On September 11, 2008, this North Carolina bred songbird took the industry by storm when she was the claimed the winner of BET’s 106 and Park’s W.O.W (Wild Out Wednesday) All-Star Competition. Jamie Jones is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Early in the game she has already worked with artists like Lil Wayne and Swizz Beats and has shared the stage with big names like Lloyd, Juelz Santana and even New Edition. Ms. Jones definitely brings a different kind of swag to the game. 24HourHipHop caught up with Jamie to talk about her experience in the game so far as well as her album “Celebrity Music.”

24HHH: For those who don’t know who you, you got your big break as the BET 106 & Park W.O.W. All-Star finals competition. How has being on the show catapulted your career?

JamieJones: The show really for me, took my career to another level b/c I was able to get the national exposure! It was such a wonderful experience and that was actually my 1st time being on national television. So thank you 106&Park for that opportunity!
      
24HHH:You got the chance to work alongside Swizz Beats. How was that experience?

JamieJones: OH MAN! Just to be in the same room with that man was a privilege but the fact that I was able to work with him was amazing to me. Swizz Beatz is truly a talented musician/artist and I can honestly say he is so humble. I had a blast working with him.

24HHH: I read that you have lived in New York, North Carolina, and most recently the DMV (D.C./Maryland/Virginia) area. How have these different areas influenced your style of singing?

JamieJones:

The area of NY that I lived in was predominately a
white community and then when I moved to the south it really switched the game
up for me in great ways. I grew up half of my life listening to 80’s rock, and
alternative music and then the other half while being in NC, I listend to
R&B. So with that being said I’d like to think that my music is a little
bit of all that combined!



24HHH: I also read that some of your favorite artists include Madonna, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey who are all iconic figures known for their unique abilities; what makes you stand out as an artist?

JamieJones: As an artist I bring a different flavor to the business. I’m not afraid to talk about topics that are frequently asked or discussed in the music I sing. Also, I feel as though I have a little something on my album for everyone to enjoy. I can appeal to a broad audience and definitely be the voice of the youth whatever ethnic that might be.

24HHH: You’ve been getting a lot of recognition for your talents, even opening for acts like Lloyd, New Edition, Erykah Badu, Juelz Santana, how does it feel opening up for some of the biggest names in music?

JamieJones: Being the opening act for these established singers was surreal to me! It’s so much fun and after I perform I can sit back and take notes from them! :O) We need to constantly improve our craft!

24HHH: Your track “Whatever” is a hot joint. What was the inspiration for that track and as a singer/songwriter, what gives you inspiration for your songs?

JamieJones: Whatever was the first song that let me be ME! It wasn’t a song that anyone else said that I should sing, or thought was best for me. I was able to be expressive through writing and my voice. My inspiration behind writing songs would definitely be personal experiences. The music comes alive to me when I can really feel it!

24HHH: I love the video to that song, was “Whatever” your first video? Tell us a little bit about the director and the concept of the video.

JamieJones: The “Whatever” video was actually my 2nd video. The director, Pierre Walters is amazing. His vision for the video was brilliant. The concept was centered around a girl that wasn’t popular, the prettiest, smartest, richest etc., but she had a dream. In the beginning she’s working hard to be on the step team for her school and through hard work…she makes it! She has dreams of being a star, a celebrity like any young girl. In the end she became the best she could and that dream came true. Based on the true story of my life.

24HHH: As well all know you take pride in your multi-racial background. Tell us a little more about the “I’m a MUTT” movement and what that means to you?

JamieJones: It all started with my mother :O) I never knew my background and family history and I used to overhear my mom telling people she was a Mutt. So I embraced it and said “I’m a mutt too!” celebrating our differences even if we don’t know them and others don’t understand them! Those differences are what makes us who we are as an individual.

24HHH: What advice do you have for upcoming or inspiring singers trying to achieve that ultimate success?

JamieJones: You have to be willing to sacrifice so many things for what you want. this road, if you decide you want to take it, is NOT EASY. It requires the 4 D’s: Desire, Dedication, Determination, and Discipline. Commit yourself to your passion.

24HHH: If you could work with anyone in the industry, who would it be and why?

JamieJones: There are so many!! I was already so happy to work with Swizz and have Lil Wayne on a song..I’d have to say Neyo! He is so talented and I’d love to have him write a song for one of my future projects!

24HHH: What I like about you is the fact that you have your own certain style. You are a beautiful woman without having to over compensate with an “in-your-face” sexual attitude. How do you remain grounded in this business without complying with whole the “Sex Sells” idealisms?

JamieJones: I have a strong relationship with God and I hold myself to such high expectations. Not only that but I have people that hold me accountable whether it be my friends, family, my team it doesn’t matter. The people that I am the closest with help keep me on the ground! I always say “stars are in the sky, I’m just Jamie Jones”.

24HHH: Tell me a little about X-posure Entertainment.

JamieJones: Xposure Entertainment is my home in this industry! I came to DC at 17 and worked my butt off in Xposure studios :O) My manager Reginald Rainey is the CEO of the company and its definitely on its way to achieve great exposure! I love my xposure family :O) All the producers, writers, choreographers!

24HHH: So often we get caught up in a particular genre or style of music. I read in an interview you consider what you do “Celebrity Music,” tell us a little about that.

JamieJones: Celebrities are on top because they are the best at what they do and they are recognized for it. I chose Celebrity Music for the title of my album because music is my life. As a little girl singing was all I ever did and i’m sure every little girl wants to be like the women they see on magazines! I want to be the celebrity, not for the fame and fortune, but for the young girls to have a positive role model to look up to. Be the best at whatever your gift is; be on top!

 24HHH: Speaking of Celebrity Music; that is the name of your debuting album. Tell us a little about the album and the direction you are going with it. What artists, if any are featured on it?

JamieJones: I’m extremely excited about the album and I hope you all get a chance to get a copy for yourself. The artist that features on it is Swizz Beatz, but be on the look out for “I am not your angel” featuring Lil’ Wayne hitting mixtapes, radios, and clubs soon :O) YAYY!

24HHH: What’s your favorite track on the album and why?

JamieJones: I have so many favorites so it makes it so hard to choose! If I have to pick then I’d say “Frozen” because it was the most recent song that i’ve recorded and I love the vocal production.

24HHH: Where can we find “Celebrity Music?”

JamieJones: The abum can be purchased on Digistation.com, or iTunes. If you get the chance check out my myspace: myspace.com/itsjamiejones and there you can see more details as well!

24HHH: What other projects or collaborations are you currently working on?

JamieJones: My team and I are currently working on a major tour featuring some national acts so be on the lookout in a city near you!!

24HHH: Is there anything else you would like to promote?

JamieJones: Most importantly the album! Support the project and be a part of the “I’m A Mutt” movement! Also follow me on Twitter, Myspace, and Facebook. I want to keep in touch with all my friends and fans! I love you :O)

Watch Jamie Jones’ “Whatever” Video Below: