Pierre Jonez comes to us from Fayetteville, NC although a Philadelphia Native. I enjoy his Hip Hop because I immediately absorb into it. From production value, to smart lyrics to an all around charismatic style, his first couple of songs were true gems. Some may put him in the same category as J. Cole, Wale and Pusha T but he truly is a standout, at least in quality.

 

In 2009, “Tailor Made” set the foundation for an angle of education and production value. From this perspective he comes to us sounding more professional than most after just a few years. He’s shared the stage Kid Cudi, Asher Roth and B.o.B. to name a few. He’s fresh off the press with new music so we’re grabbing this interview and thanking him for his support of our magazine as well!

 

THE INTERVIEW

 

Daniel/HRM: Please introduce yourself and tell mewhat style of pictures you prefer when buying a calendar.

 

Pierre Jonez: My name is Pierre Jonez, I am a Philadelphia native and have been rhyming since age 11. And to be honest with you Daniel, I couldn’t tell you the last time I purchased a calendar (laughs).

 

Daniel/HRM: Do you also cut the pictures out and make scrapbooks, photo albums, vision boards or anything like that with the pictures? If not from calendars from magazines?

 

Pierre Jonez: I have never cut out pictures.

 

Daniel/HRM: (makes sad face) Do you have a favorite magazine that you go to? And no, I don’t mean Hip Rock Magazine. (Laughs). One you really go to online or have a subscription to.

 

Pierre Jonez: Well besides Hip Rock Magazine (laughs) I am a big fan of XXL Magazine.

 

Daniel/HRM: What do you find most interesting to keep going to that particular magazine?

 

Pierre Jonez: I love the album reviews and the come up section as well.

 

Daniel/HRM: To date, how many features have you had on your music?

 

Pierre Jonez: As of today I have not had any features on my music thus far. But in the near future I can see myself doing some collaborations.

 

Daniel/HRM: That’s strange since your style seems beyond amateur. Glad we could be the first! Your music has been in development for quite some time. I appreciate your manager and crew there taking time to make sure it has all the right elements. What did you find most rewarding about the process of this album? And is it an album/mixtape or EP?

 

Pierre Jonez: “Identity” is a Mixtape that has the feel of an album. The most rewarding part of creating this mixtape was the opportunity to revisit old thoughts and reminisce. It felt great to have the experience of forming my life story together in 15 songs. And being able to share that with the world.

 

Daniel/HRM: What were some bumps in the road that aggravated you and how did you turn those into lessons and gains?

 

Pierre Jonez: The biggest bump in the road is always writers block. Because you get on a roll knocking out songs and then you get to one life changing event. And cannot figure out how to put it in words.

 

Daniel/HRM: Is there any specific song on there that reflects the process of getting the production together?

 

Pierre Jonez: “Identity”, which is the first song after the Intro reflects that process.

Daniel/HRM: I do enjoy the many meanings of the title. What single and video are you pushing right out of the gate?

 

Pierre Jonez: “Karma’s Song” is the lead single right now, and we are in the beginning steps of shooting that video. But “Cash Rules”, which is more up tempo and has some bounce to it, will come out shortly after “Karma’s Song”.

 

Daniel/HRM: In what ways is this musical offering different from the overcrowded genre? Honestly, I think every artist is unique by default and have their own stories. It’s just that most subjects seem to be super similar to what most others go through.

Pierre Jonez: “Identity” in its entirety is 100% legit and my life story from beginning to end. I feel that I can touch each and every person with my music, rather it’s a college student since I attend a college. My armed forces personnel and I myself served in the Army and deployed twice from Fort Bragg, home of the Airborne. And those from fatherless homes, athletes and upcoming artist.

Daniel/HRM: That’s cool. Thank you for your services! When was that pivotal moment that you knew music is what you wanted to do for a living?

Pierre Jonez: I knew I wanted to pursue music when I was 11 years old and heard LL Cool J.

 

Daniel/HRM: Is music a paying career now? If not, what is your day job?

 

Pierre Jonez: Music is currently not a paying career and my day job is going to school every day to finish my Associates Degree in Marketing.

 

Daniel/HRM: Now that will come in handy! What is in your current and near future referring to music?

 

Pierre Jonez: My current plans are to release “Identity” on the 14^th of January. And I just plan on perfecting my craft, while continuing to make Quality Rhyme Music.

 

Daniel/HRM: Have you been able to colab or share the stage with any big artists yet in your career? How long have you been pushing a music career?

 

Pierre Jonez: I have shared the stage with Asher Roth, Kid Cudi and B.o.B in Austin, Texas. I have been working on my music career since 2009.

 

Daniel/HRM: If you got had to drink fountain ink every time you misspelled a word while writing your lyrics and the only way to change this was to say the names of 3 artists you’d love to perform alongside of, who would they be?

 

Pierre Jonez: Well first off thank god for my teachers in English 101 (laughs) and I would love to perform with Jay-Z, Eminem and Kanye West.

 

Daniel/HRM: Where do you see yourself in the next few years with music? Also, with life in general?

 

Pierre Jonez: I see myself as an established artist in the next few years, along with having Quality Rhymes Music as a household name. I plan on being happy and doing what I love most, which is writing music.

 

Daniel/HRM: Was a goal sheet and positive affirmations part of your to-do list as far as reaching to make these dreams a reality? What are some of your positive steps each day to keep a positive mind set?

 

Pierre Jonez: I wake up, take a knee and give thanks to my lord and savior for letting me see another day. I turn on my music and critique it and also see how I can improve as an artist.

 

Daniel/HRM: Is there anything else you’d like to add before we get to that last Signature question I always ask?

 

Pierre Jonez: I would like to tell everyone to go and download “Identity” on January 14^th. It will be a great listen and well worth your time. I did everything I could do to provide you “Quality over Quantity”.

 

Daniel/HRM: Here’s the last signature question. Let’s say that you were in such a deep trance while writing music that you not only tapped into your own soul self but also began to receive messages from a very friendly spirit. One of the messages you received happened to be a motto you go by when times get tough. What motto is this and which song of yours best represents this situation?

 

Pierre Jonez: “Never let them see you sweat”. I would have to say that “Identity” and “Another Year” represents this situation.

 

Daniel/HRM: Thank you so much for your time. I do wish you great success with this dream of yours!

 

Pierre Jonez: This interview was great and thank you very much for taking time out of your day to conduct it with me.  Thank you Daniel and Hip Rock Magazine for having me. I have an “Identity” Promo box that I have to send you.

 

Daniel/HRM: Oh yes!!!! Send away my friend. I have a good feeling about you!

 

Story and interview by

Daniel C. Morrison – Hip Rock Magazine