23 July 2016 (released)
23 July 2016
Houston hip-hop duo 3Bubble & J. Grey are taking influence from sea to sea to craft music that breaks out of the moulds of the genre to find new ground. I spoke with them about how they blended their styles together and what's next for them on their way to the top.
Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to talk today. Congratulations on the new record!
How did you guys end up working together?
We met years ago through a mutual friend. Both doing music separately, we began to record together, and that grew over time into a duo.
What's the scene like in Houston in 2016?
To be 100% honest, we wouldn't know! Lol!! It's just as musically diverse as it is culturally. We have just been so encapsulated and engulfed by our own growth and sound, we haven't really followed what others have going on at the moment.
The album takes from a lot of different musical styles. Did you guys set out to make an eclectic record or did it come together organically?
All of our music is created organically. The structure is to be structureless. Whether it be hip hop, EDM, bluegrass, pop, or rock. If we hear it and feel it...It's time to record.
The old East Coast/West Coast styles are no longer separate, a lot of artists have taken on that southern style. What do you think of the new hybrid hip-hop?
It's healthy for creativity in our opinion. Creating genre-less music breaks down any sonic barriers. It also allows more people the opportunity to like music they didn't grow up listing to because of the region they grew up in.
What artists were you listening to while you were working on Live from the Pentagon?
None. While we made this record, it was imperative to bring a style and flavor that was unique. We felt that would be impossible to achieve if we meditated on other artists music. So we watched sports and news...but played no music that wasn't ours.
So many of the best hip-hop records are put out by duos. What do you get out of having another MC to play off of?
Well, that depends. You can have two people in a group together, and not benefit at all. But if you have a true duo, it gives you 2 songs in 1. Because of the musical trust we have for each other, we have made songs line by line going back and forth like a cypher.
'Betrayal' is a killer track, can you talk a little about what inspired it?
Sure. They know who they are. They know what they did. And success is the best revenge. That's the reality behind the song. And that's our truth.
What track are you most proud of?
We would have to say Hands Up... It's the song where we merged a couple genres and brought together a lot of races. That is our goal in music and life.
What's next for 3 and J?
We have another album coming out on Labor Day(09/05/16). This will be a compilation album called Pentagon Memoirs Vol.1. They will come out annually and consist of features from all of our affiliates throughout our journey in this music business.
What message do you want to get out to your fans?
Love God, Love Yourself, Love Music... In that order. #LFTP
