.Jmack Is Having A Quarter Life Crisis : Interview
With the DMV on the rise for the past few years, it’s amazing to see refreshing sub-rap genres emerge. Jmack, an artist from Virginia, dropped his latest project Quarter Life Crisis in August of this year. With heavy boom bap drums and sinister chord progressions, Jmack allows his audience to sit in on his therapy session. By inserting actual conversations between him and his therapist, the lyrical unpacking of his past trauma and vices paints the picture of an artist's transparency in his music.
“Drugs have been my hiding place but I ain’t been aware of it”
Jmack takes ownership of his flaws, while proudly saying the past is behind him. He does not shy away from talking about his past drug habits, while also providing reasons for his usage. It seems as though he’s allowing the world to see all the good and bad of him so it cannot be used against him.
“A loaded Tarintino clip of my anxiety spiking”
He mentions anxiety playing a huge role in his decision making during his adolescence and how it plays out in his adulthood. On “Coolest Kid in Rehab” he tells the story of going to rehab and finding appreciation for the experience.
Using the metaphor of a vacation for mental breaks on “June,” Jmack explains feeling lonely at times, despite it being his choice to be alone. “June” represents the opportunity that time provides for him to be more alone or to make more mistakes.
On “RIP” featuring Jazz Ingram, both artists exchange verses about the allure of life and how it all comes to an end eventually. “I don’t fuck with Virgil, I don’t rock no off white.” He makes it clear that he’s grown past the superficial aspect of life and realized there’s more things at hand.
Throughout the eight track project, Jmack embraces his flaws while flaunting his confidence to highlight the ways he’s overcome. On “Alarm,” which occupies the last track slot, Jmack embodies the person he’s becoming during his moment of clarity and relief. Jmack is not trying to be your favorite rapper but a rapper that matters. I had the opportunity to talk to .Jmack about Quarter Life Crisis, rehab, and his appreciation of music.
Our conversation, lightly edited for content and clarity, follows below.
I like how at the beginning of the project, you come off as nonchalant or even a bit shy about your music, but the first is the complete opposite. How do you manage confidence?
My confidence waivers in certain moments. Sometimes I feel I can’t describe my music to people because I truly rap about things that have to do with me. Those conversations throughout the tape were really with my therapist. It was a real conversation between us with the intention to give an in-depth feel.
The production is so cohesive, how do you go about finding beats?
I've been blessed because the people I've met in my life have led me to the people I am working with musically. On this project, my good friend John Wehmeyer produced some tracks.
When did you start recording music?
I started recording music four years ago. Not until this past year I started to take it more seriously in regards to the extra steps of mixing and mastering. Its necessary.
What’s your recording process like?
I’m big on being in the room with a producer, compared to getting the beat sent out. I like when things happen organically, so usually I’m chilling, drinking or smoking… the producer will play a few beats and we’ll get to work.
How has your environment influenced your sound?
Being from the 757, Virginia has shaped my mental state more than anything. Being a black man, there’s not many opportunities. We’re subjected to selling drugs or playing ball. So that definitely influenced the audience I’m trying to touch. But, in regards to sound, a lot of my favorite artists and influences are from NY, whether it's Jadakiss or ASAP Rocky. I appreciate both new and old school.
Why the title Quarter Life Crisis?
Quarter Life Crisis is that feeling of over confidence but still dreading the more life to come. Social media has created this idea that if you don’t make it in life by 20, it’s over and I feel that people in my age bracket live by that mindset. I had to leave college during my last semester to go to rehab. The pressure society places on us is terrible.
Describe the concept of “The Coolest Kid in Rehab.”
I was 21 when I went to rehab and the closest person to my age was 30. They would call me college boy. Being the youngest in the group, I received a lot of support from the other folks in there. It felt good that they saw my potential and knew this was not forever. They made me feel like the coolest guy in there.
How was it working with Jazz Ingram?
I’ve been a fan of his music for a long time and I felt he was emerging into this new sound, which made it a perfect time to reach out. He got back to me within a day, which surprised me. He has so much potential to be huge.
On “somewhere quiet,” the song ends with voicemail. Are you known for not answering?
Yeah, I get so anxious. Honestly, it took a lot for me to make this call. But while I was in rehab I didn’t have my phone, so I had endless amounts of voicemails from loved ones. I wanted to end the album with “I love you or you did a good job” because I need that.
I feel like a fly on the wall while listening to the project, hearing you get shit off your chest. What should listeners take from this project?
We all reach a point in life that’s difficult and there’s so much going on. It’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, it’s only the dark. I want people to know, like all things, it shall pass. I don’t want to be a role model, I’m just another voice. Kind of like an echo chamber to share my experience more so than advice.
What’s next for you?
I’m in the process of shooting videos with people in the area and then I'll be releasing singles off the follow up. It’ll be more upbeat.
What were the last three albums you listened to?
What’s Going On - Marvin Gaye
Things I Do for Money - Father
Burna Boy - Twice is Tall
