JAIR (Jair Hakeem Golden) is an American rapper and songwriter. Born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina-- better known as “merk city”-- JAIR began making music at the age of 7.
He was able to successfully release his first single at the age of 15. Expressing himself through his music has allowed him to speak to the streets, the lovers and the backpackers.
We got the chance to interview Jair and here's what he said:
What first got you into music?
Growing up my mom would always have these test questions like what artist made what songs. Once video games like “GTA” came out with old school r&b, urban rap, I couldn’t wait to bring up music that I heard!
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I describe the music I make as “Facts & Vibes”. I typically go for beats that have great vibes, no matter how it’s structured really and then bring the “facts” (lyrics). Everything from the energy you’re getting in the tracks, to the words are coming from a true place.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I’d like to collaborate with Future. We’re both southern based artist with a style that’s so outside of where we come from. For years now i’ve been appreciating his musical uprising, style & cadence.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I rock with Polo G’s shows! I strongly think we make some good sounding music that’s kind of in the same park. Seeing his crowd reactions & the energy he gets back from the fans I know It’d be fire opening for’em.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
One message I would give my fans is “Be about the good”. Too much negativity & distractions makes it easier to for you to steer off a good path. Sometimes certain things may be called for but when it’s all love & positivity, things get sorted out better, way faster.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Right now if it wasn’t for my music career I’d be assisting my older brother with his. I’ve done other things like basketball, football, gymnastics, & even “MUAY THAI” but the equivalent to music was always the WWE. I’d probably be pursuing wrestling.
Where have you performed?
So far I’ve done shows throughout the DMV areas like Washington DC, Maryland, & Virginia as well as back home throughout South Carolina.
What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I really like field & park more as opposed to bar like Venues. I think I could be a little claustrophobic in clubs & bars but it immediately goes away once the music starts. However I do have shows lining up in the future from Atlanta, Charlotte, NC, Washington D.C, & South Carolina!
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
I feel like the internet has given both the artists & labels the means to reach the masses like never before. Your window of achieving certain successes & making it to certain check points become wider now thanks to the power of internet. It also can be your worst enemy if not used the right way!
Which famous musicians do you admire?
I really admire musicians like Common, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Drake, H.E.R. & many many more!
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Getting involved with Fraud. In 2017, I caught a charge for conspiracy, presenting a false claim & Forgery landing me a term not to exceed 5 years probation. It was a lot in that situation I took from like the motions of court, getting a lawyer, & even jail was just the furthest things to the left.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Do for others as well as self! Growing up my family & especially my pops being a member of the NOI (Nation of Islam) I was always reminded of how people can simply take things from you & have the justifications to do so. If the powers that be decided to turn your lights off, but you taught yourself how to build lamps then you stand a better chance seeing again you know? Doing for self makes the dependent list shorter.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
If I could change something in the industry it’d be the way Artist gets paid. Outside of things like merch sales, sync licensing deals, & touring, I don’t think it’s fair taking the consideration the work artist actually put in & contribute to certain platforms. Streams that is!
What’s next for you?
Next will be almost 1 year dropping new music every Friday, the shows are coming followed by some new merchandise dropping, new artist from my label & even some CBD products so stay tuned!
Watch Jair's latest single 'loverboy at heart'
Today, JAIR has made his mark on tik tok with over 100k views on his single “Loverboy at Heart.”
JAIR intends on releasing his next album in 2022 with the hit song “Lover boy at Heart” featured on the album.
Artist Music Link:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Yynhg9vw0GNkAdQWxUYmh
Artist Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/_thatsjair/
