24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are.
J. Brooka: My name is Joshua Brooks, artist name J. Brooka. I am 24 years old, born in Frankfurt, Germany and raised in Sumter, South Carolina.
24: Before we get into your music, can you describe your history about how you got into and what inspired you?
J. Brooka: Music has always been apart of my life. My mother is a missionary in the church so at a young age I was singing in the church choir. Music is the only thing in life that can be applied to every situation that we go thru. I’ve been recording music since the 6th grade and have been working on perfecting my craft ever since. Music and recording is inspiration all in itself but that’s not what motivates me to make it. I am purely motivated by the thought of seeing my mother well off. Everything else that comes with being an artist I see as a perk, until she can quit both of her jobs, bills paid, and not work another day in her life that when I feel like I have accomplished something.
24: What was the Hip-Hop scene like for you growing up where you’re from?
J. Brooka: I’ve lived all over the world so my taste in music extends just beyond Hip-Hop. I listen to everything but as far as hip hop goes I grew up listening to Cash Money, Outkast, Ludacris, Nelly, and Mystikal. Southern Hip-Hop has had the biggest influence on my music though.
24: What makes you Unique as a artist and different from other rappers out now?
J. Brooka: My look and my sound. I stay true to who I am and I believe that’s what will allow future fans to connect with me on a personal level. Im not afraid to branch out and think outside of the box when it comes to the concepts in my music.
24: Tell us about what you are working on.
J. Brooka: My debut mixtape is actually about to be released this month. My mixtape is entitled “The TakeOver Volume 1 ‘The Return of the Conqueror’ ” and its hosted by DJ. Holiday. My tape is scheduled to drop on 10/20/12.
24: What producers have you worked with and who would you like to work with in the future?
J. Brooka: As of right now I am only working with one producer. His name is Chris “UrHighnez” Williams. He produced every track on my upcoming mixtape. The reason he is the sole producer on my tape is because he is apart of the camp. Everything I do is within the camp. Im still unsigned with no manager, no pr, anything. Everything I put out and do is thru me and my team. So since Im trying to get put on it’s only right that I bring UrHighnez along with me.
24: Are you happy with the feedback you have been getting from people on material you have released?
J. Brooka: I try to stay away from the comment section of things that I release. I have received a lot of love but at the same time no matter what you do you cant please everybody, so I take the criticism that I get and use it as fuel to go harder on the next project I put out.
24: In today’s free download age, what do you need to do to make yourself a household name?
J. Brooka: In order for me to become a household name I have to flood the people with material. Consistency is a must. Always grinding, always evolving, and always looking for the next opportunity to win over new fans.
24: How do you feel about the current state of the Hip-Hop scene?
J. Brooka: Hip-Hop is Hip-Hop. Nothing that stays exactly the same over time will live. Progression and constantly evolving is apart of life. I think the problem is that people have there own personal opinion on what Hip-Hop is. They try to fit Hip-Hop into a box. There is enough room in Hip-Hop for different styles, looks, sounds, and lifestyles. Hip-Hop will never die as long as the people don’t let it.
24: Outside of the music, what else are you currently working on?
J. Brooka: Outside of music I am currently finishing up my military career as a soldier. I been in for 4 years and I am getting out to pursue my music full time. I recently got back from Afghanistan and that’s where the title for my mixtape came from. I feel like its my time to make things happen and conquer all my dreams.
24: Where do you see yourself going in 2012 and how do you plan to separate yourself from the other artist out today to get the recognition you feel you deserve?
J. Brooka: For the remainder of 2012 I see myself just getting my name out there. Having people serve notice that I am here and I plan to make my self known. I believe that if you are grinding and putting in the work that you deserve recognition. All I can do is try to out work the next guy/girl in order to get my shot.
24: How can fans go about contacting you?
J. Brooka: Fans can contact me very easily. I have my personal website www.jbrooka.com, you can stay updated also at facebook.com/jbrooka, twitter.com/jbrooka, and see new material at youtube.com/Brooka_03.
24: Thank you for providing 24HourHipHop.com with this exclusive interview, do you have any last words for your present and future fans?
J. Brooka: I sincerely appreciate all the love and support up to this point. This is just the beginning, stay tuned, I GOT US.
