We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jaemen Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jaemen, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

I’ve always had some kind of musical influence in my life. Trumpet, drums, bass guitar, you name it; I’ve probably played it at some point in time. When I started practicing djing, it was only for fun. I never thought I would turn it into a business model, but I genuinely love music, so it made sense. In college, I started putting music out as an independent artist on TuneCore; I would make maybe a cent or two a month, nothing to brag about. I do remember the first time I was requested to DJ an event. It was for a sorority on campus.

The sorority didn’t have any money, but they did agree to pay me in food, which to me (a broke college student who partied every other weekend) was perfectly fine with, and besides, I love tacos. I specifically remember one of the girls requesting ‘Sorry Not Sorry’. So I played Sorry Not Sorry by Bryson Tiller. Little context before I continue. I went to college in Portland Oregon… did not do a very good job of reading the room there. I remember scratching my head as a mixed Demi Lovatos Sorry Not Sorry into my Serato after being told I never played the song. All in all tho it was a good first event.

Soon after that, my music started gaining some traction. A year or two later, I started an LLC which covered all of my musical endeavors. I remember receiving my first $1,000 from a high school running a prom. The feeling was sensational; my hard work and dedication to my craft were finally being realized. That first prom is when I learned I might really be able to do this for a living. I never would have gotten to that point without those sorority girl tacos though.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jaemen Jones, I am the owner and creator of Hot Boi Activities LLC. I DJ, rap, and produce music under the Alias Jae Prodigy.

My father was a bass guitarist and a radio host, so music was always active in the house. I was exposed to a plethora of genres at a young age. My father taught me the basics of music for sure, but I feel a lot of musical influence I picked up through him subconsciously just by being around him. He would have me on the radio, take me to church where he played bass guitar. I would just sit in the corner and play video games or play with toys, but I always remember those being the best moments for me.

I started vocal recordings in high school. I remember recording my first mixtape on a school laptop in one of the music practice rooms at my high school. My student body, a rival high school, liked it, and I never looked back. Now, I own a whole business dedicated towards creating through the one the one thing I love; music.

I got the phrase hot boi from the rap community. Specifically Lil Wayne. (Who is still, to this day, one of my favorite artists of all time) When I went to college, people started calling me Hot Boi; it just kind of made sense. I added the activities because I am not just a music artist. I am a creative djing, rapping, photography, podcast, these activities, these passions. They are what make me Jae Prodigy.

My business model provides entertainment solutions that enhance events by offering professional music services, including curated playlists, sound equipment, lighting, and experienced emceeing. By handling all these aspects, Hot Boi Activities gives clients a reliable way to enhance the ambiance and engagement of their events. Jae Prodigy is not just a business or an artist. He is a whole musical experience that you won’t be able to get anywhere else. Some who can write, produce, record, and perform while also creating a welcoming vibe through his sarcasm and quick-witted remarks through his style of djing/mc’ing. This is what separates Hot Boi Activities from other musical businesses. Mr. Do it all and then some.

You can currently find me in the Seattle area. I am constantly dropping new matters on social media, Apple Music, Spotify, etc. Book me or slide through to a show! It’s all love over here.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I have been making music since I was sixteen years old. I’m twenty-eight now. I would say the journey in itself is an example of my resilience. I’ve graduated high school, graduated college (twice), break ups, deaths in the family, broken bones, broken spirit. Music has always been there for me. I never stopped creating. I don’t do it for the money, or for the fame. Is it nice to get noticed every now and then? Of course! Would I love to make money off my passion full time? Absolutely, however I keep going though for my genuine love for creating. If I like what I make then best believe it is coming out.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I am a marketing teacher at a high school during the day, so you know I have some good book suggestions for you! My business started taking off the second I started my brain, as I do my muscles (for my fellow gym goers).

The Business Playbook by Chris Ronzio is a solid read. Provides a framework for building a comprehensive playbook that outlines your business’s profile, team, policies, and processes. The book guides you on codifying your culture and creating a document that empowers your team to manage daily operations, enabling you to step back from constant involvement. It’s a roadmap for building a business that runs independently of your direct input.

How To Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes is another read I would recommend. This book gives ninety-two tips on becoming a better communicator, achieving tremendous success in life, love, and business settings, and empowering them to connect with others more effectively and confidently.

One of my favorite books (mainly because of the title) is The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** by Mark Manson. I mean, doesn’t the title say it all? You need that kind of attitude in the world of business. I don’t really know how to explain it, but that’s why we have books, right?

I can go on naming books forever; I haven’t even gotten to the podcasts. Anyway some I am going to stop after this one but The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is just a must read in general more so from a life stand point. the story of a young shepherd from Spain who sets out to find a legendary treasure, traveling through North Africa to the Egyptian desert. Along the way, he encounters an alchemist and learns invaluable lessons about listening to his heart and pursuing his dreams. The tale highlights the wisdom of following one’s true path in life..

Hopefully this helps whoever is reading. Fee free to reach out! We can all grow from every person we come in contact with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hotboiactivities.wixsite.com/hotboiactivities
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaeprodigy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaemen-jones-m-ed-742221133
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3cAQrafsQ7ZN5eLb5m7StY

Image Credits

Kameron Port
D’Mario Carter
Jayden Tamburelli