Lil J

Submitted by Sirion Sewell
Phone Interview on Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:30pm

You may be confused with all the Lil’s running around but Lil’ J. is one to not be overlooked. J has the determination and drive to take him where he wants to go. At 16, he’s already a recording artist, writer, and actor. He’s Hollywood Records budding rap phenomenon. With influences like: Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown and Usher, he can’t go wrong. This kid is sure not to miss. With his first c.d. behind him, he is already hard at work on his second LP. You’ll either love him or hate him. You might call him a jack of all trades. But whether you like it or not, Lil’ J is the future. Just accept it.

If you would like to know more about Lil’ J. check out the interview I did with him below.


Sirion: What is your real name?
Lil’ J: Jonathan McDaniels
S: How old are you?
J: 16
S: What grade will you be in?
J: 12
S: Where do you reside?
J: Los Angeles, CA
S: When did you first know you wanted to start rapping?
J: I first started when I was about 6 or 7 and a lot of the stars and people that I had met and rapped for, said that I could do it and so I just went for it and pursued my dream.
S: How did you get discovered?
J: My personal manager Richard Tucker and a friend of his, Livio Harris, who is the CEO of my management company, T-West Entertainment, took my demo tape and a video to Hollywood Records. They liked what they saw and set up a showcase with me for the Hollywood staff. I rocked it, they loved it, and I got signed.
S: Jermaine Dupri and Kandi laced your first single, “It’s the Weekend”. How was it working with them?
J: It was cool. I had a good time. I went out to Atlanta to the studio with JD, we just did our thing and came out with it.
S: How would you describe your rapping style?
J: I would say my rapping style is really different, because sometimes I can sound like I’m from the East coast or the West coast. For me being my age, it’s real adult like.
S: What do you think you bring to the rap game?
J: I believe I bring back entertainment. It’s already been brought back I’m just helping to bring it back. You want to be entertained, you know, when you come to a show you want to see people dance, sing, rap, or whatever they do, give you a whole show. When you come to my show you see 20 minutes worth of dancing and rapping. That’s what I’m about. Giving you the whole package.

S: Do you write your own lyrics?
J: Not all of them, I do write some. I usually work with a team of writers to create a song.
S: What did you think when you first heard your song on the radio and saw your video on t.v?
J: I flipped out! Hearing my song on the radio and watching my video on BET was kind of crazy because you wonder how many people are listening to your song or watching your video. I feel really blessed.
S: What was it like making your first video?
J: It was fun, I had a great time. My whole family was with me on the set, it was like MTV’s Making The Video. It was a good experience.
S: What artists would you like to work with in the future?
J: Wow, I’m not sure. There are a lot of hot artists out now like: Ludacris, Usher, P. Diddy. I wouldn’t mind working with them. I admire them.
S: Is it tough being in an industry that is mostly dominated by adults?
J: I would say it is. Adults expect you to act more grown up like. You can still be a kid and have fun but also show them that you can be professional. And at the same time it’s fun because you’re doing something that you love.
S: Do you have any movie projects in the works?
J: I’m currently working on some things that I can’t mention right now. I might start work on a film featuring: Steve Harvey, Beyonce, and Cuba Gooding Jr.
S: Word is, that you were up here not too long ago performing, is that true?
J: Yeah, I was in Seattle in January. I performed at the Catwalk. It was real cool. I had a great time out there. I love Seattle.
S: What are your hobbies:
J: I love basketball, rapping of course. I also like to play video games, chill, and go shopping.
S: What has been the best part of being a star?
J: I would definitely say, the fans. When you’re up on stage and they’re calling your name and showing you love, it’s a really great feeling. They make you believe in yourself.
S: I’m sure the girls want to know, Are you single?
J: Yes. And I’m still looking.
S: Do you have any crazy fan stories?
J: Yeah, I have one. I was on tour with B2K and IMX, and we were in Detroit and had to go through the back door of the venue to get to our bus and like 5,000 fans found out where our bus was and crowded around it. We had to run to the bus, through the fans, with security and my hat and du-rag got snatched off and the members of B2K got their jerseys ripped. Then the fans started rockin’ the tour bus. It was crazy!
S: Who are your favorite music artists?
J: # 1 Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, and Usher because they’re all entertainers and that’s what I’m trying to be. I like other rap artists as well. I’m feeling everybody.
S: What are you bumpin’ in your c.d. player?
J: Ludacris, Eminem, Grindin’-Clipse, and other stuff.



S: What advice would you give someone looking to get into the music industry?
J: Go out and network and meet people. Make yourself and your needs known. Keep working hard at your goals, rapper wise, production is important. I worked really hard as a kid and hustled, I was determined and look where I am today. If I can do it, believe me, so can you. Just keep going after your dreams.
S: Where do you see yourself in five years?
J: Hopefully, owning my own company. I want to be like P. Diddy and Master P.
S: I know there were rumors of you being on the Scream II Tour, but I understand that you wont be on that particular tour, do you have any plans of touring?
J: I’m not sure right now. I might get out and tour more but right now I’m working on my second album and some films.
S: That’s about it, do you have any questions for me?
J: No, but thank you, I appreciate it.
S: Thank you for your time, it was cool talking with you and much continued success.
J: Thanks, stay tuned in to the web site, you can also reach me there.

*Some phrases have been shortened due to space/time requirements and other variable factors.

For more on Lil’ J visit:
www.lilj.net
www.welovelilj.com
www.hollywoodrecords.com
www.t-west.net

If you don’t already have Lil’ J’s debut c.d., “All About J” then you should run, (but don’t trip) and go get it.

A few words I would use to describe Lil’ J:
-Very down to earth (like the lil’ homie)
-Cordial
-Intelligent
-Grateful for where he’s been and where he is
-Articulate
-Level headed and on point
-Professional beyond his years
-Just plain cool

Special thanks to Lil’ J and Sebek S. at T-West Entertainment.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me via email at: Sirions_98168@yahoo.com