We spoke to Hip Hop artists FIGUERO JONES X BLACK NAPOLEON to talk music and influences.
Is your family musical? How have they influenced your music?
FJ: Yeah my dad is worship minister at his church and he’s an audio engineer. It didnt
really influence my music but he plays a lot instruments and like most of what my
technical knowledge is today is from just sitting around and watching him .Icould
never touch anything though.
BN: Yeah the music my parents played around me was different and varied a lot. Like
we had UK stuff, African stuff, a whole bunch of music being played. They were never
really musically talented but they were definitely into their music and loved it.
Which artists inspire you the most?
FJ: lil wayne, jay z, drake, biggie, erykah badu, future, jorja smith
BN: lil wayne, kanye west, chip, giggs, drake, kodak black
What are your fondest musical memories?
Just making music together at the house/studio. its always mad vibes and moods
bouncing around in the place. we love it too much but also, we love stepping out the
house for the shows. performing live and studio sessions are two things we’re very
addicted to, its scary
What are some of your favorite records of all time?
FJ: my beautiful dark twisted fantasy, carter 3&4, take care, dirtysprite3, if you’re
reading this it’s too late, made in the manor, funkin for jamaica
BN: carter 3&4, illmatic, league of my own, my beautiful dark twisted fantasy, nothing
was the same, take care, made in the manor.
Tell us about your song writing process – what inspires you? Do you feel like songwriting is a form of therapy?
FJ: Tbh, I write whenever, its the special emotions and moods that craft my
writing and composing. in saying that tho, motivational stuff is my favorite to write,
definitely feel like the world needs more of it.
BN: I write whatever im feeling and whatever mood that’s present at the time.
whether it’s good or bad. just a way to express myself really. so yeah in a way it is
therapeutic for me.
How often are you in the studio? What makes a good session?
Never leave. a good session to me is when i’m with my bros but also when the people
in the studio are mad creatives too. moods, vibes and good chemistry.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – friends, children, job?
It’s all a part of what we do, it comes together as one at the end of the day for us. it’s
just life and what you gotta do to get to your destination. Plus, everything in
moderation so you don’t get lost in the sauce.
What does the rest of the year have in store for you?
FJ: Hopefully, progression with my music. I got this collab tape dropping with Black
Napoleon and some more shows.
BN: Building what we got right now, and continuing with the movement. make more
opportunities for ourselves.
