We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful DeShaun Jay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with DeShaun below.

Alright, DeShaun thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

To be honest, I’ve been involved with music one way or another since I’ve been able to talk and read. Whether it was band, choir, etc., I’ve always known I had a thing for music and entertainment. I started rapping as a hobby back in high school. You know the typical free styling in the courtyard with the homies, went to some studios here and there after high school just to rap. But once I did my first show in 2015, I knew i was meant for this.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Well I’ve rapped since the age of 16, after I graduated I worked with other local artists here and there but nothing too serious or promising. Around 2012 I met some friends that were also artists at a local spot I would go hang out at and we starting making music together. We named our music group “Flourish Gang”. I started performing in 2015 and told myself i wouldn’t miss a month performing…and that’s exactly how that year went. I released my first mixtape “First Night Out” on SoundCloud around July 2015. They no longer create music (best of wishes and love to all still) but I’ve grown into much more than the rapper I once was. I released another mixtape called “No Chasers” the following year then began to create my signature R&B/Rap series “Phone Calls”. So far I’m 3 installments in. Still growing and learning more in my craft. Trust me I’m far from my peak in music.

One thing I’ve always been proud of is the fact that I’ve been comfortable not being like the others. Nowadays with art, especially music it can be difficult trying not to fall in line with the popular trend, the popular sound, the most imitated approach. But I’ve always stood proud bringing a different vibe to my listeners whether it’s at a show, or they’re just giving my music a listen. When every other artist was trying to bring club bangers to the shows I was the one coming with the more chill lyrical vibe…but rocking the crowd harder than anyone else in the building. Whether it’s a R&B song about my last love, or a song about what we’re aiming for, it’s guaranteed I’ll bring something different that you’ll love.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Support. Your. Local. Artists. I see people complain so often about todays music on the radios, social media, tv shows, or just when I’m out on the scene. But it’s a pretty simple solution to it. In my travels for shows to Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, the Austin area, etc., and additional networking I’ve never failed to come across a local artist other than myself and I can’t help but think….”this is just as better if not on par with anything being released on TV”. I understand it’s a lot of “bad apples” in local scenes that may discourage the average music lover to give their city’s talents a chance. But i guarantee you, regardless of what your preferences may be in music….you’ll find exactly what you love right in your city.

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I genuinely feel like I’m made to create….music especially. I eventually would love to venture into other vessels of art like fashion, but I feel like I have a gift I’m meant to share with the world for generations to come. I don’t care to fit in with what’s hot for the moment…whatsoever. I want to create timeless art, Albums that’ll be compare to future projects decades later, songs and verses that’ll be used as a standard for future artists when I’m retired and gone. I want to make a mark in our culture.

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/DeShaunJay
• Instagram: instagram.com/JayMustFlourish
• Twitter: Twitter.com/JayMustFlourish
• Youtube: DeShaunJay
• Other: Forever we….FLOURISH

Image Credits
Instagram: @DrigoFelixx & @JeffTexasphotography