We recently connected with Paradise Justin and have shared our conversation below.
Paradise, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Music has always been apart of my life, hip hop in particular. At a young age in life i found myself heavily influenced by the genre of rap and its lifestyle. It called me and i was attracted to the art of crafting lyrics. My process has always been that of practice makes perfect. although learning the steps into crafting and expanding my vocabulary would have put me exponentially ahead of my many at a young age. As well as learning the business side of the music because the money involved is what can carry your talent or careers to the right people. The skills and talent most essential in my perspective for this line of work would mostly consist of your will and drive to expand. Anybody can rap but what separates rappers/celebrities from common folk is the will and drive to be better in your craft. Some are blessed with opportunities and others scrimmage for chances. Me personally my adversities mainly came from impoverished environment, and lack of support. Even a lack of motivation at times. But my faith in god, will power and drive has carried me to be better in my craft with each encounter.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is (Justin Calderon) Paradise is the artist. Born and raised in the south bronx. Byproduct of my environment trying to make a change in the world for the village that raised me and gave me a purpose. Being, Humble Under God Everywhere (Huge) is a task that not many prepare for. The art and craft that hiphop/rap has provided me is an outlet since a young age. A decree of talent that i couldn’t steer away from. A calling destined to be conquered. I gave and give it my love because i love what i do and the potential that comes from it. My craft consist of punchlines, metaphors and similes, hooks and verses for ages, wicked freestyle game that is portrayed in any given moment. A multitude of flows from many different influences and cultures such as (NY, Cali, Atlanta, Memphis, Texas, Miami, UK) and many other facets of hip hop sub genre. In my progress i am most proud of the journey, in all its ups and downs im proud to be on it regardless and make a way and progress through it. Theres this quote that i feel relates, “my unmatched perspicacity coupled with sheer indefatigability makes me a feared opponent in any realm of human endeavor” – Emory Tate
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to get into the playlist and back pockets of most hip hop listeners. I want the listeners and everyone who gives my music a chance an experience of talent. I want the art to be digested and digestible to people who never heard of paradise before. I hope to be recognized as a influence and a great role model for those pursing the same goals.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
This game and chasing a dream has many ups and downs and contingencies. Same as most things people really wanted to get done in life. In many cases when you’re not heard or seen it may seem as if it wasn’t meant to be pursued or destined to be. In order to figure out wether your going to be successful at something or make it you have to be willing to fall on your face and still willing to push forward. There aren’t too many in this regard that will share the same resilience as i do but once you prove to yourself and those around you that its in your destiny and plan to make it happen nothing can be in the way of a true purpose.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paradise_thebronx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073341829504&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://x.com/ParadiseRapper
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@paradisetherapper?si=2AvRstQik3hvFMWt
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/Z3jePuZAT8367RNWA
- Other: https://linktr.ee/paradisecanrap
Image Credits
Paradise