The artist identifies as a hip-hop musician but resists genre constraints, emphasizing authenticity and emotional expression over labels. Ad-libs have become central to their music, now present in about 60% of their songs, with a personal set of 10 ad-libs used flexibly, one of which, “world week,” holds cultural meaning as a form of community connection. They openly credit musical influences like Brother from Georgia, reflecting a belief in honoring creators and ensuring visibility for underrepresented artists. The artist values genuine recognition—both public and private—as a form of support, especially for those working independently. This ethos extends to their music production, where they prioritize real human emotion over artificial tools like AI, which they see as diminishing the authenticity of music. Their breakthrough single, "Port Chop Sandwich," became a viral hit, partly due to a lighthearted, unrefined video shoot that accidentally started a fire, costing $15,000 in equipment but ultimately going viral. The success was driven by organic engagement, particularly on Instagram, which saw a massive surge in followers and views. The song marked a shift from complex, intellectual lyrics to a more accessible, fun vibe, allowing the artist to connect with a broader audience. The track’s success exceeded expectations, and it led to a major partnership with Guizey and Empire, secured through intense industry interest and a bidding war. The artist emphasizes authenticity and mutual respect in the partnership, prioritizing emotional connection and personal values over financial gain. Their journey from a construction worker to a full-time artist highlights a life rooted in hustle, self-reliance, and artistic integrity. The origin of their stage name, “J. Wheat,” comes from a childhood nickname tied to their identity in Georgia’s culture, and they remain transparent about their background, upbringing, and values. The artist sees music as a deeply personal, life-affirming outlet and remains committed to authenticity, integrity, and celebrating real human connections in the industry.
At this point, what genre of music do you consider yourself? I think that it would mainly be hip-hop. I tell people out of time, I'm a rapper, but I'm also not scared of the different lanes. I like music. And even under the genre of rap, didn't know if it got any further than that, like any specific, like a sub-genre, perhaps, that you consider yourself at this point. Not really. I really am not too big on boxes and categories. I just kind of like, you know, however I'm feeling, that's how the music comes on. Now be that as it may, when it comes to rapping, what is your opinion on ad-libs in a song? So for a very long time, I did not do ad-libs at all, you know, I would just kind of run through from the beginning to the end of the beat, do my thing, maybe dub it and leave it alone. But I feel like ad-libs bring a very important energy that, you know, is your gap fillers and it's just a real, real, needed, loveless support to a song. So based on your description here, don't know if you finished your full thought here, but it sounds like you used to not do ad-libs maybe a dub, but now you do ad-libs? Okay. Okay. Okay. So, if there was a circle chart of 100%, let's just say rough estimate here, when it comes to your music, released, unreleased, what percentage would you say songs of yours has ad-libs versus no ad-libs? It's probably a good 60% with ad-libs. I've started. I've definitely started putting them in there more and more. Now, when you do put them in, do you have a strategy on how you decide what you put in, when you put in, how you put it in? Not really. And really my partners and them give me a hell out of time because they like, bro, like, you've got the same damn 10 ad-libs every time we do a song. And so, yeah, I've been trying to work on them, but like I told you, yeah, I used to not do them. Now we're doing them. So, there's progress. And even though it's perhaps a toolbox of 10 ad-libs you choose from, is there a signature ad-lib for you at this point, ad-lib of the 10? Yeah. I love that shit. You get that shit, you know it's a world week. And what is the meaning behind that in particular when you implement that? That is just a, I'm talking about whenever you go downstairs, that's how you get people's attention where we're from. That's how you agree with somebody. That's how you, that's what a form of expression is. It's got a whole bunch of different definitions. Now for you, were you the first recording artist to ever do this ad-lib? No, no, no. Shout out, shout out. Shout out, my brother thought from America's Georgia. So he really, really the pop of smurf, you know, we got the game from home, so yeah. Now in this instance, asking you this question, you had no problem shouting out someone that may have inspired, may have inspired this ad-lib, you've just given your flowers to another recording artist that may have inspired this ad-lib, so on and so forth. You know, sometimes recording artists don't do that. Why in this instance, no problem here, shouting this person out, letting it be known. Especially like with, with brusse like, that's my people. You know, like, when me having the platform that I have now, I feel like that's my responsibility. It's like, make sure that eyes get shifted to places that they might not have been shifted to earlier. But also, even like on a bigger scale, just like, even if it wasn't my partner, they're like, I feel like everybody deserves their flowers. Like if you're really putting in the work and you're really getting this shit out of, especially you're getting it out of nothing, you're doing it by yourself and you definitely deserve your pet on the back. Now also when it comes to, and we're sidesteping here for a second, giving out flowers. So to speak, you know, sometimes recording artists may give someone their flowers privately. And in this case in this interview here, you did it publicly. What's your opinion on those that, you know, give another's flowers privately versus publicly? What's your take on that? I have a lot of people reach out to me and they're like, hey bro, just so you know, like you do anything. We see what you're in. It's not public. And sometimes you know it, it kind of feels more genuine whenever it's not public. It's like, hey, I'm not doing this for no attention. I don't want people to think that you know, I'm tied in with you and I'm like, that's just because I hate it. I see what you're doing. So yeah, how are you doing, man, as long as you, you see somebody really working and really putting their time and their effort into something? Yeah, as long as you acknowledge in that and you know, especially as one of your people helping them feel good about themselves, you're doing the right thing. And just curious here because you know, I've also heard the opposite. I've heard, you know, someone say, hey, instead of giving me my flowers privately, let the world know. You know, give me the flowers publicly. I almost felt the opposite like almost disrespect getting flowers privately versus publicly where in this case, in this instance, you mentioned, it may be more genuine privately. For sure, for sure. I feel like, especially whenever you have an actual platform that like people, you know, you face your name, your image gets thrown around so much that you know, a lot of people, you know, it's really hard to tell who's doing it for their own benefit and who's really doing it out of genuine care and love for who you are as a person. So yeah, I mean, either way that you're getting them, as long as you're getting your flowers, somebody looking out for you, you know, as people that care about you. Now what are your thoughts when it comes to Adlibs moving and pivoting back to that subject there? What are your thoughts on songs with another artist's Adlibs, but no hook or verse from them on that song? It's just their Adlibs. I've always thought that was weird. I've always thought that was so weird. It's like, we used to go to a studio whenever I was younger and even whenever I didn't do Adlibs. My homeboy would be like, let me adlib this song for you, bro, let me adlib your verse. I'm like, no, I'm cool. We'll just, we'll leave it how it is. And like, yeah, that's, that's always been weird to me. So it sounds like you're not a fan of it. Sounds like something we won't see you doing any time soon. That week Adlibs will not be on any song that Jay Week is not on and vice versa with anybody else on mine. Just curious there. Now as you wave, variety of questions here on the subject of Adlibs, is there anything else you want to mention about them before we move forward? Like you said, I just feel like they're, they're a good tool, you know, see if you've got the energy and you've got the swag too and everything, you've got to put them in there, you've got to. Now, it's one thing to put Adlibs in a song and it's another to actually create songs themselves. Now when it comes to your discography and all your songs at this point, what would you say is your biggest song? So right now, if you have not heard it, it is my single that is just dropped called Port Chop Sandwich. I don't all platforms, music videos almost at 700,000 views, so yeah, so you all go tapping. Now as much press and media coverage you've done thus far, are there any unknown facts or stories in regards to this song that's never been publicly mentioned before? So, okay, something that we haven't really talked about, but definitely, definitely happened. Shout out to my road manager, he's also my videoographer on the side plugged in and produced and my boy, Mike Russell Hill, he came out there and we took him to the country, so I went to shoot in the video and if you've seen the video, you've seen it was kind of how they're playing with fire. And let's just say long story short, we got a little carried away with the flamethrower and started the fire that we wasn't supposed to start. In the process, we burnt up probably about a $15,000 piece of equipment trying to stop the damn fire. And it was my boss man's equipment whole time, he's joking, he's like, I don't even care long as the video goes viral. And who knew? Here we are. Boss Man, I owe you a scared steer, bro. So for those in the audience wondering, and they wonder how budgets on music videos work, that's a simple case here of how budgets on a music video can escalate very quickly where you might have a video that costs this amount and now it costs $15,000 more than what initially you had in mind for. Definitely. Now aside from that, are there any other unknown facts or stories in regards to this song, this was in the music video that you're referencing in particular, but didn't know if there was anything else in regards to the creation of the song, the recording of the song or the release of the song yet to have been publicly mentioned so far. Honestly, I don't think so. I will, every time I got to, I got to give an honorable shout out to A.S. truck stop and Sylvester Georgia, the home of the famous Friar Port Chop sandwich. So if y'all ever die there in the country, I'll stop by and get y'all some. Now speaking of Port Chop sandwiches, what's going to ask you, you know, if this was just merely a bar in a song or if that's something you personally indulge in? No, yeah. It's definitely real life. Y'all, I will take you down to the hood one day, we'll show you what it's really like. My boy, my boy, big twin, a port of grill, look, we're drinking a couple coronas and it'll get you two pieces of white bread, a little bit of crystal's hot sauce, we're going to put you in the game. And that was going to be the next question, was how do you actually like your own Port Chop sandwich? Was it a certain way you like it done, certain condiments, so on and so forth, unless what you just described there was pretty much it? So yeah, you got to go plain Jane, some of my thoughts like lettuce and tomato with it, but I like to plain Jane, give me two pieces of bread for Port Chop, some hot sauce, leave me alone. Now what about this? Of course, it's 2025, so I have to ask you this, when it comes to this song, was there any AI technology used in the creation of it? No, not at all, not at all. Now curious, side stepping here with this topic, what is your opinion on that? That's a hot debate currently, using AI, not using AI, what's your thoughts there? I've always felt like music is one of the most important.
