J.O. Blanco Interview | Respect The Artist
From Brooklyn NY comes the next Puerto Rican phenom with the slick tongue and bravado to match.
His wordplay seems unmatched until his next verse topples his last. A treat for any fan of HIP-HOP and a true student of the game.
This lyrical monster started rapping at a young age and his wittiness, delivery, and lyrical dominance provide evidence for that claim.
In his own words..." rappers could live twice and couldn't be this nice".
How did you get your Artist's name?
I was called J.O back when I played basketball at Pacific High School(which doesn't exist anymore). And the name Blanco actually came from 2 things - I was once called the light-skinned Jordan but Blanco rolled off the tongue better in Spanish than light-skinned. And from a personal standpoint, the movie Carlito's Way is one of my all-time favorites. There's a character in the movie played by John Leguizamo called "Benny Blanco" from the Bronx and so I became J.O Blanco from Brooklyn. BOOM!
How did you get into creating?
I think most artists start with some sort of writing. My creativity stems from my writing of short stories and poems when I was younger. I think by the age of 13 - 14 it really evolved into rhymes/raps as I was exposed more to HIP-HOP. It definitely became an outlet and way of expressing myself but I did it for me. It wasn't until the age of 15 -16 that I put those skills on display and started battle-rapping kids in High School and in the neighborhood.
How has creating changed your life?
For me personally - it was an outlet. A way of expressing myself. As an artist, I love rapping and making music that's fun while still having you astonished by my skill set and wordplay. BUT I have things written that will never come out. Those songs/raps were purely to help take the weight off my shoulders at the time. I mean, I'll never say never but I do think there's a time for certain things to be released and it just isn't that time yet.
Where are you from?
I'm a Puerto Rican who was born and raised in Brooklyn NY. When I was young I primarily lived in Sunset Park and then spent most of my teenage years in East NY before bouncing from Crown Heights, back to East NY and then East Flatbush.
How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?
Of all the neighborhoods I grew up in, I believe East NY affected me the most. Growing up in Sunset is when I primarily got into a lot of trouble by my own doing but East NY felt like a whole different animal. My neighbor's son was shot to death in front of our home. Leaving my house to go to school, a man's body was found on the corner of my block stuffed in a shopping cart. I also ended up getting shot at over an altercation that had nothing to do with me so yea, you can say it affected me. It kept me on my P's and Q's, alert at all times, and ultimately taught me to mind my own business.
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
Read!! Read!! Read!! I can honestly say my vocabulary sets me apart from other rappers. I actually am conscious of rhyme schemes when I write and I listen to all genres of music outside of the country. I think a majority of artists box themselves into one type of genre and it ultimately hurts them artistically.
What does your current setup look like?
My current setup is my phone. lol, I write every day, throw in voice notes, etc. When it comes to recording - I'll go wherever I can to lay down some vocals.
Who inspires you? Why?
My life inspiration would have to be my mother. Through the good and bad she never gave up on me and was there to back me when nobody else would.
Music-wise, Fab + Eminem. I aspire to be as lyrical as Em and would love a back-and-forth track before he puts the mic down. And Fab is timeless!! Name another rapper who's adapted to the times without comprising themselves or art....I'll wait.
What is your goal when you create?
My main goal is to outdo myself. As much as I love the feedback of "oh shit", "omgosh", "he didn't just say that", that I get from people, there's nothing like the high of knowing you just killed your last work. In my opinion, it shows growth and far from that plato.
Why do you create?
Honestly, I write all the time. My past inspires me a lot but it could be a sound, place, something someone says or even a song that triggers something, and BOOM! Once those juices start flowing I don't stop writing 'till my brain powers down.
What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?
My go-to song right now hasn't even been released yet. lol, It means a lot to me, for the simple fact that every time I've performed it - the crowd has sung the chorus along with me. I can't wait to release it next year along with the visual. STAY TUNED!
What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?
As an artist - I want to be true to myself and put out timeless music. I like hitting all ends of the spectrum. At the end of the day I'm human and I have feelings. I want that displayed in my music whether I'm in a party mode, happy, sad, or just wanna shit "Off My Chest"- which is a single I've released. I'm not with the clout chasing or big on chasing fads. That's what freestyles are for - Look out for that "Munch" freestyle by the way lol
What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?
Sacrifice!! Dreams can't be chased if you're sleeping.
Tell us about your most recent release
Off My Chest: J.O Blanco dips us into his world as an artist coming up in the music business.
From lines that indicate deception in friendships to others telling of so-called fans leaving and running back with his newfound success.
As always, Blanco doesn't disappoint lyrically while touching on life itself - domestic abuse, jail time, and Roe vs Wade.
Since its release, the song has been shared and reposted by artists such as Summer Walker, Jadakiss, The Game, Fat Joe, Sheek Louch and Neyo. Check it out and let me know what you think!!
Check it out
http://open.spotify.com/artist/7DhMeAb3vGi0uKf0wMx37S?si=CzsBFPT1R_a18_64IRGayw
Connect
Instagram: http://www.instagram/JO_blancomusic
Photography credit: @viiewco
@nyc.buddha
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