We recently connected with Warfare J and have shared our conversation below.
Warfare , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had started you own firm sooner?
I began my journey in the music industry back in 2015, full of passion and creativity but with limited knowledge of the business side of entertainment. At that time, I was focused mainly on making music and expressing myself, without fully understanding important elements such as copyright protection, trademarks, and the legal processes that safeguard an artist’s work. Looking back, I realize how valuable that knowledge would have been early on. If I could go back in time, I would have taken the opportunity to study the business side of the industry first — learning about ownership, publishing, and branding — before officially launching my career. Doing so would have saved me from having to retrace my steps and redo much of the groundwork I initially overlooked.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey into the music industry began through the influence of my father, who was a professional DJ. Growing up, music was a constant presence in our home — from the beats he played to the energy he brought to every mix. That early exposure sparked my love for sound and rhythm. In school, I developed a fascination with poetry, storytelling, and wordplay. My English teacher often praised my ability to craft rhymes and vivid imagery, encouraging me to pursue a career in writing.
During my formative years, I was heavily inspired by artists like Lil Wayne and J. Cole, but one rapper in particular — Short Dawg, now known as Fre$h — left a lasting impression on me. When I first heard his 2011 mixtape The Adventures of Drankenstein, something clicked. His creativity and unique style motivated me to take music seriously and begin developing my own sound.
Since then, I’ve drawn inspiration from my personal experiences, using real-life moments and emotions to shape my music and lyrical concepts. One of my proudest achievements has been learning how to record and mix my own music independently. In the early stages of my career, when resources were limited, that skill allowed me to stay productive and continue creating without relying on others. What truly sets me apart as an artist is my authenticity — the way I transform my life experiences into powerful stories that connect with listeners on a personal level.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What has helped me most throughout my journey is consistently building meaningful connections and networking with key figures in the music industry, including CEOs and A&Rs. These relationships have provided me with valuable guidance and insight into how to succeed as an independent artist in a highly competitive field. By positioning myself in the right environments and surrounding myself with the right people, I’ve been fortunate to connect with several well-known artists such as Kirko Bangz, Casanova, and Lil Uzi Vert.
To this day, I make it a priority to brand myself everywhere I go — ensuring that people not only recognize my name but also remember the quality and authenticity of my work. Maintaining a strong personal brand has been essential to my growth and helps me stay relevant and visible within the constantly evolving music landscape.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I funded my music career through my skills as an audio engineer. Early on, I established my own recording studio and began offering recording and mixing services to local artists for a fee. This not only allowed me to build valuable relationships within the local music scene but also provided a steady source of income to reinvest in my own career. The revenue I earned went directly toward promoting my music, expanding my reach as an independent artist, and upgrading my studio equipment to maintain a professional sound and environment for both myself and my clients. This hands-on approach taught me the importance of self-sufficiency, discipline, and reinvesting in my craft.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://veigaent.com/warfare-j#:~:text=Warfare%20J%20is%20a%20self,performed%20alongside%20today’s%20top%20names.
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warfare_j/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WarfareJ/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Warfare_J
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Warfare_J
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/warfarej
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/warfare-j/808962712
Image Credits
All in Visuals
FeelinFluid