branches of creativity and that is creativity is something that was God given and given to us to you know allow us to be able to express ourselves the way that we do. So I really feel like you know it kind of takes away from the whole aspect of the the real value and the real personal connection of music and oh yeah I feel like that's one thing I should just leave alone. Now be that as it may do you think AI is a trend in this music industry or a permanent fixture perhaps moving forward. I mean I don't know it's scary man it's scary because I mean wouldn't you love to just take something and say hey make me a hit record and make sure hit record and then you don't have to pay it so I mean it's definitely scary but well we're gonna see how it holds out like I said I don't think there's really any comparison to real genuine human feelings and human emotions whenever it comes to music. Now I also want to back up once once again here on something you said and that was over the $15,000 incident this flame thrower was there a person that was actually to blame for this? I guess technically it was me with my boy was like yeah man should in the air a couple times have a little bit of fun and shot it in the air and you just watched the ball of fire fall into a bed of pine straw and it went over from there. Now has any of this footage been released? Has there been any thoughts on this blupper footage to I have posted the blupper on Instagram didn't I? I want to say that I posted the blupper on my Instagram yeah go check it out go find out it might be on now speaking of that social media platform there just in case there's some fraudulent profiles out there some scammy pages out there spammy pages out there once and for all here what's the official handle username screen name for you on that platform there? If you want to find me on Instagram we go @jyy_wick229 and speaking of that handle there what's the meaning behind those numbers there as well the 229? 229 is one of the greatest area codes in Georgia so yeah I sat out the whole time man and also two here you use the phrase God now side-stepping once again do you follow religion by any chance and when it comes to Christianity under that umbrella there does it get any more specific for you as well like sometimes you know there's denominations branches under Christianity that people consider themselves more specifically I don't really get in my father's southern Baptist so if you really want to go to the history in the track record and I was growing up you know he was always in church and taking us to church and I was the the rebel kid that didn't want to go and wanted to be everywhere else that I wasn't supposed to be and so yeah but it took me one thing about about a relationship with God is like you you got to want it so it took me actually wanting to develop that kind of relationship by myself to actually have a food for relationship now when it comes to this song here just to cross the tease and dot the eyes and how it got to become your biggest song was it a particular platform you released it on at the time that you credit for getting this song as far as it has today we started with YouTube and was doing my normal numbers you know a couple thousand views a day two thousand views a day and we hit Instagram man and we I posted on Instagram on a Friday I had six hundred followers two weeks later or two and a half weeks later I had a hundred thousand followers and so yeah Instagram really blew it up for me I got a two reels over a million views so yeah so shout out Instagram now what do you think was excuse me what do you think it was about this song compared to maybe your other songs that got this song to become as far as it has today because I'm assuming here that this wasn't the only song you've ever posted on Instagram and YouTube definitely not what do you think it was that was different about this that got it to garner this traction I feel like I really stepped out of my comfort zone because I'm a if you really know me and like you really do your research about like my music and what I've done in the past I really like intellectual music and like a wordplay bars punch lines and like not only that but real real emotional and real deep music and you know I feel like I feel like music is an outlet so like that that's kind of how I use it and so this time I was just kind of like hey we're gonna we're gonna put a pause on all the serious stuff and just kind of wrap for a second kind of get back to the basics and that's exactly what happened should I damn show paid off now for lack of a better phrase would you consider this that description here would it be safe to say you dumb things down would that be the proper phrase there or you simplified things or is there a different phrase here you want to I feel like I just had to I had to do a real vibe switch because I'm always I was always over here over here over here over pianos you know couple of drums 808 and like finally I step into okay let's turn let's find a real beat let's really switch up the whole vibe and yeah man since I tried to dabble somewhere else the Lord did the rest would you say it was maybe more of a conscious effort before with your music and this was a little bit more fun in a sense yeah yeah a little bit more free maybe okay okay also when it comes to you know again just crossing the T's dotting the eyes was it a cosine perhaps on this song from someone that also got it to boost up a little bit higher than we got we got some big post we did get some big post who some of the first people a little Duval we had the cam scatter boo hey shout out go giants ain't no giant fan go giant shout out camp oh we had a jinxy streamer reacted oh we've had a couple people said damn near every label has reached out in some form of fashion so but yeah yeah definitely definitely and speaking of reactions there are relatively speaking a lot of people reacting to this song is that something that just happens on its own or is that something you actually ask these streamers and so on and so forth to do these reactions to this song no one thing I tell people in this crazy like people don't believe me we're not gonna go back and forth but this there was no paid promotion behind the song this is this is a hundred percent organic and you know just the people seeing it liking what they seen and really tapping in we two more questions here in regards to the dotting the eyes and crossing the teeth was there a sample in this beat perhaps it was not no sample and where you sign to a distribution company or record label at the time I was not this is this is the song they kicked the door down and we'll talk about that a little bit further in this conversation as well and at this point music video is out and it's just the original song but has there been any discussion of a possible remix to the song it's in the air it's definitely in the air there's been a couple names floating around that would sound relatively very very nice on this track but oh yeah we were trying to see what it does you know I like right now I like the feeling to know that I did this by myself like it's me so but yeah yeah definitely I definitely feel like you know it's it's one of the ones you're gonna have to remix and when it comes to remixes what's your opinion just side stepping of remixes in general because you know there's some people that love remixes there's recording artists that do them and there's some that don't do them at all so curious here on what you take on remixes in 2025 moving forward to 2026 I'm always cool with a good remix I feel like it's always nice because you never know what somebody else is gonna bring to the table so like you know you might have a a banger and you know do your thing with it do some numbers but then you invite bro to come hop on and like hey let's redo it and he takes you through the roof so like you you never know especially especially like that's a big thing with network and like you never really know who you're gonna tap into in the moment that y'all could create together and also when you say you know there's something in the air is that recording artist already contacting you and trying to court you hey you know I got to touch this remix or I got to jump on this remix if you do one or is it maybe artist you just have in mind that you personally want or may want for possible remix there there have been I think two pretty pretty mainstream artists that have reached out and said hey if you remix it let me get on it and then of course me we we have a couple of you know our own little spitball and ideas that we think would do the song some good justice and Ashley a lot of questions here about this song in particular is there anything else you want to mention about it while we're on the subject of it as well and also too that was your the person that you referenced the road manager slash videographer that's his voice they're off camera to sign or they can't see him but just giving him his credit there yeah so now it's just really a really just shout out to god man the way the whole thing came together row it was it was we did a lot of stuff last minute and a lot of stuff you know just trying to slam stuff together and the way the way that it worked out and the way that it all came together it's yes the god's plan and as big as this song has been for you are there any flaws in the song perhaps whenever you listen to it again I know let's see I love it I'm good I'm getting tired of hearing it you know because I hear it 20 times a day
