We had the good fortune of connecting with John “JayStudd” Spencer and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi John “JayStudd”, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When it comes to “risk” I look at all possible outcomes. What could go wrong? What could I gain from doing this? Is it worth the time and effort to do it. I’ve taken a lot of risk when it comes to music and my career. You have to be ready to put money in, in order to get money out. You have to be prepared for the answer no, because yes is not always going to be the answer. In the past I’ve sent music to dozens of radio personalities. I’ve heard no over a dozen times. That one yes will change your life forever.
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.
My music itself sets me apart from any other artist. The things that I speak on are not just spoken to have followers or views, it’s real life. You will never, in any of my records, hear me rapping about things that I don’t have. I speak about real life situations that I have gone through, or are going through. That’s how I catch the attention of my listeners. I can say that I am most proud of receiving Best Gospel Rap Artist 2023 in the Golden Traingle Area from my home city of Columbus, Ms. This award means so much to me because it shows that I am recognized for doing something good. It shows that my city recognizes my talent and I’m forever grateful for that. Reaching this stage in my career was not as easy as people make it seem. You have to be dedicated to this. I’m a Christian Hip Hop artist, so it’s more difficult for me to be recognized by larger labels versus a secular artist. That doesn’t stop me from trying. I have interacted with a lot of famous artists who have given me their blessings in this music industry. I got here by praying to God, putting in the work, showing my dedication, cheering for others who have made it on before me, grinding day and night to put songs out, spending 7-8 hours in the studio with limited sleep. I chased my dreams. Now, that was the good part. I faced challenges along the way as well. While still working a full-time job, I had to find time to make it to the studio! Sometimes my producers weren’t available when I needed them, because they have families and jobs. I tell people, Covid-19 was a great thing for me. I was off work for months, which gave me the opportunity to put out one of my best albums, Touched By An Angel. I had those songs already written, but I just couldn’t make time to record until then. I’ve learned many lessons when it comes to being an artist. Everyone will not support you, everyone will not like your style of music, everyone will not buy your songs. That’s fine, but thank God for the ones that do. You have to be able to clap for another fellow artist when something exciting happens for them. You have to be able to clap for your fellow artist until it’s your turn. That’s what I did, WAITED MY TURN. I want the world to know that being a Christian, rapping for God, doesn’t mean that I don’t have fun. I still do things like regular people. I just don’t do the things I did back then. I love all of my supporters. I don’t call them fans, because I’m not famous, no matter how famous my supports treat me. I’m that country boy from Columbus Ms that loves to rap and praise God.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting my area, we’d probably end up at the bowling alley or a Dave and Busters. We’re big kids, we like to have fun. There have been times where we can be on the phone 2 hours plus, relating to life and joking. To be honest, a week long trip, would most likely result in us sitting around the house a couple days talking, catching up. We both work hard on a daily. Lol, and we both love good food. We might go to Top Golf, grab some wings, or a burger. Honestly, neither one of us go out like that. We just like little chill spots, you know, Applebees, watching a game at the bar, nothing major. The most fun places to me are Atlanta, and New Orleans. I go to New Orleans every chance I get for the seafood. Atlanta just has different activities that appeal to me. I can not forget Florida. I love the beaches there.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve got to shout out my cousin, Mark Selvie, formerly known as “SwisaBoi”! He definitely deserves a lot of recognition and is the main part of how I got to the point I am in life right now. Mark wears a lot of hats, on and off camera. From doing music, making videos, producing films, he is one of a kind. He is the inspiration behind me even getting into the music business. I tell people in every interview that I do, there would be no JayStudd without Mark Selvie. From day one, he has always encouraged me to perfect my craft. Whether it was pushing me to network more, make more music, interact with an artist outside of my genre, etc. That’s why I give him the utmost respect and credit for the artist that I am today. Along with a few other people, my wife, Cie Danielle, my mother, Mrs. Sue, and sister, Tracy, who have all been a big support system in my career. I thank God for them all.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjaystudd?igsh=MWNwMWsxcDdjYXJ4Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.spencer.7355?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@therealjaystudd8167?feature=shared
Image Credits
Michael Jackson Yung Tak’um Cie Danielle