Since Queen Latifah's film career took off like a rocket, she has mostly abandoned a rap career that put New Jersey on the map in the rap world. Jamel Grant, a 25-year-old Jersey City native, says he will fill that void. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and J.D.Y.O says he will make big strides toward achieving that goal. "We're on the come up and I feel like I'm carrying the weight of Jersey on my back," J.D.Y.O says. J.D.Y.O, who grew up in the Greenville section on Bergen Ave., has had music in his blood since he and some friends won a talent show at Jersey City's Public School 38, a grammar school located on Stegman Pkwy. He defines his sound as "feel good music". "Sort of like Will Smith with street credibility," he says, citing that some of his influences include Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, and 50 Cent. Everybody in the whole state knows J.D.Y.O has the goods to go far in rap. Take Ova Productions, the independent production company that is ran by J.D.Y.O, lists 2 rappers, 3 singers, and 4 producers including J.D.Y.O himself. When comes to talent and passion, it will be hard to find another rapper or producer to fit the bill. With his blends of sounds from all over, J.D.Y.O's unmistakable voice brings what he calls that signature 'Take Ova' sound every time. "Hip-Hop these days is a music that has no borders. With the game going away from its usual East Coast dominated sound, the East needs a fresh voice," says J.D.Y.O. While artists have no real outlets to get radio play in the north, the south and west collaborate. "We need to have more outreach up here and break down these walls." J.D.Y.O is currently on the grind in the streets with his first solo album 'Take It Like I Give It'. His street savvy mixed with his ability to make a good record, adds up to a very consistent album. Tracks like 'Do Dat Dere' and 'Closer Than That', are what separates J.D.Y.O from the rest of the pack. But on the songs 'I Aint Stoppin' his style of story telling in which he calls 'Guap Talk', proves he can spit with the best of them. His new album 'Road Trip' is set to be released in May of '07. J.D.Y.O keeps his skills tight by hitting the studio everyday and the road where ever he's needed. "Somebody is always working harder to be better than you, so you have to train like a world class athlete. That way you'll be ready for the next man," says J.D.Y.O
JAY Z, 50 CENT, YOUNG JEEZY, LIL WAYNE, JIM JONES
FANTOM X6, FRUITY LOOPS REASON