now, but now, no, no, no, it's, it's one of the moments, for sure. And one additional question here, you know, when it comes to your catalog of music, was there ever a song in your collection that you felt like should have been bigger than where it was? Like, maybe this was a song you didn't know was going to be as big as it was. And I don't even want to put words in your mouth here. Did you think this was a hit or this would be as big as it was currently where it's sitting or has this exceeded your expectation before we revert back to the previous question? No, it definitely blew every bit of expectations out of the water. He tells me all the time. He's like, bro, it's like, I don't think it still hits you yet of like where you're really at and where you're like, where you're headed and where we'll be in the next three months. And so yeah, you know, it's definitely blew all expectations out of the water. And asking because, you know, sometimes recording artists are not good at predicting their own music. There might be a song they record and they don't think it's going to do anything. They release it. It becomes their biggest song. And vice versa. You know, songs that they thought were going to be huge and they were duds. So let's say you here, are you any good at predicting your own music? Like, did you predict this where there are other songs you thought would be bigger than this and they weren't for whatever reason? I feel like me as an artist, I feel like everything that I've done should have blown, not everything, of course, but the pride that I take in my music is very, very serious. So I tell people all the time, this is way bigger than just pork chop play, this is a long time coming. And so yeah, I definitely feel like my catalogs that I've put up and taken down, got discouraged, put up again, taken down again, I definitely feel like, you know, I should have been had my moment. But I also understand like it might not have been God's time. So now I'm getting to live everything that I've dreamed. Now is there anyone on your team that's better at predicting your music than you? I ain't gonna lie to you, my boy, my wrestler, my boy 48, they both told me that it was like, man, this one of them wants, and like even with all my other songs, I got another one of them. But I was like, this is one of them wants and then we played it last night and everybody's like, it's my favorite song. It's like I told you, but yeah, for real, whenever we shot the mic drop to a pork chop sandwich, bro, we didn't know what we was going to do. I just called him and said, I want you to mic drop, just pull up on me. And he pulls up to the hotel, bumping pork chop sandwich in his car, and he's like bro, we need to do this one. So enough. That was a good car, my boy. So you had a different song in mind for the mic drop? Possibly. There was a couple that I had on the table and he told me he was like, no, I think we should run with this. Is it also safe to share the title of this song that you're talking about here when you mentioned you played this for others last night and got a big reaction, some calling it their favorite? Do you want to share that title? It's called Tyler Hero. And those can look out for that song in the future. Now speaking of the future, something that's different about you after the release of this song is a record label or distribution company and you'll correct me here in a second on the A2. And it's backing you at this point. Are you partnered with at this point? Shout out to Empire. Shout out to Guizey. Yeah, there was a lot of calls coming through and there was a bunch of different people that was like hey fly out here, let us talk to you, fly out here, let us talk to you. But Guizey and Miss Tina Davis, they was like hey, we want you out here whatever we got to do to make it happen. Let's bring you out here. They got us out there. They took amazing care of us, hospitality was great, had food, smoke, studio, everything ready and basically long story short, they just made it too hard to go home. And I definitely feel like it was by far the best decision we made as a team. And is this strictly distribution or is this considered like a record deal for lack of better phrase or a deal of some sort in particular? Yeah. But we'll go with that. Me and my boy, Guizey got a real partnership. This was cool about Guizey. Man, you tap in with Guizey, you get a real partner. And we'll talk about him a little bit further as well. But when it comes to this deal, was it safe to say you had a bidding war over this song? Definitely, definitely. And what's crazy is one of my buddies told me, I think we went to Atlanta on like a Tuesday or a Wednesday, we got up there, we met with the first label and I was planning to go home. And we got a phone call and somebody else was like, hey, come to Miami. And so as soon as I got a phone call, he looked at me and he said, bro, you're trying to get six, seven, eight more of those phone calls. And he was not wrong. Phone went to ring in and went to ring in and DM started coming in and we talked to probably 80% of the industry. Now when it comes to a deal, okay, let's sidestep the conversation with that. Is that something that was like on your bucket list? Were you one of those recording artists that was a goal of yours? You know, I want to get a deal when I, you know, go through this music industry. I want this to happen. I want that to happen. Or were you just, you know, letting things happen as they will? You know, if a deal comes your way, it comes, but that's not something you were striving for. What type of artist here would you describe yourself? No, whenever a poor job sandwich first came out, it was just kind of like, hey, I like putting out music as well as the way I've always been like, I worked a nine to five my whole life. And so, you know, I knew regardless. I had to handle this business to make sure the bills was paid so music was kind of just more like a hobby in a way. And show enough, man, it's like once I really dug my feet in, took a serious and everything paid off. Now, do you remember when you actually signed on that dotted line? I do. I do. I definitely do. It was all sitting around and I feel like everybody else was just ecstatic. And I was just damn near and no, just it's, and it's still my blood. Like I said, I don't think it's really still kicked in of exactly what's going on and how big this is actually going to be. Now, I know you shared, you know, like a video recap of the signing and things that nature. But, you know, sometimes recording artists may sign way earlier in advance and then publicly put out at a later point of time, signing and so on and so forth and moving forward with like a, you know, publicity about it and things that nature. Was that real time when you posted that recap video? Like, did you sign that day or the day before and then throw the video out there or were you signed weeks in advance, perhaps, or even longer than that? You all got everything practically in real time. I want to say that maybe like a four day difference, but yeah, that's one thing about me and my team is like, we believe as long as you know, especially now, as long as the label agrees with it, then it's like, hey, we want to get it to you. We want you to see what's really going on, how we really live. So how fresh is this deal? Is this two weeks ago? Is it three weeks? Well, I signed the day before Thanksgiving, for sure, I was, I was on a five and a half hour flight Thanksgiving day, no turk. And to care to share what's, excuse me, that line caught me off guard different day. Care to share, you know, what age you were when you signed this deal at that point. I'm 25 years old. Now, and also just in case there's some misinformation online, care to share your birthday as well, the month in the day, perhaps, April 23, I'm a tourist. Now you had no problem here sharing your age. There are some recording artists that will not on camera for you. Why no problem sharing your age here. I'd tell people out of time, I feel like I was born in the, in the perfect gap. I was born in 2000, so I called the ass end, the really dope stuff, the really, the really core hip-hop music. And then I called Wayne and Eminem and Drake, whenever they was all doing their massive bills of their career. And then I'm still young enough and relatable enough to catch all the new stuff that's coming in. So I mean, it's all the preference and how you want to market. But like, I mean, this one thing, cool thing about me, but I'm authentic, all right, we ain't got nothing to hide. They go, Dave, they're going to love it or they're going to hate it. Now everyone's circumstances are different. But for you personally, why choose to sign a deal at that time in your life? Because imagine here, you could have waited. As many as 80% of the industry contacted you, you could have waited until 100% and weighed out your option. You could have gotten some more music out, built some more leverage and then see what was, you know, going on with these record labels and things that nature. So why at that point make that decision free, personally? I know everyone's different. I was, I was the crazy part in one of my buddies just telling me, it's like, you're crazy. We was, we was doing all this label running around before we got to California and I was telling them I was like, man, like, I won't decide with somebody, but like, I go back to work if I have to. And it's, you know, it's just one thing me and Mike talk about all the time is like, it's got to make sense. Like, whatever you do as long as it makes sense, then like, yeah, like we hear, you know, with, with Guazi, I found, I found an amazing, credible person with resources and just everything at the palm of his fingertips. I found somebody that's also very hands on and very supportive. And I found somebody that knows how to treat his artist and I've seen it firsthand. So yeah, I mean, whenever Guazi came through and we figured out all the details, there was really no questions. And just for clarification, was this the first time I know this was a bidding war, but was this the first time you had, you've been offered record deals? Or was this something you were offered even in the past before all this? This is, this was all because of Port Chop's sandwich. And I know you've already given a glimpse into the window of the courting process. You know, record labels wanting to fly you
