We recently connected with Juise Leroy and have shared our conversation below.
Juise, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?
Some unexpected problems I’ve faced in my creative journey are the lack of understanding how to read contracts and not having the proper tools or funds to break as an independent artist. I resolved my misunderstandings of contracts by hiring a lawyer to break down the law jargon and context in to terms I understood in order to make the best possible business decision for all parties involved. I learned to renegotiate terms, learned how to calculate and do the math on my time and my art in order to learn and know my worth to be able to barter and do business as an artist/businessman. I signed to a record label as a Hip Hop artist and like any relationship things started out good but overtime I began to recognize signs that led me to choose to respectfully separate and continue as a C.E.O/artist of my own label. I hired a lawyer that helped me get out of the deal and do business diligently where all parties were satisfied. Some sound advice I can give is look for the word “Perpetual” in contracts, basically meaning forever. I felt overwhelmed because I have no one grooming me, I’m learning from experience and having to do extensive research and learn to be patient but proactive at the same time. I learned that it takes money to really make a song standout to the masses and be received as a “hit”. I started an online business to bring in an additional source of income while steadily working my regular job in order to be able to fund my career and stay afloat. I had to cut back on eating out, along with extracurricular activities and manage my finances better to have more capital for merchandise, equipment, services, and investing.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Juise Leroy a Hip Hop artist/entertainer known as one of the top emcees in the Metroplex. I was born near Ennis, Texas and raised in Fort Worth. I began rapping to help deal with depression and express my pain in a positive form which turned into heartfelt and poetic rap songs. I provide knowledge, insight, healing lyrics and good energy in my music. The problems I solve for the people that listen to my music is a sense of strength, motivation, inspiration, and healing vibrations that will help push our culture forward in a positive light. What sets me apart from my peers is I speak and advocate life in my music that is transferred from me to the listeners. I am most proud of being chosen by the most high to be a messenger for our generation and the generations to come. I want the fans, followers, and supporters to know that music is coded with messages that will help reshape the mindsets of our communities and uplift us to higher consciousness and awareness to take action.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn is success is subjective. As a child growing up as a fan of music the artists we look up to we believe them to be the happiest and richest people in the world and once you actually get into the music industry you find out the harsh reality is quite the opposite for a vast majority. The people behind the scenes are prone to make more money, live a more lavish lifestyle, call shots, and remain lowkey if they so choose. There are multiple ways to make money creating music or being in the music business from sync placements to ghostwriting. I learned when artists sign record deals especially if they don’t have leverage they are the last to get paid aside from possibly getting an advancement check. Technically that is a loan so you will be paying back that advancement with interest. If you manage your money correctly you could make some sound moves and win but the unwise or artists that lack the knowledge usually end up losing in the end and the labels usually always win. So define your own success, meditate on it and put some effort forth and you will achieve your goals.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative are the responses I get from supporters and listeners telling me how my music is inspirational to them. The impact I’m having on them reassures me that I am on the right path and fulfilling my purpose in life. I’m here to provide insight and for those that are willing I’m here to provide enlightenment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.juiseleroy.com
- Instagram: @juiseleroy
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JuiSeLeroy
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin/juiseleroy
- Twitter: @juiseleroy
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/c/juiseleroy