Young Jay Reall
Jairell DeShon Ponder a.k.a Young Jay Reall, is the 16 year-old hip hop artist born September 29,1993 in Detroit, MI. Jay was introduced to rap and hip hop music at an early age starting with rappers such as Jay-Z, T.I., Notorious B.I.G., Big Daddy Kane, Will Smith, Tupac and many others.
Jay began to get serious with his love of hip hop at the age of 13 when in 2006 he was introduced to Producer Fitt of She So Fly Productions and Gotta Luv It Records. He recorded his first mixtape entitled 313 Prince, which included the single’s 51 Shots (dedicated to the memory of Shawn Bell), Betta Step Back and Back Up.
In 2007, Jay began working on his next mixtape entitled Teen King. Produced by Fitt & Mz. Jonz, included the single Heavy Weights featuring Dollah Jones. Jay started performing around the city in different venues including his first major performance at the Dad’s Day Out Picnic at Belle Isle. Where former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick introduced Young Jay Reall to the public. Other performances include The Future Gallery, Carz & Starz, The Northwest Activity Center, The Detroit Science Center, Berts on Broadway, and opening for Pleasure P at the State Fair Grounds.
In June of 2008, Jay started working on his debut album entitled Ipod’s & 808’s. Which is scheduled to be released at the end of 2010. The first single “Go Stupid” is scheduled to be released November 23, 2009. Produced by Beat Renegades Productions,12 Letta, and 2-8D Entertainment. With his management team DeLila Entertainment Management and his production company J.i. Productionz, Young Jay Reall has gained overwhelming popularity among his peers and throughout the City of Detroit. Making appearances at Career Day at elementary and junior high schools around the city, the students and staff at the schools all adore him. His style and stage presence have been compared to Bow Wow, Omarion, and others. Parents love him and girls adore him. Boys want to be like him. Young Jay Reall is on his way to become the newest Teen Heart-throb for this generation.
What’s your name, rank & serial #, just kidding, but let’s begin with your name, Who are you?
Young Jay Reall aka Prince JR 16yr old artist/songwriter
Where are you from?
Detroit, MI
Now let’s get into why you chose to a career in music: What is your motivation?
Music is an art. I enjoy seeing new artists like myself coming up and building a strong fan base & really getting into the game. Establishing a strong reputation for themselves. The fans & DJ’s also inspire me as well. Just to see the fans sing the artists songs as that person performs. That person probably never thought of getting or imagined getting to that point in their career. To see it happen to them makes me think wow it could be me one day. As far as the DJ’s go, I love to see how they interact with the artist and the artist and DJ are able to connect and bounce off each other’s energy because the DJ adds more effect to the show that the artist is giving.
What/who are your influences?
As an artist, Bow Wow, Kanye West, T.I., Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Big Sean and Drake
Really picking your brain now: What are your thoughts on the direction of Hip Hop today?
I think that it’s evolving and artists are getting more creative. With all the new movements and new artists I think it’s going in a great direction. Artists are not only being creative, they’re not afraid to be themselves and speak about what’s on their minds.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a music career?
Before you get into it, you should really study the music business first and not look to tv for guidance in your career. Because the videos only show one side of it. Videos show 5% partying and fun and sometimes 5% music. In reality this industry is 80% business, 15% music and 5% fun. Be focused and serious and know that you have to do more than just rap or sing. Always have a back up plan for this industry if you’re gonna be in it.
Do you think that some of the music out today has lost its originality?
No, not at all.
How do you think it can come back to its roots? Do you think it can?
I don’t think it’s left its roots. Hip hop is about being original, being yourself and not being afraid to speak your mind. Artists now are doing just that.
Your projects: What are you currently working on now?
Right now I’m currently working on my first EP, iPods & 808’s.
Can you tell us some of the artists/projects you had the most fun working on/with
I’ve worked with artists Canty Cash, King Gordy, Mz Jonz, Fitt, Dollah Jones, The Hurricane Boys, and Cartia all Detroit artists.
We at HHH Magazine love to focus & highlight the good things people in the world of Hip Hop do in their communities, please share with us any community things you are currently involved in or have planned.
I will be speaking at a few career day events at different schools in the city. I’m also gonna be performing at the Parenting Awareness Month kickoff event in March.
Manager: Telicia King, @lecia_an DeLila Entertainment Mgmt., Detroit, MI, Ph# 248.703.0108
Links/website: www.delilaentertainment.com
www.facebook.com/youngjayreall