out and things of that nature. But just curious here, when it came to 80% of the music industry, you know, trying to get your attention here, trying to get you to sign some sort of agreement to partner with them, what's the furthest any of them had gotten with the courting process for you? Was there anything out of the norm, perhaps, okay? So the norm is, you know, flights, dinners, so on, so for recording studio sessions. But did it get an even, excuse me, did it get even more extravagant than that? No, I mean, we, you know, guys, once again, guys in them definitely set the bar the highest and everything was very, just very professional with them. Drivers was on time, drivers took us, he had, uh, shout out my boy Phil, he had a driver take us wherever we needed to go, they want to go to the dispensary, take them to the dispenser, they need clothes, take them to the mall, they need food, go get them food, so just, you know, the way that they handled the business all together was just very, very professional. And when it comes to this deal as well, out of all the deals that you received and looked at and browsed at, was this the most financially lucrative deal as well, or maybe there was a deal you received far more financially better, but you chose this for a different reason. My boy, guys, he took care of me and, uh, he made me, I told him straight up, I was like, what's it going to take? I told him I was like, man, like, I work a job, I have to be able to quit my job, and, uh, we came up with what number would make that happen, and as far as the details of my contract, he listened to everything that I had to say, listened to everything that I wanted, made sure that we came to a mutual agreement, and, uh, it was, it was just the most, you could tell there was nothing going on behind the scenes, it was like, look, this is what I got for you, do you like it or you don't, you know, that's why this, this, the authenticity and the realness, they really got me. So just for clarification, was this financially the best deal as well? Okay. Got it. So it was financially the best, and it was the most authentic as well. So you got like a double dose there of checking certain boxes that were, uh, maybe on that list for you. Okay. Cool. Because I've heard the opposite. You know, I've heard some, some, depending on what they have to offer, you might think a little less. Right. So, you know, like I've, uh, heard from some that, you know, there was a family atmosphere with one particular label, so even if it was financially lucrative with another label that they received, they chose the family feel over the finances. But in this sense, it sounds like not only was it the most financial, but you also liked the authenticity and so on and the other, the best of both worlds. Yes. Okay. And wrapping up everything here in a bow now, there's also a stigma when it comes to record deals. All right. Once again, everyone's circumstances are different and there's a debate when it comes to deals. Do what some say don't so on and so forth. But is there anything generally speaking here you want to say just on the topic of record deals for someone watching this and exploring their options and thinking about a deal and not so on and so forth? Is there anything you want to say just generally speaking in regards to that topic there? Just the subject of record deals. I feel like the main thing with a deal is like you have to know what deal is going to work for you as a person and as a lifestyle and like what you, how, how do you want to prioritize your music? You're going to be fully invested. Are you one foot in, one foot out but you're good enough, somebody will still back you. It's definitely, you know, levels to how it goes. But yeah, I feel like if there's, if you got the talent and, you know, somebody else has the resources and you're comfortable with their team and they, they make you feel at home then yeah, I feel like you should do your thing, bro, because you know, some people out here are trying to get you and some people out here want you to feel and then there are the people who have the resources and the kind heart to really like, hey, I'm going to help put you in a position to win. And you know, I was looking at my questions ahead here and you know, I wanted to ask you some questions about Gazi, but I also understand that it's only been like two, three weeks since you signed. So I don't know if it's too premature to ask some of these questions. So I think I'm going to hold off on them and wait for a little bit more time to mature and maybe you'll have some really good answers just about him and Empire, because I had some questions about them as well. But we'll wait for the partnership to mature a little bit and next time we'll ask you those questions. But was curious on how you secured that partnership and how that all came about and you have answered all those. Now one of the last topics I want to ask you today is, is this origin story here and just capturing some of that and, you know, starting with something very simply here, which is this stage name. Now what is the correct way to pronounce this stage name of yours? I go by J. Wheat. And as simple as it sounds, do people mispronounce this stage name? They don't. Pray as the Lord. I just not have one of those. And on the opposite end of the spectrum, what about misspelling? Have people misspelled this stage name? Yes. So the way I do it is J is capital J, lowercase A, capital Y, lowercase Y. And people get their wives confused sometimes. So there's two wives here. Now can you break that down? Why two wives? And also why is the J and Y capitalized? I just feel like it was something different. I just like stuff that stands out of whenever it came to an LAI. I didn't name myself, you know. My people gave me my name, but then whenever I went to thinking about, okay, well this is what we're going to, how can I turn it into a stage name? And we, you know, it's like, what's going to look good on the chain? And so just, you know, trying to be a little creative, a little marketable. Now because people have been misspelling this stage name, and is it more so the two wives? Like, are they just spelling it with one wire? Is it the capitalization? It's both. They'll do one wire. They'll do two lowercase Ys. They'll put the capital Y on the end. The capital Y is the first Y. Now because of these misspellings that you're encountering, has there been any thought on maybe some regret in wishing you didn't, you know, so unique with this stage name and it's spelling and capitalization and things of that nature. Nah, I feel like it's, it's on me. So you know, once people get a taste of me, they're like, they're catching on. And you know, as simple as this stage name is, relatively speaking to pronounce, do you accept any abbreviations of this stage name, perhaps? I do go about wheat. Okay. So you do prefer that. And we broke down your Instagram handle previously and those numbers with that screen name. But just diving a little bit deeper with this stage name here. Can you just explain the origin story behind that name? I know you, you kind of shared that it was something you were given. So care to share who gave you this, why they called you this and then, you know, that's sort of thing. And shout out, shout out, shout out, shout out, 100 block best you make circle, I was, uh, I was always the white boy with the long ass hair and the big ass gun. So that was like, man, you remind me of John Wheat, hey, this is Jay Wheat over here. And what does Jay have something to do with, is that something to do with your real name perhaps? Yes. So the abbreviation of my first name? And do you want to share that first name? Nah. Just asking in case. Alright, well diving a little bit deeper here with your origin story. Uh, now again, we talked about the 229, but we'll get into the weeds of that a little bit further here. Now, for those in the audience, getting to know you here for the very first time, care to share where you are actually born. Yes. So I was actually born in Port Saint Lucie, Florida and care to share where you were raised as well. I was born in Portia, Georgia and care to share where you reside these days. 100 block, America's Georgia, but we actually just transferred, we stay in the city now. And is that ATL? Yes. Okay. Now, before we even talk about ATL, let's break some of these elements down. What were the reason for the different moves in your life, uh, Florida to Georgia and was it two different areas in Georgia that you're referencing? It is. Okay. The reason behind the moves and then, of course, to ATL as well. Sure. So I was, uh, I was a product of the, uh, the foster system and, uh, I was, I was put up for adoption about, I was like three days old. I was adoptive whenever I was like three years old. Once they moved to Georgia and I was like five, six somewhere in there. And, uh, yeah, man. So we, we family kind of moved up to Georgia and we moved to Cordilla and I stayed in Cordilla till I was 16, 17. I moved out of my pop house when I was like 16 and, uh, still graduated high school, got everything handled. Went across the wall, who went to America, tried to go to college, figured out college running for the boy and, uh, shit, man, you know, I just kind of stayed and bumping into my people, found my folks and said, I've been six, seven years in this shit. And, uh, when it comes to ATL, why the move there? Oh, so this is where a lot of my team lives, like not necessarily empire with my personal team. And, uh, so, you know, just with, with this now being my full-time job, I feel like the importance of me being a, you know, easy to access them and then being easy to access me. It's just way better than, you know, driving three hours here, having to stay tonight, drive three hours back home. And, uh, when it comes to the move, Talanna, how fresh of a move is that in your life? I still got boxes in my kitchen right now, still packed up. So this is, uh, maybe a week fresh, like two days, two days fresh. Yeah. Now, if you had stayed in Atlanta a little bit longer, was going to ask you.
