Exclusive | JB Magix is Set to Release His Debut Mixtape 'Pleasure Island'
JB Magix, which is short for Jamaal Bethea, is an up and coming artist and executive producer based in Fresno, originally from Long Beach, California. JB signed his first record deal at the age of 24 with the The Private Plane, a subsidiary Creative Talent Agency to G.O.O.D Music ran by Kanye West's right hand man, 6 time Grammy Award Winner Malik Yusef!
In 2011 JB received his first real music industry recognition from the release of a remix called "She Craves Me" which hit Top 10 on the charts for 30days and held a top 40 position for 3 consecutive months via MTV's Partnered Website Ourstage.com when he was formerly known as the artist The Kid Bilal. The remix heavily assisted the original song to reaching 30 million views on Youtube. With the help of producer Malik Yusef, JB Magix was propelled into an elite network of talented creatives in the music industry.
JB Magix is set to release his first Mixtape titled "Pleasure Island'' on August 18 with merch accompanied. He also has a near future release which is set for December 12, which is his first commerical EP release titled "Romantic Anarchy." Reminiscent to J. Cole's KOD both records challenge the status quo of the music industry's perpetuation of drugs and violence.The EP is slated to have features from Malik Yusef, Mann, Kevin McCall Jr., Fashawn, Kanye West & Panic At The Disco.
Check out his single Miracles with Kevin McCall below!
https://godrythm.bandcamp.com/releases
We talked with JB Magix in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
QUESTION: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
JB Magix: I’ve been making music since the age of 9. Back in the day a person could put tissues in cassette tapes and do what was known as “dub” over the tape your own music. I started recording my own mixtapes from radio, and attempted to put my poetry over music, which didn’t initially come out as good as I would have liked lol But it gave me the motivation to know that I was getting somewhere with my art.
QUESTION: Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey?
JB Magix: I’d have to say Malik Yusef Jones.. I was in a very dark place before he discovered me on twitter and offered me a record deal... It was right on the cusp of me developing issues with my hearing which also started discouraging me.. To have someone that has been successful in working with artists like Drake, Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ and more as a frequent collaborator gave me the inspiration to keep pursuing a career in music.
QUESTION: How does having Malik Yusef as a mentor and working with him help with your creativity?
JB Magix: I’ve had the opportunity to work on some Kanye West albums under his direction, network with elite music industry professionals and perform at some of his official Grammy after Parties. That for me was confirmation that I had made it out of my Mom’s house lol But also that I have the potential to add value to something larger than myself.. and from there I never second guessed if there was a limit in the sky.
QUESTION: Why did you choose the name Pleasure Island for your first EP release?
JB Magix: I got the idea from Pinocchio.. A gang of kids, some good and some misguided were tricked into going to Pleasure Island.. A place where good kids are transformed into delinquents, ultimately to come back out into the world and wreak havoc. The concept resonated with me so much that I considered how our very own society is like this island matrix that sucks people into bad situations with influences based on the false senses of pleasure. The narrative I am creating with the mixtape is about a character named Lil Nochio who is out and about in society trying to stay righteous in a world full of choices.. He gets influenced negatively but what he learns eventually assists in his personal reform.. If society will give him a chance that is..
QUESTION: What are you looking to accomplish with the release of your first mixtape and what can we expect as far as features?
JB Magix: I Plan to open people’s minds to something different. It will be controversial.. but it will be different. Everything isn’t always what it seems.. there aren’t many artist in the mainstream telling the truth.. to be completely transparent most of them tell half-truths and say to people things like “well I didn’t say that all women are hoes” without regard to the consequences of their lyrics.. a lot of these young girls now use “Hoe” and “Bitch” as terms of endearment.. largely due to the influence on culture rap music and media has.. Especially when your presence is ubiquitous at some point these artists and executives that have a large realm of influence have to innerstand that the parents can’t close their children’s ears all of the time.. they will find the music or the video.. they will imitate.. they will be brainwashed by the allure and propaganda used to control minds and influence culture (in more negative ways than positive). It’s important to know that there are positive influences out there but how can Lyor Cohen.. an executive at Def Jam records have no consequences when he says he doesn’t respect what he calls “Junkies” drinking “liquid heroin” but condones and promotes the sale and promotion of music that perpetuates that behavior in our culture,( of drinking lean) because he has mouths to feed? It’s hypocritical and dangerous to say the least. When Tupac said “I will spark the brain that will change the world”.. he was talking about me.. and I will pass on that spark. As far as features I definitely will have my bros Kevin McCall & Fashawn on the record.
QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?
JB Magix: Success is truly defined by the individual. I doesn’t have to do with money for sure, but rather the impact a person can make on the people in their community. Knowing that I am affecting people in a positive way is what inspires me to keep doing what I do. I met a young girl I the hood at McDonalds a few years back.. she had recordings of her music on her phone. I was blown away at her resilience to get things done, that I introduced her to Ty Dolla Signs, put her on a few shows with Berner, and I see her booking her own shows today and still making music.. who knows what her life would have been like without that mentorship.
QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people?
JB Magix: I’m coining a new genre called “God Rhythm” it is music on a frequency that’s made to heal and inspire. More melodic, real instrumentation that’s binaural with 432hz & 528 Hz.
QUESTION: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
JB Magix: Yes, it requires a intricately designed plan or blue print and consistent execution of actions to gain the desired result. The thing that discourages people is when things don’t go the way they planned.. what they fail to see is that the road to success has many lanes and when one door closes a whole different one opens.. but only you have the key to see whats on the other side.. but don’t forget.. some doors you don’t want to go into.
QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?
JB Magix: My mother and father.. I perceived that I am half of them both literally split down the middle.. my mother is spiritual, in-tune with the universe and compassionate. My father is aggressive, commands respect and takes initiative to get the results he desires... I take after both of them evenly
QUESTION: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
JB Magix: Hard to pen point one.. but if I had to decide I would have to say Beyonce because of how much she influences the culture.. in a positive way with the least amount of compromise involved. You doesn’t use drama in head lines to grad her audiences attention.. and from time to time she stands for something. Giving money to HBCUs is on point. She donated to my school lol Wilberforce University.
QUESTION: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
JB Magix: It would have to be a combination of Joy and Sadness because those are some of the realist and most relatable emotions.. its hard for me to believe that everyone gets angry because I cant even remember the last time I was.. plus I have certain beliefs and definitely being “Mad” to me is a mental illnesss.
QUESTION: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
JB Magix: Man… where do I begin lol I had to get straight A’s one semester to have a meeting with the Vice President of Hidden Beach Recordings, ultimately to get an internship marketing for Jill Scott. After that I literally stood outside of Wale’s record label in DC, starting checking in models for a modeling call he was having without anyone asking me to, so they brought me into the label. Couple years back I went behind the staples center at the BET Awards in LA and started helping the staff with no credentials, no sign up, nothing and that landing me doing working for Beyonce, Future, Kendrick Lamar, Bryson Tiller, Janelle Monae, and more for the night lol
QUESTION: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
JB Magix: What excites me is that with music I have a voice and platform that gives me the ability to affect people’s lives in a positive way and simultaneously build a legacy for my family.. nothing discourages me but what I don’t like seeing is the exploitation of our people in music, media, the demonization of “Black People” in the media and music serves as a cornerstone for fabricated census statistics on crime, misrepresentation of our excellence constantly and under handed congratulations at our achievements with superficial awards.. we don’t get the respect we deserve for creating advanced civilizations and art forms.. that assisted in building the ones American Society enjoys today.. They like “Black Music” but there is a lack of respect for “Black People”
QUESTION: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
JB Magix: I see an Empire.. of new artists, young artists, a community of creatives that are respected and revered for their achievements in mainstream cultural society… all of the arts included.
QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
JB Magix: Have a plan, don’t be afraid to invest in yourself, no risk no reward, and understand what “ROI” return on investment means. Build a community, there is no I in TEAM, trust the process, get mentorship, find people that can help your weaknesses, capitalize on your strengths don’t compromise your values and morals for a check or opportunity. Innerstand that you are what you say your are.. you’re already a superstar all you have to do make sure people know.
QUESTION: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
JB Magix: Just listen to it, follow me, ask yourself questions then ask me some.. and I will kindly get back to you at my earliest convenience lol
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