By DJ Louie Styles
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Much love to the entire Tri State Area, but DJ Louie Styles is from New Jersey and represents the area. There are a lot of people in New Jersey who are making their name in the rap game, including Jonathan Sosa. Recently, Jonathan Sosa saw his internet buzz pick up with his “Manifesto” single.
Jonathan Sosa has worked with some of the big names in the game, such as Tsu Surf, and he has respect for the greats. His momentum is high right now and he continues to push forward. Because he is putting his all into his work, he is getting a lot of love for it.
It’s been a pleasure to be covering the On The Rise series and Jonathan Sosa being featured is great because of the home connection. Of course, there is love given to everyone doing their thing, but it’s good to recognize hometown talent. He spoke to Hip Hop Vibe about how he is navigating breaking into the rap game.
Read the entire interview below:
It looks like New Jersey is finally going to break through and gain a real place on the hip hop map, how do you feel about that? I don’t feel like we’ve ever truly gotten the respect that we deserve. We’ve had numerous artists make huge impacts on the industry, and still we’ve managed to be overshadowed by New York.
With that being said, I still feel like there’s a bunch more that needs to be done in order for us to really solidify our place in HipHop. We’re headed in the right direction, but I’m not quite satisfied as of yet…
What is it you can say about the music that comes from here that is different from all the other areas? There’s no gimmicks involved. I feel like Jersey produces some of the most talented, genuine lyricists in the game today. There’s definitely an interesting dynamic in our state because the further south that you go, the more the Philly influence begins to resonate in the music. That’s why we’ve been able to produce artists like Moruf and Apollo the Great who sound nothing alike, albeit both from Jersey.
You have songs with Tsu Surf and a few others, how did you link up with him? It’s crazy, because I don’t really know Tsu all that well. We actually both utilize the same audio engineer, and it was him who kinda bridged the gap between us. I have a tremendous amount of respect for what Tsu has been able to accomplish in his career, and I’m just grateful that everything panned out the way it did. So shouts out to Kyzer Soze at Alkatraxx Studio, because if it wasn’t for him, that “Que Sera” joint probably wouldn’t even exist.
Who are some other industry figures you rock with? I don’t normally do this, but I’m going to give y’all the top ten emcees that I rock with. Starting with the GOAT, Nasty Nas himself, followed by Jay-z, Biggie, 3 Stacks (Andre 3000), Eminem, Black Thought, Redman, Ghostface, Big Pun and Common. I know we can go back and forth on this subject ALL day long, but that’s MY top ten, take it or leave it!
Can you explain the concept behind your “Manifesto” single? “Manifesto” was me trying my best to portray the mental tug-of-war that exists within every hustler. On one hand you become addicted to the fast money and it’s a little easier to provide for your family, but on the other, you live knowing that any day could be your last. So when I say “It’s hard white to manage this hard livin’/cristal sippin given its God willin…,” that’s real shit. The majority of us feel like the risk is worth the word reward though.
When do you intend to release your next project? I don’t want to give you an exact date on the project because we’re still tying up some loose ends, but y’all should be expecting The Red Couch Chronicles to drop within the next few weeks.
Who are some of the people you will be working with? The Red Couch Chronicles is produced entirely by my right hand man JustMelv. As far as features go, I have a joint with Gabrielle Findley and I’m trying to link up with the homie Audubon. So if y’all can, have his people call my people so we can hash out the details on this collab (laughs).
Where can we find you on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram at IamJonathanSosa. My Facebook page is www.facebook.com/TheDigitalDojo. Feel free to hit me whenever, the love is always reciprocated….Peace and much love to ya!
Watch “Manifesto” by Jonathan Sosa below:
Follow DJ Louie Styles on Twitter @DJLouieStyles.
