Indie Music Artist Spotlight - J. Asadi

Founder and CEO of Dark Mafia Entertainment, J. Asadi has spent the past year growing his name and reach. With his fan base increasing with every passing second, he’s sure his new album Lazarus Experiment will reach its highest potential.

It wasn’t always the best of times for J. Asadi. His upbringing was far from perfect, but in hindsight, it put him where he is today. Growing up in an abusive environment took him to a dark place as he listened to the likes of Tupac and DMX. He notes, “I connect to darker sounding music because I am a dark artist. If you ain’t lived through nothing, then don’t turn my music on. It will be too hard for you, so stick to the bubblegum rappers because you won’t find one here.”

Far from the rappers one hears singing the hook on a Top 40 song pimped by Ryan Seacrest, J. Asadi does things his way and because of that has created his own style that strays from his happy go lucky peers. Songs like “Undefeated (Holy War)” and “Never Fall” are all about what he’s faced and how he continues to find it within himself to keep striving, surviving, and thriving. As for his lead single, “Sky’s the Limit” he notes its significance saying, “It is my declaration, and my motivation to keep grinding while encouraging others to get it how they live too.”

Each song represents J. Asadi and his latest,Lazarus Experiment. As an artist and CEO, he’s established himself as one of the brightest rappers in the game today. Having garnered recognition, the talented rapper is set to break a multitude of records with his new album Lazarus Experiment. The album is a fully embellished production that dives deep into J. Asadi’s life experiences with high-quality lyrics, captivating flow, and an exquisite sound.

With a dark approach to the rap realm, J. Asadi has stood out not only in song but live. He has performed throughout the east coast and Midwest, as well as in Okinawa, Japan when he was stationed there as part of the US Marines. Now he’s focusing on adding more cities to his list as he grows his reach, awareness, and label, Dark Mafia Entertainment, LLC.

1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?

Music has always been my way to release what feelings I may have or self-reflections on my life experiences. My influences are 2Pac, Biggie, DMX, Jay-Z, Geto Boys, Eightball & MJG, Ice Cube, and many others. As far as role models, I look at myself because I am only accountable and responsible for myself, meaning that I can only be myself and not like the next man.

2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?

I feel what separates me from other artists is my ability to do different genres, I am not scared to try a different sound or concept as long as it is genuine, and feels right.

3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?

Growing up in an abusive household and being in the U.S. Marine Corps gave me a tolerance to pain. I am disciplined and when faced with incarceration I was able to thrive and avoid compromising myself as a man because of my values and principles.

4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?

I smoke weed and just zone out. Put on my headphones and pretty much be in “Do Not Disturb” mode. I feel like I am competing against every other artist and don’t want anyone to feel that they could just go in and do my song better than I did. Everything is on point, even my adlibs. I write out everything.

5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?

I just use the resources that’s out there. If you’re making good music, then word-of-mouth will get you where you need to go. Like the works of Jesus, he only had 12 followers and look at the damage their mouths did. My social media account is low. I focus more on my music more than being “social,” and being consistent is what builds a loyal fanbase, so I focus on product-quality.

6.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?

I would like to think being on a major label is the way to go, but hearing how much you lose, I am unsure. I would like a major record deal because then my work would get recognition but if losing large amounts of money and my creative control is part of the deal, then I will remain independent. I’d only lease my music since I always own my intellectual property.

7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?

Its played a big part. I feel it takes away from the creative process because now you have to worry about entertaining people more than you already are. I think it is possible for an artist to survive without social media. If you have the right team then they can do the legwork for you to help you with your success.

8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?

I only think an artist is a “sell-out” when they stop doing music that feels right to them. You can see the difference as they grow in popularity, which can be a sign of growth in their music or they sold their soul for the money.

9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

In five years, I will see myself with more money than I can count.