing credits under his belt, including columns for HipHopgame.com, Yoraps.com, and his popular Back Packer Weekly blogs on MySpace.

Here is a brief interview with the Pa poet……

Myspace.com/TheMightyAJaxx
Myspace.com/WeAreGoodCompany
Godsendant.com/ajaxx.html

(Stead) First things first…what projects do you currently have in the works?

(A-Jaxx) At the moment, I’m working on procureing some nuclear weapons, and then turning Norway into a parking lot. On a serious note, We (Good Company) just released The Damn Good EP, the reception has been insane!! I just finished up a pseudo Camp Lo tribute with my comrade Divine Seven, called “Black Connection”. After that, I’ma release a jawn called “The Un Mixed Classics”, then it’s on to the full length LP; “Hello, Hip Hop”.

(Stead) Lol!!! A parking lot though!! That would make for a live show….With these projects what producers have you worked with and who do you plan to work with in the future?

(A-Jaxx) I’ve worked with a slew of producers, some well known and not … yet. Of the more recognizable names, 9th Wonder, Ayatollah, and Krohme. I’m part of a duo called Good Company, with Fundamental doing all the production. Here in Pittsburgh, I have an amazing cast of supporting folks. Chim Beats, Cheap Mustard, James Moore, PMC, and a whole lot of people globally that support me on that side.

(Stead) Word…Who would you say most influenced your style and approach to Hip Hop?

(A-Jaxx) You know, it’s tough to narrow it down to one person, or song. There are so many cogs to the components that my style is based off of. From Rakim, Ghostface, Big Pun, Common, Nas, Cube, Lupe, the list is long. I’d have to say life though. Being from Pittsburgh is influential enough if you’re that clever with your words. There are so many imposing social structures here. From one realm to the next, the ignorance of our culture, all of that mixed up in one pot and served to you. It weighs on you too much for it not to influence you.

(Stead) I can dig that. It can definitely add some manhood stripes to your character. With being said, how would you say your faith influenced your approach to Hip Hop?

(A-Jaxx) I think faith in general presented it’s self in my rhymes, even before I reverted to Al-Islam. Post Islam? It remains the largest driving force in my career. I mean, I’m not full out Islamic Rapper, however, I make sure that over-tone, or under-tune is visible in my music. There is a reason Islam is the worlds largest religion, and the fastest growing religion in the states, you know? Being known as an Islamic lyricist keeps me boxed in, so I have to work extra hard to showcase my other abilities. I gotta flex the creative muscles way more than other MCs do, to prevent the type casting. It’s a double edged sword for sure, but I handle bladed weapons really well, ya get me?

(Stead) All Day!! I’m more the sword saint wit words though..Which brings me to my next question..Whats more important, a raw,banging beat or raw lyrics?

(A-Jaxx) Man, lyrics all day. You don’t have to be the most mind bogglingly dope lyricist to captivate me, just say something real, and from heart. It has to have some lyrical talent though. I mean, Nas rocked over some of the wackest beats and turned em into bangers, so you know, it’s all about the lyrics to me. No discredit to producers, but I need to think more than I need to bob my head.

(Stead) Interesting..it seems that a lot has changed in the format of hip hop…Beats are different. Wordplay is different.What do you consider to be the most pivotal moments in hip hop in the past 10 years and why?

(A-Jaxx) Jam Master Jay’s murder, for sure, and all the other murders from Mac Dre, to Big Proof, Stack Bundles, all those fallen brothers. If we learned anything, it’s that unification and education is past due. The crumbling of the music business. I mean, we finally have a clear view on whats what in the business side of the game. You get to see how heartless the execs are, and how dumb the morons are that sign their lives away. The emergence of the South movement, that’s the definition of hard work. Very admirable. The rise, fall, then the disgrace of the mixtape DJ, and the mixtapes they yell on. I’d have to say the talent pumped out from other countries as well, ie Canada and The UK. We also seen a lot of vets embarrass themselves engaging in futile beefs while struggling to stay relevant. I think the most important is the impact the inter net has on music. From Napster to the blog sites, you know? Free mixtape downloads (Download The Damn Good EP free now if you havent!!). It’s all about the consumer now more than it has ever been. Every thing is literally one click away.

(Stead) No doubt..Knowing that,where can we find your material?

(A-Jaxx)

Myspace.com/TheMightyAJaxx
Myspace.com/WeAreGoodCompany
Godsendant.com/ajaxx.html

I’d like to thank A-Jaxx for his time and patience…Hip Hop lives, he’s lyrical proof

DART TOSSERS 09

Bookmark It