An ageless lyrical marvel with a voice as smooth as a Najee breakdown, “The Originator” Jaz-O is arguably modern hip-hop’s single greatest role model. Former mentor to Jay-Z and instrumental in the careers of Irv Gotti and The Lox among others, it would be an understatement to say the iconic producer and MC has been a vital life to the culture.
Today his pioneering multi-syllable flow is as sharp as ever, and he uses it effortlessly on current release ‘The Warm Up’. Jaz-O took time out his busy schedule to answer our “2020 Twenty Questions” questionnaire! We hope THIS INTERVIEW entertains and inspires you.
On a scale of 1 to 10 how happy are you to be alive?
Nine. I would say 10 but I think there’s a serious party happening on the “other side”.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
A musician.
What was your favorite cartoon?
So many favorites! I’d say Bugs Bunny.
Tell us your favorite song as a kid, as a teenager, and now as an adult.
As a kid, The Jackson Five’s “The Love You Save”.
As a teen, MFSB’s “Love Is The Message”.
As an adult, Donny Hathaway’s “Love, Love, Love”.
What’s an album that means more to you now than it did when you first heard it?
Mandrill’s “Composite Truth”. I loved the music when [I was] younger but it permeated my spirit as a man. It’s manly music. Uptempo or ballad, it’s mood music for a wild night with my woman.
What are your 3 favorite movies?
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.
Avengers: Infinity War.
The Matrix Reloaded.
What’s the last film that made you cry or almost cry, and what scene did it?
I honestly cannot recall.
What’s your all-time favorite TV show?
The Twilight Zone.
Which character on that show do you identify with most?
The host, Rod Serling. The only permanent fixture in the show, his demeanor implicated a higher enlightenment beyond the superficiality of his contribution as a narrator.
What makes you laugh out loud or smile uncontrollably every time you see it or hear it?
Some things that make me laugh… Their mention is too politically incorrect.
Who in your family served you the most delicious, unforgettable dish you’ve ever eaten?
My father made a potato leek soup one Sunday! Orgasmic!
Tell us the most nutritious thing you’ve fed your mind.
Acceptance.
When did you start to understand your value?
It is a life-long journey to equate self-value to the worth the world sees in you.
Who is the G.O.A.T. of your profession?
I am.
My skill set is beyond any other I’ve heard. I’ve creatively influenced the most influential moguls in the game. Despite the politics and favoritism via marketing and body of work, I retain relevancy throughout 30-plus years professionally.
Do you aspire to be like them or more like someone you have a stronger personal connection to?
As egotistical as it sounds, I do aspire to become more of myself.
Recall for us the first time you failed. What lesson did you learn from that?
I had trouble learning to ride a bike at 5. I kept at it and I achieved. I learned to be steadfast and focus on appointed goals.
In what way have you evolved over the last 12 months?
I’ve become more diversified in business and music.
When was a time that someone you didn’t know did something nice for you? What did they do?
About three months ago I was on the self-checkout line at the supermarket. I was purchasing a Kombucha. A woman, while processing her purchase, insisted I add my drink to her stuff.
Initially, I thought she was signaling me to go in front of her and make my purchase. Again, she said, “Come on, you only have one thing.”
So, she paid for my Kombucha and didn’t require anything from me.
How would you explain to someone the importance of valuing their time?
I would say Look at where you are, regardless of health or financial status. And contemplate where you could be based on time effectiveness.
What’s been the biggest blessing of your life?
Knowledge. |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker and Alex aka Grand Kai]
