Jeron Benito Champagne JR also known as JChampion is an aspiring American rap/ Hip-Hop artist who holds immense passion for music and everything that comes along with it. JChampion was born in a Gainesville, TX prison to a Black American father and a Puerto Rican/Brazilian mother. Growing up, JChampion had to face a fair share of hardships and struggles in his life which in a manner motivated and inspired him to pursue his passion for music and ultimately led him to tail a career as a Rap artist. JChampion always had a mindset of an impeccable artist and was geared up with the remarkable ability to adapt and write captivating and moving songs. This lyrical ability blended up with the experience of his life generated a formidable duo that assisted him in paving his own way to success. JChampion’s greatest influences include rap artists such as Kurupt, Jay- Z, and DMX, whose work lured him into writing songs and introduced him to the lyricist side of him. The brand Menace League is the latest endeavor of JChampion which he formulated with the single objective in mind to educate guide, motivate, and inspire the masses. JChampion believes music is the ultimate medium of expression and an artist could reach out to millions of people around the world through just one song. JChampion is not only in the pursuit of success but he dreams that his story could act as the blueprint for other aspiring artist to follow. JChampion is currently on the lookout for opportunities to expand his brand and business to a greater extent and he believes his street knowledge and swagger, and lyrical ability could help him in transforming his dreams and ambitions to a reality.
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?
First off the love of music, not just rap music, but all music. It always spoke to my soul in an uncanny way and of course the illusion of financial freedom was the other main influence that made me initially start to invest in a future of making music for a living. I wanted the lifestyle that I read about in magazines and saw in videos. I personified it all and it made me focus my goals on achieving those things. After I got more involved I started to learn that it’s 90% business and 10% talent and that all of the things that I dreamed of obtaining will be the things that create who I am musically. My role models are the moguls Master P, Dr. Dre, P. Diddy and Jay-Z. These guys rolled out the blueprint I’m utilizing to become successful.
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 would say Chinx Drugz, just based on the fact that the talent speaks for itself but the feeling of being overlooked and being loved more musically than what I personally feel I am, is where I’m drawing that comparison. I feel as if the grind I put in isn’t matching the success I expect as of yet, but like they say hard work always pays off.
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?
The loss of my brother and father. The understanding that my life is better than some, worse than others and the pure undying purpose to win. I understand life is short and I look back at times wishing I made better choices in some situations, but there’s no way I can adjust things I did, so my focus is just making the best moves on the things I do.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
The vibe when I feel the beat stare off into space and piece together every phrase until it says something truly intriguing. My writing process is write and don’t stop until the verse and/or song is finished. My recording process is Red Bulls and concentration as well as focus on how I’m going to say every word for a certain kind of cool verbal shock value.
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?
Work harder than the rest. Just keep grinding and staying excited while being creative. It’s hard but at the same time anything worth having is, so in the mean time to get noticed I’m just going to keep my online promo strong, continue to build relationships and put my best foot forward whether its performing, recording, etc.
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?
These days a lot of things that were once out of reach for indies are now obtainable. You can do a lot as an indie. You can grow fans, book your own gigs, make a lot of money, etc. but the majors can take you to a level that is harder to get to independent. The distribution playing field is different the short cut to fortune and fame but paying percentages is through majors and the do-it-yourself keep 100% is through the indies, its just more difficult.
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?
No, you got to keep up with the times. Beepers were once cool, so was A-track, cassette tapes, etc. Things evolve and you gotta keep up so you don’t have to catch up. It’s a lot harder these days to sell a CD on the street than it is to get paid off a stream. You got to have a social media presence these days to win. It’s all about what’s trending, once you’re trending you’re contagious.
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”?
Everyone has an opinion on what move the next person should make. On the real, when I put in a position were my music is selling to the point where people are calling me a sell out then ”let it be written.” My plan is simply to write what I feel and hope other people can relate to it.
9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Having a music empire like Diddy or Suge in the 90’s filled with talented local artists I’ve been watching on my climb up, having multiple streams of revenue from the investments Ive made whether it be clothing, branding, etc. on a yacht in Greece checking one of my accounts on one phone in one hand and checking the security cameras in my other homes and business in my other.