you a few questions about ATL, but I'll save those for maybe the next interview. But curious, prior to the move to ATL, had you already had some experience with that Lanna? Yeah, yeah, for sure. Okay. You know, we spent most of our life in Georgia, so my partner was staying in college part. And so like I said, my team's up here, so we've been doing the road running for a good little minute now, but it's nice to actually be able to plant my feet here, settle down and do the work we need to be able to do. And also, when it comes to these different parts of Georgia that you end up moving to, did it get any more specific for you when it came to any of these places? I know sometimes people claim a side of town that they represent or this or that. You know, sometimes people get really specific, so for you, did it get any more specific than just these names. Now when it comes to that particular location here that you're representing, what was that really like growing up there? It was, that's why I spent probably right after, right after high school, so I went kind of solidified, you know, who I was and like really kind of stood on my own two feet for the first time and started thinking of shit out myself and I shut out to the guy, shut out to really the whole hood, because like whenever I came around, it was just like, hey, like one of my partners, a big walk about me to the hood and he was like, I work with you, we can wrap. And it went from wrapping to like six years later, I call these folks parents my mom. And like they, they, aunties, my aunties, their grandma, my grandma, it's like, yeah, this really, like, that's why I spent things given, I don't like, my pops come see me in the hood. I just, just really like a family. Now when it comes to all the different places you grew up in Georgia, what do you think was your top point for you growing up in that state? You know, I know you mentioned music here and if that was maybe your top point, we'll dive a little bit further than that, but just thinking back, you know, and when I say top point, okay, when it comes to someone's raising and upbringing, there's obviously ups and there's obviously downs, but for you, let's talk about the ups first. What was your top point, your highest point, your most positive moment growing up in Georgia for you? I feel like it has to be Cordea because in, in Cordea is where I really tapped in and discovered my, my passion for music. And so yeah, that's, that's really where all of this started. And for you, why or how did you get into music exactly? Because there are some kids, they get into athletics, there's some kids, they get into acting, there's some kids, they get into arts and crafts and so on and so forth. What was it about music perhaps? So my, my doctor parents divorced when I was 11 and they started crashing out, or I was custom out to teachers, custom out to therapists, they sent me to therapists, custom out to therapists, wasn't taking my medicine, like they tried to get me like anti-depressant and was refusing to take that. And the therapist came to my pockets one day and it was basically like he's got to figure out some sort of way to get all of this emotion out of these thoughts out of his damn head. And they basically told me they was like we don't want to see him anymore and be like he's got to figure it out. And so maybe my dad sat down and talked and they was like they was like just try writing stuff down. And so I started off just literally like whatever thought would go through my head, anything could be most random thing, I just write it down. And then as I got better of taking my thoughts and putting them on paper, and then it turned into damn they're like poetry, and then it turned into wrapping without the beat. And then as I get a little bit older it becomes okay, we're recording on band lab and recording on little laptops and headphones in the back seats of a car. And I think I started doing actual studio sessions about time I was about 17. I don't know, yeah, the sky's the limit since then. And I know you mentioned previously in another segment, you know music was a hobby for you. And of course with the deal and things of that nature now it's full time at this point. One of the things you mentioned when it came to securing this partnership with Empire was you wanted to secure this as long as you were able to stop the job, the nine to five that you currently at, you know. And if you were able to, those were the numbers you were looking for to sign, at least bare minimum you don't you don't want to do that job. Yeah, I had about a dollar, this is what it would take. And care to share what that job was at the time or the jobs in the past that you were having. So one thing about me and my folks is we believe like you got to get off your rear end and go get you some money. And so I've done everything bro, we've served, I've done boards and I've done, I've served tables, I've done electrical work and I just left a metal roofing company. So like literally whatever my pops instilled in me, they're like, I ain't nobody gonna give you nothing. And one thing, I know nothing else happened, the landlord won't make money when the first call. So yeah, you got to get up and so yeah, I was taught at a young age to like, well, there's working a job, hustling, how are you gonna do it, you got to get your own money. And so the last gig was the metal roofing company. And what was your role there and how long were you doing that? Well, we really built whole, whole metal building. So I mean, we were from the ground up and it's had our family constructs. I mean, I need a studio or something built, y'all gonna get in with my people bro. Man, it was, it's long days, it was putting metal sheets on, you'd be 30 foot in the air running a hundred foot. This way of metal sheets and it's 102 degrees outside. So it's definitely a nice blessing to tell people, yeah, I do music now. How long were you doing that gig for? Well, I was a little bit broke for probably about, probably about six months. I did a bunch of jumping around and I did a, I did a, I did a traveling electric electrical work for probably about two and a half years and then we had my little boy, I kind of pulled back off the road and I tried to settle down at home, but none of the real electrical companies was paying what I needed. So I was doing whatever little job I could get just to put some money in my pipe. And it sounds like it was a good rapport with this last company, the metal roofing shop to the point where you shout them out and things of that nature. So, you know, what was that conversation like when you had to, what's the phrase, a turn in that letter that you're, how do you even know if you actually turned in a letter of resignation or quitting or however way you want, but how did, what was that conversation like with this person and how did you tell him, hey, no more roofing at this point. So what's cool about it is it's actually bro who skids still, we burnt up for the video. And so. That was boss man. Yeah, so. Oh, okay. And even you can ask bro, during the music video, the lifts on fire, we're all freaking out and he's just like, well, we'll get it put out and gets the fire put out and not really tripping. Doesn't look at me like I'm the one to blame or anything and he, like I said, he was just like, long the video's power will be fine, just joking, but he's always supported, there was always playing my music in the truck and trying to figure out different ways of how they can help advertise, you know, just all this little stuff. So whenever I called him and I was like, hey bro, like I'm going to sign a deal in California, like I'm not going to be at work Monday, he was like, bro, go be a rock star. And it is one cool thing that I've been blessed with is real genuine people in my life. So it's a shout out to you bro. Now, how are you able to be so open and honest with boss man here with your music? Because you know, sometimes, hobbyists when it comes to music that are passionate about, you know, their love of that, they're scared to bring that in the workplace. They don't want, they keep the things separate, you know, because they don't want, especially if it's a corporate job, they don't want corporate to know they do music. That could taint some things and promotions and so on and so forth. So how were you so open to incorporate music? Was that by accident? Was that by design? Was that you were open and honest from the jump? So I'm an artist, bro, like the nine to five, I was never a construction worker. I was an artist who had to work construction to pay his bills. So everywhere I go, I'm a rapper, I'm an artist, I'm a musician first before, like before any other time. I'm a father and then a musician, boy, that's the man, like I've always worn that. Anywhere I go, you're going to know, bro, I'm going to rap his ass off. So once again, that was something you were just open and honest from the jump with. Okay. Hey man, you want to hear some music, bro, I made this, tell me what you think. You listen to it and he was like, bro, I thought it was going to be bad. And he was like, this was definitely not bad, bro. And he told me, he was like, yeah, you should keep doing this, if you got time off, go to the studio. It was so cool, bro. We was in California. We were supposed to be flying back. We missed our flight. I had done, ran out on my little cheese that I had on me. So I shoot, bro, text on my A, bro, like I come work an extra day for you. And if I get home, shoot me $100 or something good while I'm out here, he sent me a whole week's paycheck and just said, you know, do your thing. So yeah, that red genuine, real, real good, people are good to have in your corner. Now, were you also one of those recording artists that incorporated the job with the music? So were you ever one of those people that, you know, maybe did some social media videos like a real or something for lack, you know, just an example here and throw the tool belt on and show that you're doing this and, you know, wrapping and where you do it, one of those type of recording artists, are you? Just crazy is like, I was literally getting to that point. I was like, okay, porch, I'm sandwiching one of the songs. He told me, he was like, yeah, bro, like you can have the cameraman pull up and shoot something while we do a roof one day. If you just want to, I was like, all right, cool. And then the very next week.
