Meet Jayy Maadniss: Hip-Hop Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jayy Maadniss and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jayy, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always wanted this type of life. Had I known I’d be going through so many hurdles I would have started earlier. I’ve been an artist/creative in some way shape or form since I could remember. When I was a kid you could always catch me drawing, watching music videos & movies then subtly pretending I was the main character afterwards, writing poetry, etc. Basketball was my first love, then I fell in love with hip-hop. Once I realized I had talent and music was what i wanted to do, it was on from there. 10+ years later and I’m still pursuing my dream.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is just me being me. You have to have met me to understand that I’m a different type of person & music is how I express myself. Not everyone appreciates me or my art but I do it for the ones that do. Art is just that, art. So I’m creating a picture with my voice, actions & words. It’s either you feel it or you dont. On this journey I’m still learning things about my family and myself that were once forgotten or never revealed. I’m not a snitch by any means, however I’ll find a way to tell mine and my family’s truth one way or another. The picture is bigger than me. I’ve overcame so far by not quitting. Believing in myself and what I put out. Not leading by hype but letting the art speak for itself. Not only speaking from my mind, but speaking from heart.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I wouldn’t recommend any going out these days unless you have a mask. However, in the scenario where everything’s open, if it’s a Monday. We’re going to the Monday Night Brewery on the West End for Controllerise. We’ll have a great time there & pick up some vegan food from 7 Suns 2 Moons. Throughout the week, we can go to Krog Street Market & Edgewood. Maybe stop by the aquarium then walk around downtown. On the weekend, I’ll take my best friend to the Starlight Drive-In for a double feature then maybe to Cascade to go skating. If not that, then maybe Andretti’s. It’s a lot to do.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom & her side of family. At first I was a sheltered kid, the youngest of 3 boy cousins from 3 single black women & granny was the foundation. S/o to my Dad & his entire side of the family. We weren’t always around each other but thanks to them instilling core values and morals in me, god knows where i’d be today. I’d also like to thank Virginia, North Carolina & Maryland for molding me into the man I am today.

Website: https://linktr.ee/jayymaad

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayymaad/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwMo67V9VxLrX0lszb-gWCw

Image Credits
@wave.beast.prod, Darius Dalton, Whimsical Photography, Hasain Downey, Fulani Jabri