Interview conducted by Hugo Lunny
MVRemix: For those that are now hearing about you for the first time, tell us about yourself.
Jovonni: My name is Jovonni. I was raised in the Boogie down Bronx, New York. I am half African American and half Puerto Rican. I am currently attending college in Georgia as a freshman. Most
MVRemix: How important do you feel networking is?
Jovonni: In my opinion, networking is vital. It opens doors that may seem intangible without it. My advice to everyone out there is network as much as possible. You never know who or what that person may become.
MVRemix: As a songwriter, who has influenced you?
Jovonni: I have a ton of inspiration. My biggest two are Jay-Z and Ne-Yo. Jay-Z speaks wisdom; even on his most commercial-club bangers, he hides a message or two in his lyrics. The attraction of a club banger combined with a positive message. Pure genius. Ne-Yo, on the other hand, inspires me because he basically writes about situations that every one has been through. However, for some reason, he often becomes the first person to address those situations. Who else has written a song saying “I hate that I love you” or “It turns me on when you get mad at me”? Their both geniuses in my opinion.
MVRemix: How does living in the Bronx shape your attitude towards music, art and culture in general?
Jovonni: Even though I am pretty sure every artist says this, I honestly feel a sense of belonging in hip-hop. Being that the Bronx is where it all started, I feel like I absolutely must represent the culture in the best way possible. Hence, the way I carry myself.
MVRemix: Many rappers gravitate towards a moniker, or create one to rap under. What made you decide to go with your real name?
Jovonni: Well actually, I went by the name Playboy about 2 years ago. It was when I heard of a group called Cash Camp (Crank that yank) when I realized there was a member named “Lil Playboy”. Then I started to hear of so many artists with Playboy in their name. I didn’t want to make the industry and have to battle for a name. So I thought to myself,”Forget creating a character out of thin air, I’m going to just be myself, Jovonni.” I feel like people create their character in most cases. I didn’t want to be grouped with those people.
MVRemix: Your bio says you run two other businesses, what are they?
Jovonni: One business of mine is a Social Network called “PropAA-Azzi” and the other is an actual product line called “Moodees”. That’s all the light I’ll shed on those for right now. You’ll hear about them real soon [chuckles].
MVRemix: Now you’ve stated that you don’t rap about guns or drugs because you didn’t live that lifestyle. Do you feel that artists have to solely concentrate on experience, or is part of the creativity in rap telling a story?
Jovonni: My whole take on this is everybody has to understand that first and foremost, music is entertainment. I’m not knocking anybody’s life. Some people actually went through that and I respect that for real. However, for the imposters, why gravitate towards a fictional life that the majority of your listeners never breathed? Give your fans something that they can relate to. Relation between artists and fans are vital in an artist’s career. This is just my opinion because on the other hand, if you look at movies like “Scarface”, history has shown that violence, like sex, sells. I just believe in being myself to the public. “Real, no artificiality.”
MVRemix: Any thoughts on the recent related Rick Ross controvery?
Jovonni: I mean, Whatever Mr. Maybach did in his past is his business. I’m not saying I believe the rumors but if they are true, only reason I see people could lose respect for him is because he denies it. Big up to Ross nonetheless.
MVRemix: What are you currently working on?
Jovonni: Currently I am finishing up more projects to be released everywhere imaginable. First online releases, then performances, and to infinity and beyond. Bottom line “Look and Listen for me.”
MVRemix: What separates you from other rappers? Why should I opt to listen to your music above others?
Jovonni: I don’t want to sound like every other rapper here, but it’s just quality and consistency. Every song I have released to the masses has brought back so much positive energy. I never just “throw together” a song. I listen like a listener, if that makes sense to you. Then finally I’ll never consider myself a rapper. I’m a “Hip-Hoppist” and a pioneer to the Hip-Pop genre. Patent pending (Ha Just playing). Allow me to quote Sir Jay-z, “No matter how you slice it, I’m your mother fuckin’ guy.” [chuckles]
MVRemix: Have fun with this one, a la “Fight Club” – “If you could fight any celebrity, who would you fight”?
Jovonni: Definitely Lil Wayne. I was raised being taught, “If you want respect, you go up to the biggest dude on the block and knock’ em out.” I’m not talking big size wise. I mean big as in presence. I respect you Wayne and your music is hot, but sorry I’m coming for you.
MVRemix: Would you win?
Jovonni: Let’s see, I’ve been boxing for half my life, taller then him, heavier then him, and I guarantee I’m faster then him. Would I lose? [chuckles]
MVRemix: In a sentence or less, what do you do to relax?
Jovonni: Pshh… I throw on a beat provided my man Illa Jones, Vibe with it, and make a hit! [chuckles]
MVRemix: Do you have any non musical aspirations?
Jovonni: Definitely! I’m Going to school to major in finance. I want to become an investment banker. But ultimately, it’s “Become wealthy or cease to exist.”
MVRemix: What next do we have to look forward to from you?
Jovonni: Just tune into your local radio stations real soon. Visit www.myspace.com/jovonnimusic to listen to my newest projects. Look for me on the cover of USMI magazine in October. Females enter that Vonni Vixen contest for a chance to join me. Overall, in every crevice on this earth, you will find my music. That’s the goal.
MVRemix: Any last words?
Jovonni: www.myspace.com/jovonnimusic. First and foremost, I want to thank god for blessing me thus far and I want to pre-thank him for helping me sell a million units [chuckles]. I want to thank each and every last supporter of my music and my art. I want to thank MarWon for giving me insight to everything that he has shown me. Illa Jones knows he’s next on the list because he’s my partner in the “Hit-Making” department. I want to thank my mother and my sister for being there for me even back when I was recording on Adobe Audition (Got to start somewhere). I want to thank Young Handsome for pushing me musically. My business partner Jay of course. Last but definitely not least, I want to thank myself for every time life has pushed me back against the ropes. When that happens I bounce back with a Hook. No pun intended. Thank you for the opportunity to publicize myself and my character to the world MVRemix. Hopefully we can do another one in the future. “It’s Jovonni in your Area!”
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Yo duke has one track, just one and he got a interview? The fu**?