all over the place. And I'm like, well, I don't think I'm going to have to do that right now. Now, when it comes to the genre of hip hop rap, things of that nature, was that also the first genre of music you were ever introduced to or were you perhaps introduced to a genre before rap? I grew up around all kinds of music, but like I told you, my adopted father, my pops was deeply, deeply, southern gospel music, you know, real Christian music, old school country music. And then, you know, I got friends that listen to country music. I got older friends who listen to rock music, you know. And then of course, hip hop was just always right there in my face. And one of the most implemented music categories that you really heard while I was growing up. So it was, it was just always right there. But yeah, I've always, I like music. I like music. I like people that can tell stories. I like people that can express themselves through other ways. So it sounds like you have an eclectic palate here, but do you recall what the first genre of music was you were ever introduced to? I really want to say country music before anything. And when it came to country music, where there's certain recording artists, where there's certain songs that were prominent that you recall at that time, and then we'll also do the same question for rap as well. They were there with man. Nice name going to give me a trouble. I don't know half the song. But yeah, there was a lot of big songs. And man, growing up, uh, who was, uh, Brantley Gilbert, Jason Aldean, just a lot of the that side that I got shown. Yeah, it was one reason I like people like Brantley Gilbert. He's real, real rough neck, real like, like, you get messed up. You keep talking and shit. So yeah, yeah, it's just, I like real authentic people. I don't, whatever kind of music you make. And then what about on the, uh, rap side of things? Do you recall what artists or song titles maybe were prominent as you were growing up? Oh, yeah, for sure. Uh, man, like, like I always refer back to, uh, I, I, for so much of my attention, like Eminem was, you know, one of them would be like a lot of my attention was on Lil Wayne, uh, growing up and, uh, Jay Cole, Jay Cole just was the, the real, I like the real, the, the mathematics that get put behind the music whenever it's real lyricism going on. And, uh, when it comes to all these artists, she just mentioned, have you had the operating, excuse me, the opportunity to meet any of them yet? I'm not just curious there. And, uh, any other memories of those humble beginnings of music for you, I know you mentioned, you know, started with journal, uh, journaling, uh, for lack of better phrase and poetry and then it grew into what it is now the pork chop sandwich song. Uh, if I'm even pronouncing that right? Uh, but, uh, yes, any other humble beginnings for you, like were you the, ever the type that the talent show is growing up or open mics or, uh, open poetry set, I mean, just throwing some things at your just. So I, I always knew music was it for me. And, uh, like, like in the 6th grade, whenever I got in, I got in middle school, I got, I got my people to put me in the choir at school. And, uh, whenever I got to high school, my freshman year, high school, I had them put me in advanced music theory and, uh, music history just so I could have all the basis code, just anything to be around music I wanted to do. And so, uh, to really, to really think about, like, think back, like, I was a freshman in high school asking, like, put me in this advanced AP music theory class just so I can be around music. So to look back on that and then look and see why I'm at now, it's mind blowing. Care to share the name of that high school? Chris County high school. Yes, I'm a shout out to your George. And care to share the name of the college you attended as well that you gave a try. Uh, Georgia Southwestern State University in America, George. And how much of that did you actually get under your belt before it was enough for you? Did you actually complete a semester or two, um, so two full semester. So freshman year, freshman year got out the way. And, uh, it just, it was smooth. I mean, I cheated a lot. I had people do my work for me. And, but I was just, I got tired of going to class, but I was never, uh, a live by the, and that's why I always fought with nine. That's why I worked so many different nine to five because I was like, I'm, I'm real stubborn. And whenever I want to do something, I want something like this. No, I've visioned my life a certain way. I want to get there. And I know that like pittling over here might be preventing me, might be holding me back, might be delaying me from getting where I'm trying to go. So yeah, you know, I've always been real focused on the main goal. And when it comes to, uh, um, you know, these, uh, jobs that you did, like even the electrical work and the roofing and things that nature, did you end up going to a trade school to accumulate those talents there or those skills or everything. Everything was just always kind of, hey, you're going to show it to work Monday, if they're going to be here. And yes, all right. Cool. What's he trying to do it? Now, once again, just when it comes to rap specifically for you at this point, do you write or freestyle and punch in? So, um, whenever it comes to actually doing music, my, my, my process has always been the right to sit down, find something that I like, shoot sure a song around the beat and it just, you know, kind of let however I'm feeling in the moment, kind of roll out through my music. But, uh, I am learning that, you know, in the industry, you're going to be putting a lot of rooms where you're asked to perform on the drop of the dime. And so, uh, there, there has been a lot of, we'll call it practice whenever it comes to punching in and freestyling just being able to come up with stuff on the spot and be a little bit more creative, a little bit more freely. So that's something relatively new, you would say. Sure. And, uh, was that just by, um, chance? Was it that pressure or so on and so forth, where you had to kind of, uh, pick up that skill set or where you may be influenced, uh, or, uh, natural experimentation on freestyling punching before the pressure came. No, for that, that's exactly, I think that's what we're at right now is the, uh, experience. I mean, I'm just saying what works and, uh, the last night we went to the studio and, uh, I was, I'm used to recording, you know, in front of me, you know, in front of me and my girl and the kid, engineer, maybe a couple of the bros. But like, last night, I was in the studio, probably 25, 30 strangers staring at me through the glass, like, all right, and I don't have nothing wrote down. So I'm like, okay, I'm having to punch in in front of all of these people. And, uh, I think we did fantastic thing that I'm not going to give you no week versus no matter how I do it. So yeah, but, uh, I think the, you know, the, the more that I can really lock in on that punching in and being able to do stuff on the spot, the, hmm, the price going to go up. Now, sonically, uh, do you notice any difference between the two? I know you're still in practice mode, but, uh, sonically, do you notice a difference when you write versus freestyle and punch in? I always feel like whenever you write music, you're more confident. Cause I'm, uh, you know, whenever I write something, I've done tweet, didn't edit it enough in my head that I know what it should sound like about exactly how I want it to sound. And, uh, whenever you're punching in, you're more just kind of in the moment, and, uh, which can be a good thing and can also be a bad thing. So, and, uh, you know, when you do write, just curious here, uh, paper or phone phone phone phone and, uh, wife phone for you convenience. And, uh, care to share what type of phone you use to, uh, write. Yeah, we go iPhone. Okay. And, uh, any app in particular when writing on the iPhone notes, okay. And, uh, when you do recite these lyrics, do you read them and recite them or memorize them when you record? I go, I go full memory. I like to whenever I go, if I have something that I wrote, I'd like to be able to walk in and do it in one or two takes and be done with it. Just curious there. And, uh, because you are more of a writer at this point, I know things can change in the future, uh, based on your previous description, but, uh, have you experienced writer's block? For sure. For sure. I feel like, uh, especially when I was back home, like working a lot of these bullshit jobs, it was kind of like, you see the exact same thing on the exact same time scale every single day. And, like, it kind of gets hard to become creative. And, uh, I was, you know, I'm a big believer. And sometimes you got to get the hell out of your bubble and get out of your environment and really go see some stuff to have stuff to talk about. And for you, would you be the type of person that would finish said song? So would you, for example, put a song down however long it took? You would always eventually finish it or, you know, when you were experienced writer's block, you put it down and maybe that's the last time you see it. There, there's been both cases. There's been, there's been songs that took me two weeks to write. And there, there's been songs that the first eight bars of my, it's gonna be my best song ever. And then I can't do nothing with it. So yeah, it just all depends on the moment. And for you is that the longest it's been you worked on a song, stop because of writer's block and then ended up finishing it at another point of time. Was it two weeks? For sure, yeah, the longest I've spent on a song is probably about two weeks. Now, on the opposite end of the spectrum, we talked about the up. What about the down? Now, for you, what was maybe your bottom point growing up in Georgia? What was the worst point that you faced or the most negative moment that you faced growing up in that state? We just went through and them and everybody where I'm from can relate to this. We was just surrounded by poverty. Like everybody was broke. Like either you was risking your freedom trying to make money to pay the bills or people's bust in the ass of nine to five that don't want to be at trying to pay the bills. But it's just like everybody was broke.
