By Carlos Cureno
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
One thing many have a hard time understanding is that everything isn’t for everyone. In music, this is especially true, as what one person did to be successful may not work out for everyone. Some artists may be successful for ten years, some may have a ten year hiatus.
Rob Jackson understands this, as he returns with his new album. He reached levels of success, back in 2002, but ended up falling from the public eye. Having to work his way back in, he has a hit in “Purgatory,” featuring Jonny Rice, that has gone viral.
Hip Hop Vibe was afforded the opportunity to speak with Rob Jackson about his current run. The interview touched on the previous success he’s enjoyed in the game. But, he primarily discussed the current game and his new music.
Read the entire interview below:
Seeing how you’ve already had success on a mainstream level, do you find it difficult to work your way back in the game? Not necessarily difficult, just different. But, the amount of fortitude and determination it takes to win is the same. The difference is, in 2016, technology has provided more tools.
Obviously, you’ve continued working since your 2002 success, but can you talk about the changes the game has made over the course of those fourteen years? Due to technology, the overall speed of the game has changed. Pace at which music is consumed has quickened, causing even good music to have a much shorter shelf life. It’s more single driven and less about complete bodies of work or albums. The availability of music via the internet has created a situation where every artist has a crack at the consumer. Not just those with a major deal. That’s a good thing. But, that also means that some twelve year old in his bedroom with a laptop is now legitimate competition.
Does looking at guys like Omarion inspire you to keep going, as he went nine years without having a hit single? What inspires me to keep going is a love of music, and a desire to make a contribution hip hop history that I feel is equivalent to my talent level. I don’t feel that has happened yet.
Being a native of Kentucky, why do you feel more rappers from your state have not found more mainstream success in hip hop? We are currently experience some musical success with rise of Bryson Tiller, right now. He is doing very well and that only helps us. His success is the first since myself and Nappy Roots. It’s hard to make it from Kentucky because there is no music industry infrastructure. There are no roads leading directly to success. As an artist from KY you have to build the yourself. That’s hard work and it takes time and sacrifice. That’s much more than the average everyday aspiring artist wants to deal with.
In your opinion, what is the biggest flaw in today’s urban music landscape? Just an overall lack of risk taking. Too many artist that are not willing to take chances creatively. It’s starting to sound like one long song out here.
How do you feel about the ongoing streaming wars between Jay Z’s TIDAL, Apple Music, and all the others? I think the competition between them is positive. Especially if it creates a situation where streaming can before a more lucrative experience for the individual artist. I think that happens faster in world where the different streaming services are forced to compete with each for original content. I think in the future artists will be business savvy enough to turn that into a form of leverage in regards to the numbers.
You have the single, “Purgatory,” with Jonny Rice out now. Can you speak on the other new music you have in the works? My goal right now is to just keep it fresh and consistent with the content. I plan on pushing the envelope creatively and making some music that is a reflection of what’s really happening around us. So look for that from me in the future.
Where can the people find you on social media? @RobJackson859 on Instagram and @RobAllDay on Twitter.
Watch “Purgatory” by Rob Jackson ft. Jonny Rice below:
Follow Carlos Cureno on Twitter @DjayyCharliee.
