Conceptual, uplifting, commercial hip-hop from the eyes of an 8th grade teacher.

14 MP3 Songs
HIP-HOP/RAP: Hip Hop, HIP-HOP/RAP: Party Rap

Details:
In a business that is dominated by fictional personalities and egos, J Beck had been trying to find his âidentityâ in the rap game. Pressure came from collaborators and record labels to create a persona that would engage the average commercial listener. His white skin and suburban, middle-class upbringing along with a humble, âguy next doorâ attitude is not what most people think of when picturing a high-energy hip hop artist. After heavy demands to fit the stereotypical mold, J Beck decided the only way he could continue to make music would be by keeping it true to his real self. His album Just Me is focused on his own creativity and experiences, even if they are unique from most hip hop artists. âDedicated to bringing purpose and diversity to rap, Becker prides himself on his originality and content,â Kari Jones, The Big Green Magazine.

To add to this rapperâs unique identity, J Beck is known to many as Mr. Becker. As a teacher on the south side of Chicago, he has seen the impact and influence mainstream hip hop music has had on the youth of America. With the hard hitting production of âRise Upâ, J Beck challenges listeners and creators of hip hop music to rise above the negative messages that music can send: âIf you want some real talk between you and I / I think some blame should be placed on who heâs influenced by / Look at who in America that we idolize / We need to revolutionize man itâs time to rise.â

Each track is very conceptual, taking on issues from chasing a dream to growing up in the 80s and 90s. While J Beck is considered a conscious artist that creates music out of his experience and ideals, his catchy melodies appeal to all types of music lovers. He grabs listeners by complimenting a smooth flow with production that is all over the map. Just Me features hard-hitting club tracks like âIndieâ, âShake It Offâ, âFeel the Flowâ, and âOn the Grindâ that attracts mainstream hip hop listeners, yet steering away from degrading and negative messages. The tracks âWhat People Sayâ and âThat Oneâ possess catchy hooks along with a charming flow that is sure to attract female listeners.

J Beck's influences stem largely from conscientious Chicago artists like Lupe Fiasco, Common, and Kanye West. However, through years of writing, recording, and performing, J Beck has now developed his own signature style of hip hop music.

The seven years of producing hip hop music has allowed for J Beck to gain a solid fan base as well as collaborating opportunities with many producers and artists, most notably Christian Nelson from Grand Rapids, and Chicago artists like Rennessy, Spike Rebel, and Ace Cass. He has performed in numerous and diverse venues from Club "O" in Canada to the "Block Party for Peace" in Humbolt Park. The new album contains six different producers along with three featured artists.

The intro titled âRound 1â gives a metaphorical view of J Beckâs rise in music and the struggles to create the album Just Me by comparing it to a heavy weight boxing match. While the training and hard work is not over, this MC is ready to rock shows and impress many music-lovers with his hard, upper-cutting album Just Me.

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