I was like, I always knew in my head that I didn't want to be stuck in the box of living paycheck to paycheck. And for you, I know there's different levels of poverty, some are worse than others. What was the bottom point you reached when it came to poverty? What did that look like back? What was that description back then for you at its worst? You know, when I dropped out of college, May came around, they did graduation, sent out all our letters. And they basically called me and they was like, oh, it was a Tuesday, I will never forget it. They called me on a Tuesday and they was like, hey, we need $8,500 from you by Thursday if you want to continue your classes. So I was like, I guess drop out my summer classes and I figured it out. But like, I had done moved out of my pops, I said I moved out of my pops, I was just turned 16. So I had too much pride to go home, I didn't have a strong enough relationship with anybody else to really have anywhere to go. So one of my homeboys was actually basically in the exact same boat and all he had to his name was a car. You know, me and Burr, long story short, me and Burr slept in his car from May to the first week of October. And I mean, I worked the construction job and I worked the fast food, we worked at Ruby Tuesdays in America and I was running to the lake doing construction in the mornings trying to balance shifts and was taking showers at the gym and sleeping in our, some of our people's yards and on floors and pallets and four and a half months of just suck. But it also showed me that like, you got a lot of shit to be grateful for, because there's a lot of stuff that you got that like, whenever you think you can't get no worse, it can definitely get worse. And, you know, there's people that hear that description, you know, sleeping in the car, so on and so forth. But, you know, for those that have just heard the phrase or heard someone describe it, what was that really like, you know, living out of a car? Imagine taking everything you care about, everything you own, everything you've ever bought and requiring it to fit in the trunk of a vehicle. Living in the only place that you got to lay yo' here is the passenger seat and yo' hoodie is yo' pillow and your feet are kicking the dashboard and there's no, you want to get out, you get out, stretch your damn legs and get back in the car, there's no way to go. And that was probably the worst feeling of my life, you know, a point that I'd never, never what we're trying to. And also, you know, sleeping in a car, where does one go to sleep in a car? Because, you know, sometimes even like a establishment, like a Walmart or something, it looks like a huge giant parking lot, no one's there, this will be a perfect spot for me to rest my head for a little bit. There's a security guard and a security car patrolling to make sure, you know, people like yourself may not be in it, so how did that work? Were you getting kicked out of? Yeah, a lot of places, but me and my boy Sean would park that bitch wherever he could park her. Basically, it was the one of them, hey, we ain't got nowhere to go. Like, if you really want us to leave, we'll leave. But if it's the law, hey, we going, we going for this side of time, this side of time, but we ain't got no place to go. We got work in the morning. So, you're going to see this damn fusion park somewhere with us too, sleeping. And yeah, we did whatever we had to, but like I said, from pallets on the floor and some of our people let us catch the living room to take a shower at the gym in between jobs. So, whatever had to do to survive, we did. And at some point, both of you would be sleeping in the car at the same time, every night, every single night. Bros in the past or driver's seat, I was in the passenger seat, every single night. No one in the back seat, bags, bags, clothes, dirty clothes. Was that also a worry too that, you know, at any given point, someone, while either of you are not attending the vehicle, someone could break in and rummage through and take your belongings in? As always, anything like that's a thought, like you're, I was so low that like I was just to the point like, you know, telling what the hell could happen now, like we're sleeping in your car, like going half on little seats as pizzas to make sure that we're both straight and like taking the money that we supposed to be saving for a crib, we got to use it to pay the car note that we got somewhere to sleep. So, it was like, man, it was just, that shit sucked, bro. And for you, what eventually got you out of that four-month state? Was it just saving the money and then using that money for, you know, better resources and things that nature? We was finally, we was finally able to make it work, you know, just, just, just painting pension and doing whatever we had to do to be able to save money and, and we were running to ops, like the devil would be busy, man, like we was catching flat tires and something to get stolen or somebody would lose their wallet or one night I lost my damn, my serving book was like $300, all the cash I had in it. And so just, just a little shit like that, that really kind of stepped back. So, safe to say that period in your life was homeless? Yeah, yeah. We can call it that. And was that the longest thing that you experienced homelessness for? Yeah, it was, the only time. Now, there's different levels of homelessness, different lengths people are homeless for. But what do you want to say to, and of course circumstances could be different, but what do you want to say to someone right now watching or listening to this interview? That might be doing so in their car. They're actually living in that car or they're on their palate watching or listening to this interview. And, you know, again, what would you say generally speaking here to that person through this lens? Understands us do change and it can't rain forever and a lot of people would be quick to let that swallow them. You got to be tough out here. You got to be able to keep your chin up, your chest up, say whatever the hell kind of mud, dirt, whatever we got the walk through, we're going to walk through, we're going to get through it because it don't take, but one, it don't take, but one month, your whole life can change. And whenever you think there's no plan, God, I got a plan. So, you know, it's about having that balance of that mindset and that faith that like, okay, whatever it takes, we're going to get through this. Now, ultimately, from the different places you lived in growing up, how were you able to survive that upbringing? Because, you know, sometimes there are people who don't make it. Was there a key for you to your survival growing up in Georgia? I just always knew that my life and what I had to offer was unlimited to South Georgia. And I just knew, somewhere in the back of my mind, I'd fall asleep and have dreams of just being rich and just fast cars and just all my homeboys taking care of my pops, living nights, my girl and my kid doing whatever they want to. And I'd have these dreams and I always knew, like, this is what she was destined for, but there's going to be so many different distractions and so many different bumps along the way that you've got to really stay tapped in and stay focused. Now, there are some people who say things like, don't know if I'll make it to see the age of 18 or 21 or 25, so on and so forth. Were you ever one of those type of people? Was there an age you didn't think you might quite see at some point? Yeah, I think I was saying age that I thought, but we had a pretty shitty math teacher growing up in my school and I was told the words, people like you usually end up dead or in jail before they had 21st birthday and I just turned 25 last April, so shout out to you. And what's that feel like, surpassing that limit that someone had for you on your head, so to speak? Everything is just a blessing, but every single day is an opportunity and what you make and decisions that you make, that's what's going to end up defining you as a person whenever you're not here no more. Now knowing what you know now, on the other side of that point, hypothetically speaking, what would you have said to your younger self back then, if anything? You got the dream and the side of the dream and you have to chase those dreams. Like faith without work is completely dead and so, you know, you can have this image and this picture and this lifestyle planned out in your head, but if you're not really putting in the footwork for it, the law is not just going to hand you something, you've got to meet them halfway. So, yeah, you've got to put in that work, even if you don't feel like doing this, mandatory. I share a lot of questions here in regards to your upbringing, the ups, the downs and this could be the tip of the tip of the iceberg that you shared with the audience here. But is there anything else you want to say about your upbringing, excuse me, upbringing while we're on the subject there? I just want to give a big shout out to my pops, man, you went through hell and you worked your ass off and long, long nights, early mornings and I remember every single bit of it and I remember all the sacrifices and there ain't nobody on this earth that could take your spot and I will forever be in debt due for that, but it's on the way. Okay, now, I do want to ask you that as we wind down the questions here is when it comes to your biological parents. Is there any connection you want?
