Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to John “JayStudd” Spencer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
John “JayStudd”, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
The first time I knew I wanted to do music professionally was back in 2000-2001. Me and a couple friends started out recording with 2 boom boxes and blank cassette tapes. Lol. We would record the beat on one tape and swap the tape from the boom box with the recorder so we could play it and record on another tape. All of this took place in my bedroom at my mother’s house. At that time, she wasn’t a fan of the loud music and all, but she let us do our thing, as long as we weren’t too loud. I must say this, the inspiration behind music came from watching my big cousin, Mark Selvie, rap and make beats like it was so easy. Actually, he was the very oldest person that I knew that could come up with a free style from hearing just a beat. I told myself then, I want to be like him. Funny story, Mark actually recorded himself in his mother’s house. He had the whole setup in his closet. Hearing his music, you would have thought it was recorded at a top of the line studio. In high school, I finally recorded a song that was worth listening to. Lol. I recorded it on a karaoke machine. I spread it throughout the school like a wild fire. The feedback from it made me want to pursue it even more. Now, back then I was doing secular music. The street rap. That style change and I converted to Christian Rap-Hip Hop.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I was raised up in the projects of Columbus Ms, in a one parent household. My mother did any and everything possible to make sure me and my sister were taken care of. I wasn’t the best son, but what kid is? Lol. I say this in every interview, if it wasn’t for Mark Selvie, there wouldn’t be a JayStudd. So I have to give him his flowers. Mark explained to me some years ago that we had changed his delivery of music to Christian. I supported him in whichever way he wanted to go. He’s family, and where I’m from, you support family at all cost. It wasn’t until April 10th, 2011 that woke me up completely. I had a car wreck, that resulted in me going into a 20foot drop off from the road. I walked away with some minor injuries, but I walked away. All Glory To God. That moment was when I had to figure out my purpose as to why God allowed me to make it out of that situation. Mark sent me a track, and wanted me to write a song to it for his upcoming Gospel Show. “My Testimony” was my first Gospel Rap song. I still didn’t know if that was the path for me, so I asked God to give me a sign. Lord, if this is what you want me to do, show me. I hadn’t talked to Mark in a couple weeks, but the day I had that conversation with God, he sends me an email with more tracks and said write to this. I took that as my sign. My music, my lyrics, my delivery is what I feel sets me apart from other artist. Everyone has their own style. You’ve got to find it. That’s exactly what I did. I’ve always loved music; every genre of music. So I listen to a lot of different artists. I am most proud of how proud my mother is of me. Again, I wasn’t the best son, but to see my mother sitting in the crowd at my shows, or or she reacts when I send her music, that’s what keeps me going. I want my supporters to know that anything is possible with God. Anything you put your mind to can be done. I would have never thought that I would be featured in any magazine or podcast or interview. I didn’t give up. Never give up. Your breakthrough is coming. My music stands for something. It’s our way of reaching people who others think can’t be reached. We’re giving you hip hop, but Gospel as well.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a Christian Hip Hop artist is when that mother or grandmother walks up to me and says, my sons/grandsons need to hear your music. A lot of people think that being a Christian isn’t cool. I have met so many people who have proclaimed to me, I felt everything you said in your song. My music is relatable because it stems from real life events, not just an image I’m trying to portray. I’ve traveled to a lot of places, met a lot of people, and have touched them with my music. That’s why you will never hear me say the word “fans”! I don’t have/want fans, I want supporters.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
In order to gain an audience, you have to be relevant. Promotion is key. I have gotten so many NO’s in my career it’s not even funny. Lol. Radio stations, internet radio stations, DJ’s, etc. I didn’t stop though. If you continue to put your best foot forward, that YES is eventually going to come. You just have to remain humble, and that’s always been my prayer to God. Do not let me get the big head to where I feel like I’m bigger or better than anyone. My mama always told me, “Baby, don’t forget where you come from”! I’ve lived my life off that phrase. Thank you 1st Lady Stallings. My advice to any upcoming artist is this: believe in yourself, because you are your biggest fan. Don’t quit after that first No! My wife’s motto to me is, delayed does not mean denied. I thank you for that Cierra. Promote yourself and don’t wait on anybody to do it for you. Build your own brand and style. It’s okay to be inspired by one’s music, but you have to grab your own style.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://url2734.distrokid.com/ls/click?upn=u001.a0grtTtFNGObbwv02PitCPUodymsTWKXNsD1pT7nhD0-2B33-2FE3hCAXoA8uQK3-2FfP9ozgKWQ-2Fz4tGNfC4p-2BgIIXJ06jWHxTIClm5VXsERd7HTVBRKe46yb-2BbconcbJiIWZQE3k7ldUv-2BDqvEJZECxuJNcpkft9GygnciknLSAJFHaTv39UFybEu8XGMYHMSKSYruRL_aUa84VKV4kl6WUN8UioH0InWlGvwLPuUZJIgOmGh6W6cFQKp7E9uVo4jSLN1cAcOBmOPcgTg42zaJUHG7eC1TqEzImIO5lQ145exQPvHnezDHGMX-2BenCtayVZxRxelLNgyp45AqCDPzqUAbqnvDP2uLdGvDpB8v3yN1NwJAFqWkmNfB4YFuiMitgdQDW7sh7-2Fg0v-2BwT2YgrRBIBJb-2BYi6dde2ajuwoe5BLMUqQk9DYs-3D
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjaystudd/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/john.spencer.7355/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@therealjaystudd8167?feature=shared
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/nxVyBTPhtqykKCpT7
