Meet Michael Steven-Paul (Mikey Jay) | Rapper, Actor, Writer, Film Director and Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Steven-Paul (Mikey Jay) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael Steven-Paul (Mikey Jay), is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote is one that i came up with that i utilize in my everyday life which is “Behind Every Success Story There’s An Empowering Story.” People, whether they’re the general public within this society or business professionals such as entrepreneurs or civil servants have a bad habit of prejudging or for that matter judging people. They pass judgement upon people before sitting with the person or persons that they’re passing judgement on. For example i will use myself to explain. I’ve been blessed with a music career that has put me in the position as a celebrity figure to attain things in life that the average person cannot or is still thriving for. My status in the entertainment industry affords me many opportunities that others have not been blessed with and they allow themselves to generate discontent and hatred in their hearts and minds that only continues to block their blessings. They look at my cars, homes, clothes and other materialistic things as if I’m the status quo’ when in fact I’m just a man who was blessed with opportunities. Nothing more nothing less. So that’s when i would always say Behind Every Success Story Is An Empowering Story.” Even in 2023 you’d expect people to change their way of thinking but they haven’t, many people still assume things about your life instead asking you about your story. I give all the praise and thanks to God for every single blessing that he’s bestowed upon me. That’s my story.

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 artistic abilities pertaining to my musical talents and my film skills are not of the ordinary. Whether it be my music or my films I’ve always thought outside of the box. I could never follow the trend. Ive always thought of myself as a trendsetter. Set the trends don’t follow the trend. Always been a follow never a leader. My music tells a story. A story of everyday life, live and struggles. When im producing and building my tracks, the producer side of me is making sure to let my melodies and rhythms talk to the people just as my lyrics will. Whether you’re white, black, asian or latino You’ll be able to relate to my music. When it comes to my films i make sure to steer clear of what everyone else is doing. I make sure to be consistent with who i am as a writer, director, producer and cinematographer. I always have to make it my business to write and shoot as differently as i can. I don’t want people looking at my films as if they just seen something else like it. Im very unorthodox and i will always remain that way. My brain is different and thats how im always going to bring it to the audience.

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?
It’ll be three different destinations. I’ll make it a road trip. First we’re going to New York. Gotta hit up Melba’s and Sylvias in Harlem. Then hit up El Bohio on East Tremont in the Bronx for that traditional Boriqua food. Then take a subway ride to Yankee Stadium, The Apollo, Times Square, Staten Island Ferry, Empire State Building, Statue Of Liberty and Madison Square Garden for a Knicks game. After New York (My Home) we’re heading to Cincinnati Ohio. Gotta hit up Cincy for some of that Greters butter pecan ice cream but before Greters we’re gonna hit up Soul Secrets. The best damn Soul Food restaurant in the city hands down and then Crafty Crab. Best seafood boils ever. And the last place in Cincinnati would have to be Ggodfellas Pizzeria. That’s the closest you’ll ever get to New York pizza and i can’t forget Newport on the Levee in Newport Kentucky I love it over there. It’s very peaceful. Great for date night. And finally for our last stop it has to be the “A”. Atlanta is just dope. The food, the people the entire culture is just super dope. I’m looking forward to filming my next two films there.

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?
The first person I’d acknowledge and wil always give praise and thanks is GOD, ALLAH, JEHOVA, BUDDAH, No matter the name he is called, it is him i owe my life and gratitude to. The next is the man who died for me to have the potential to enter GOD’s kingdom and that’s Jesus Christ, Isa, Eissa All the names he is known and whom i will always owe my life. On earth i owe everything to the love of my life. My heart. My everything and that’s Bella Rae. She has stood the test of time with me and for me in ways you can never comprehend. Her wisdom and strength is unmatched. She’s my world and i love her. I also have to mention our son Jaeden Aigne. He’s the ultimate son. Never been in trouble nor has he ever gave any trouble. He’s the son of all sons and i love him more than life itself. There are many other people whom have made it their business to make sure that I’ve always remained the person that i am. I appreciate all of them for never being yes men. And i definitely have to acknowledge my little cousins Nolan, Samir and Ibrahim for wanting to be around me and wanting me in their lives. They are my world. And finally Egypt, Mya, Kash, Mia, Josh, Dominick and Ava whom i love very much. All of them have a very special place in my heart and soul.

Instagram: MikeyJayNYC

Linkedin: Michael Steven-Paul

Twitter: TeamMikeyJay

Facebook: Mikey Jay (Michael Steven-Paul)

Youtube: Mikey Jay TV and AIGNE AFG

Image Credits
Photo Credit Bella Rae Bond for BELLA’s EYE of Bella Bond Media