have with them at this point. Do you know who they are, so on and so forth? I know my biological mother. She was, you know, she had me whenever she was real, real young. She was living a real unstable lifestyle. You know, you know, I don't blame nobody. You know, I know, I know, I know how life works and I know that, you know, sometimes people are put in shitty positions and they have to make shitty choices and then that produces shitty outcomes. And, you know, but as far as personal relationships now and I'm, I'm, I'm right with whoever writes with me. So, you know, if I feel like there's a lack of loyalty or a lack of effort on your end and shit family, cut off everybody. So when it comes to your biological mother, how do you find out who that person is? Was that kept away from you? Was that my, my, my, my, my doctor, the folks was real upfront with everything. You know, of course, like, you don't want to confuse the kid. They think that this is my parents, and you said that wouldn't be like, I'm not your mom and daddy. But, no, they, I mean, for once, once I was to the point where I could really understand and have, have decent intellectual conversations, it was like, yeah, we're like, this is, okay, this is what happened. This is where you came from. These are your folks. You know, as far as shit, they used to take me to go meet them and all that kind of stuff. And shit, man, it's just one thing about me I've always been is I'm not going, I'm not going to kiss nobody's ass to have no relationship with nobody. Family, friends, relationships, nobody. If you, if you're not putting in no work, I'm not putting no work, I guess that shit just did. So that's the current status at this point with you and your biological mother. I guess that shit just did. But you do know who that is, and care to share what age you actually meet this person. I mean, it was like, because from the pictures I've seen, like, you know, I was back and forth, even like before I was officially adopted, even like in foster care. My people said, good people, they was like, we still going to let you see a kid type thing. But, uh, I think I really last thing I really remember as far as like first time, as I remember being at the courthouse the day of the actual case and the actual and, uh, my mom didn't show up. And like, that was like, you know, this is your one chance to fight and get your kid back and shit, my pops it to you. Like, we probably sat in there an hour or two hours later of waiting and shot a never showed up. So shit, you missed that. I don't even listen. But you do eventually meet this person at another point in time later. So I have, I actually have two little biological sisters saying, oh, same mother, different fathers. Yeah, man, they go shit. I love them, they, they family, you know, and all that. But like, once again, who I value, people who value our relationship. And so, you know, you've got to meet me halfway. They go for anybody. So at this point, you're able to say that you've tried to do your best to, uh, keep that connection or establish a connection with your biological mother, at least on your, I put in as much effort as somebody else puts in. Got it. And, uh, when it comes to your biological father, was it just merely pictures that you've seen of this person as well? Or nothing. Like no clue. Like, nothing. Absolutely no clue. That's why like, you should real, unstable lifestyle. She was living. So yeah, I don't even think she could tell me exactly who. But yeah, no, I ain't never, once again, said, you want to, you, you missed that. Yeah, I'm sorry about it. But yeah, I wouldn't trade my partners that I do have absolutely none in the world. And final question here about foster care, the foster care system and things of that nature. Obviously, there's a debate on that. What's your take on the current foster care system in the United States? I feel like just as from being a product of the system, I just feel like every kid, especially having a kid myself now, I feel like every kid deserves a loving home and like a real, real chance because like, if homes throw it off, your throw it off. Like, there's no, it starts at home base. And, I feel like it's one thing that I hate, even that I've seen with a bunch of my friends. My shit wasn't the most stable. But like, whenever you force a kid to be brought up in an unstable environment, there's so many different things that could go wrong. So yeah, I mean, I feel like, you know, whenever it does come stuff like adoption and foster care, I do feel like, you know, the people that do have the hearts and the resources and the willingness to, okay, yes, I take in somebody else's child. So it's a really special person. And, you know, maybe there's someone watching this against circumstances could be different for everyone, but they're currently in the foster care system themselves. Is there anything you want to say to that person watching or listening to this interview hearing your own story going through that and experiencing that as well? Even when you feel like you're alone, like, you, you're never really alone. And that comes back to my whole, like, my God thing, you know, having that personal relationship, but like, it's really, you really have to be tapped in with yourself. And, you know, because there's, you know, there's going to be hard days, there's going to be days where you feel like them, this shit ain't worth it. You know, whatever I'm doing, it's not, it's not working out for me. Like, you just got to know that, like, whatever situation you win, there's a greater plan that you just haven't seen yet. And also, too, I'd like for you to answer this question as well. You know, what do you want those in the audience that have never been in foster care or, you know, but have heard of it, of course, what do you want those in the audience to know about foster care kids or those that are in foster care? Is there anything you want the world to know about these type of people specifically? I just feel like a lot of kids that are adopted kind of feel thrown away and overlooked and just, you know, toss to the side and it'll be somebody else's problem. And like, that's, that's not true, but just because your people couldn't get, they shit together and, you know, they let their circumstances or whatever situation they was going through affect the situation of what it could have been, you know, it's still, it's your life. And like, you, you only get one. So, you know, however you look at it and however you feel about it, bro, it's, you've got to come in it with the mindset of like, God is going to make sure the stuff works out for me regardless. Anything else you want to say on the subject of foster care? All right. Well, just to wrap everything up here, I share a lot of questions about a variety of different topics. You know, when it comes to, you know, fans of yours, followers, supporters, so on and so forth, what do you refer to them as? My people and my people, because like, I feel like, well, without a fan, I'd be rapping to nobody. So, you know, this is like, yeah, I really like my people. This is my family. Y'all are part of the gang. Y'all are some of the guys here. We like this. Didn't know if you, you know, had a name, you dub them or there was a name they dub themselves. I know recording artists do do that. Like, you know, Nicki Minaj has the bar, but Taylor Swift has the Swifties. Beyonce has the beehive. Didn't know if there was a name for them that you, you had by any chance. But for lack of better phrase there, at this point, is there anything else they want to know? You weren't asked or you didn't talk about in this conversation here. Portshop sandwich is not my only song, and there's so much more coming. Everybody's like, we're getting tired of hearing about Portshop sandwich. It's been in my face. It's the only thing on the Instagram that there's plenty more. I'm just hanging, hanging. Let me build it up a little bit more. We're gonna knock out or just shit down. Now, I know on your social media, there was talk of releasing an EP around Thanksgiving and things that nature that ultimately did not happen. What is the status of that EP? Has it materialized or matured into something else? Anything you want to share to the audience for 20/25 plans or 20/26 in regards to music? We're still running with them to the exact same concept before. It's just Guazi has blessed us and given us the resources that he has to amplify everything that we're going to do. So, you know, we feel like let's run the record that we're running right now. Let's handle the business that we're at right now, and then top it a year, we'll kick it off, and we'll let people know that this is how 20/26 is going to go. So, at this point, do you want to share any titles, any release dates, so on and so forth yet? Alright, y'all just got to figure out. Alright, and winding down here. Is there anything with this conversation that you want to add on to what you've said? Is there anything that you want to subtract or retract from what was said during this interview? No, we ain't retracting, you say something, you got to stand on it now. But, you may say you keep going and you're like, bro, whenever it feels like, you know, there's not a way, just no, there's a way. You really got to keep your head on straight, you got to keep your nose down, you got to put it in the footwork, and then going to be handed to you, and then going to follow you left, but it'll definitely come if you work for it. It was going to ask if you had any last words, unless what you just said there, was it? Yes sir.
Podcast Summary
Key Points:
The artist identifies primarily as a hip-hop musician but rejects rigid genre boundaries, emphasizing authenticity and emotional expression over categorization.
Ad-libs are now a core part of their music, with approximately 60% of their songs featuring them, though they lack a strict strategy, relying instead on a personal "toolbox" of 10 ad-libs, one of which—“world week” —has cultural significance as a form of street-level communication and affirmation.
The artist publicly credits influences like Brother from Georgia, showing a commitment to giving credit to inspirations, and believes genuine recognition—whether public or private—is valuable, especially for those who work independently and with no support.
Summary:
The artist identifies as a hip-hop musician but resists genre constraints, emphasizing authenticity and emotional expression over labels. Ad-libs have become central to their music, now present in about 60% of their songs, with a personal set of 10 ad-libs used flexibly, one of which, “world week,” holds cultural meaning as a form of community connection. They openly credit musical influences like Brother from Georgia, reflecting a belief in honoring creators and ensuring visibility for underrepresented artists.
The artist values genuine recognition—both public and private—as a form of support, especially for those working independently. This ethos extends to their music production, where they prioritize real human emotion over artificial tools like AI, which they see as diminishing the authenticity of music. Their breakthrough single, "Port Chop Sandwich," became a viral hit, partly due to a lighthearted, unrefined video shoot that accidentally started a fire, costing $15,000 in equipment but ultimately going viral.
The success was driven by organic engagement, particularly on Instagram, which saw a massive surge in followers and views. The song marked a shift from complex, intellectual lyrics to a more accessible, fun vibe, allowing the artist to connect with a broader audience. The track’s success exceeded expectations, and it led to a major partnership with Guizey and Empire, secured through intense industry interest and a bidding war.
The artist emphasizes authenticity and mutual respect in the partnership, prioritizing emotional connection and personal values over financial gain. Their journey from a construction worker to a full-time artist highlights a life rooted in hustle, self-reliance, and artistic integrity. The origin of their stage name, “J.
Wheat,” comes from a childhood nickname tied to their identity in Georgia’s culture, and they remain transparent about their background, upbringing, and values. The artist sees music as a deeply personal, life-affirming outlet and remains committed to authenticity, integrity, and celebrating real human connections in the industry.
FAQs
I mainly consider myself in hip-hop, though I’m not confined to any specific sub-genre. I’m open to different styles and don’t like being boxed into categories.
I used to avoid ad-libs entirely, but now I use them more often. I believe they add energy and authenticity to a song, and I’ve increased their presence in about 60% of my tracks.
Yes, I have a signature ad-lib: 'World week.' It originates from my community where it’s used to get someone’s attention or show agreement. It’s a form of cultural expression and connection.
I believe in giving credit where it’s due. Publicly acknowledging artists who inspired me is a responsibility, especially with the platform I have now. It helps spotlight those who work hard and deserve recognition.
I believe both are valid. Private recognition can feel more genuine, especially when it’s not for attention. But as long as the intent is genuine, either form of recognition is meaningful.
Yes, I find it strange. I’ve always believed that ad-libs should come from a real collaboration, not just a one-sided inclusion. I never allow a song to feature another artist’s ad-libs without their involvement.
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