24: Introduce yourself to everyone and let them know where your repping?

J-Lie: I go by the name of J-Lie. I’m from all over, so to call one place my home would be wrong. I was born and lived in NYC. Raised in Southern Cali and been in ATL for 5 years.  I’m 22 years old and half South African and half South Korean. MNDFRM (MindFrame) is the crew.

24: What do you feel your bringing to the music world and what separates you from the next new artist?

J-Lie: I been told by a lot of people I am a breath of fresh air. I bring back that feeling of  good music. You remember those songs that everyone just felt good about. When you hear those songs today, they make you feel free and they take you back to the time when it came out. I keep it real. I spit only what I have been through, and what I know. Things I’ve seen and things I’ve overcame. It’s funny because I see all these artists fronting and trying  fit in to what there not, but they all get exposed down the road just like any lie. So why lie? If my fans love my music  they love my music. If they love who I am or not who I’m  not pretending to be something I’m not. Trust me, I’ve earned my stripes by doing the negative things these artists glorify. So try not to glorify the negative and immature things I’ve done. To add to that I am very versatile along with my whole team. We come from all different backgrounds but all represent “The Fly” which is the MNDFRM (mindframe) lifestyle.

24: Who were some  artist that you would say influence you musically?

J-Lie: First and foremost has to be Tupac Shakur. He was a poet and you could tell by his music. He paints pictures and makes me feel how he was feeling when he wrote it. His effect on the game was like no other.  Every recent one hit wonder has influenced me to keep staying true to what kind of music I do and not chase the money. Eminem is the best rapper alive and Jay-Z is right behind him.

24: Tell about some the projects your currently working on?

J-Lie: I just finished a mixtape called “No One Left To Lie To”. It’s hosted by DJ Baby Yu from Sirius Radio and Violator DJ’s. He’s an Asian cat from Canada, huge internationally. I was going to go with a big ATL DJ but I figured why not do something bigger, do something unexpected, do something worldwide. I already have a buzz in ATL. Everyone knows who I am there. My team MNDFRM is making some big moves as well, the T-shirt Line is still big and catching a buzz. Spring Line will be out soon. We are working on opening a flagship store in ATL. My producer Nonstop (Konvict Music), my right hand Hott, and I are still writing for other artists and working on placements. 2009 has a lot in store for MNDFRM. Keep up with us on www.mndfrm.com

24: Who are some of the producers you have been working with and who would you love to work with in the near future?

J-Lie: It’s crazy because I don’t have to reach far for production. Nonstop (Konvict Music), which is my main producer is so versitile so we fit perfect when it comes to making hits. Every original song i’ve done in the last 2 years have been produced by him. You could hear 30 different tracks from me and you would think I worked with Swizz Beatz, Pharrell, Timbaland, JR, Dr. Dre, etc. He makes hits so I will go outside and work with others but dont need to. I’ve worked with Royal Flush (produced “Royal Flush” by Outkast) which are Grammy nominated this year. Also a young producer named Jaylian who wrote and produced “Beautiful” by Akon. Those are my boys but like I said since I’ve met Nonstop. I’ve never found someone on the same mindset as me.


24: If you could choose any Major label or  Independent label which would you choose and why?

J-Lie: I’ve had major record labels try to get at me in the last year it’s just that the deals and numbers haven’t been right. A lot of people get it misunderstood and think being signed right now is the best thing for artists. It’s about patience and knowing what you’re getting yourself into. Luckily I have the best entertainment lawyer in the game, Charles Mathis, who has the best interest for me, not these labels. I’ve started to go more towards the Independent world as the game keeps going in this downwards spiral. I like freedom and say on my projects.

24: What should the readers look out for from you in 2009?

J-Lie: MNDFRM is definitely making some big moves. I’m dropping a single called “Get it On the Low” feat. Chingy. produced by Nonstop. My mixtape drops Jan 15th, 2009.  I got Cory Gunz on there, Nefu The Don, Trey Songz, Robbie Nova, Chingy, Lloyd, Ox and more. There’s a release party in ATL with MNDFRM and Wish (Wishatl.com). The MNDFRM store will be open. A lot of shows around the states and Canada will be going down. Just watch and see. Keep updated with me on Myspace at www.myspace.com/jlie.

24: Is there anything you want to say to the readers?

J-Lie: If you read all the way to the bottom, thank you. Now go listen to my music!