The Sweet Lyfe: Interview with J-Sixx Certified

When a person thinks about Houston Rap, the names that come to mind are Geto Boys, Slim Thug, Chamillionaire and Mike Jones, but Houston has a lot of artists that bring just as much to mind for instance, J-Sixx Certified. The Sweet Lyfe Blog had a chance to talk with J-Sixx check it out:

Tae:
Who is J Sixx Certified and how do you stand out from being another run of the mill rapper?

J-Sixx:
I was born Jason Graves and I am a 27 year old underground Houston artist. I stand out because I have several styles so I can’t be considered your average rapper, everyone else may stick to the style of their city but having traveled to different cities, I am able to showcase different styles and bring something different to the table. The fact that I don’t use profanity also makes it easier for all ages to listen.

Tae:
What inspired you to become a rapper?

J-Sixx:
I got my inspiration from the fact that I am able to make a difference with my words and through my experiences. It’s a good feeling to be able to express myself through music and see that I am able to touch someone’s life.

Tae:
Who would you say influenced you the most musically?

J-Sixx:
I would have to say that Michael Jackson influenced me the most, he is the epitome of music. His music speaks volumes to everybody around the world and his status is so crazy that if he wasn’t an inspiration to anybody that chose to step into the music game, they need some re-evaluating. What grown man do you know besides Jesus can make grown men cry and pass out? (Laughs)

Tae:
Where did you get your name and what made it stick?

J-Sixx:
J-Sixx actually wasn’t my first choice. My first choice was Mr. 6-One-0 but people who would talk to me would automatically shorten it up and just call me 6 so I decided to go back to the drawing board and see what I could come up with. I wanted something that would appeal to the masses but also something that would easily roll off the tongue of ladies. The J came from my first initial and the sixx came from several things. Six was the age that my daughter was when I first saw her because of my military career and it’s the number of letters in my last name. The extra x was added because sex sells. The fact that 6-One-0 and J-Sixx are so close is merely a coincidence.

Tae:
What can people expect from you in 5 years?

J-Sixx:
People can expect to hear my name and music coming out of people’s mouths, iPod’s, computers, cell phones, TV’s and radios. Everyone from the age of 6 to most senior citizens will be listening. I make music for all ages so it’s not going to be a song that a person would have to worry about their child hear or a grandparent telling you to cut it off. I don’t settle for less, so I expect greatness.

Tae:
What upcoming projects are you working on?

J-Sixx:
I’m actually working on several mix tape projects. One entitled J-Sixx and Friends and my solo/debut album “Welcome to the Lion’s Den. I’m working on getting a group of male and female models for my entertainment company and I would like to cover every market of the industry so that when people contact me, I can sort of be like a one stop shop. I will have everything you need in one phone call.

Tae:
How can people get in touch with you?

J-Sixx:
I can be reached via e-mail at jsixxcertified@yahoo.com or MySpace at www.myspace.com/ftbent.