Interview with Rap Artist Jonathan Gutierrez, aka Baby Jay

Rap Artist Baby Jay: Keepin It Real

With the release of his debut hip-hop album, Keepin it Real, Baby Jay is delivering a message often overlooked or ignored by many of today's rap artists. Baby Jay, also known as Jonathan Gutierrez in his school, gives a message of unity, hope, and encouragement to the youth of today. In the wake of the all turmoil in the public school system, Baby Jay's message is being welcomed with open arms by many of his peers in school, as well as school districts across the State of Texas with no signs of slowing down.

Baby Jay, 16-years old, was born and raised in Galena Park/Houston, Texas. Even through adversity & struggle, Baby Jay still had the strength and the perception to dream big. Maturity has come fast for Baby Jay and his decision to work hard has moved him into the music career he wants.

On behalf of Just For Artists, we would like to thank you and welcome you to a community where individuals like you are making a huge impact on many people's lives. What does that mean to you?
It means a lot because what I do is positive music and I do it for the community and for the kids, who are our future. I feel good being a part of something that can make a change in the world and cause a positive impact.

How did your career begin?
Well, I started rapping when I was about 6 years old because my parents got divorced and it was hard for me. That was one of the obstacles that came between me and my dreams because growing up I thought that probably could've stopped me, but I kept my mind focused, my mind straight. Also, at the time my brothers were in and out of jail, but I still didn't let that affect me because I thought to myself that if being a rapper is what I want to be and that's what I'm writing my struggles about then that's what I gotta do. So I didn't let nothing come in between my dream and I just kept my mind focused. Professionally, I started my rap career at the age of thirteen and it's been taking off ever since.

Tell us a little bit about your album Keepin it Real.
The album Keepin it Real is about positive music, of course. It talks about saying no to drugs, accomplishing your goals, making sure you Aim for the Top, which is the name of one of the tracks. What it's saying is never give up on your dreams no matter what obstacle comes in your life because it's your dream, you gotta live it. Got a song called Whoa with a lil flow, which talks about saying no to drugs and Keepin it Real, which talks about how Jay keeps it real by staying in school, keeping his mind focused and head up.

You're also going a little bit to the next level with "Girl if You Were Mine." Is that your new single?
Yeah, that's the new single and we're also shooting a video for it right now, so ya'll be on the lookout for that.

What have been your biggest accomplishments?
One of my biggest accomplishments so far has been being one of the youngest voting members of the Grammy's and that's something big because I'm only sixteen. Also, being on national television with Bill Cosby, Rosie O'Donnell and Elmo, you know the little guy on Sesame Street. I'm still traveling to schools a lot; making sure that whenever I perform it may cause a positive impact on kid's lives.

You've been through many adversities and struggles, how did you manage to stay strong and conquer your dreams?
Well, I kept God first in my life. The way I got through my obstacles is by writing about the obstacle. That's what made me stay focused. I didn't take my anger out on it, but that's how I wrote it down with a pen and pad and that's how I stayed focused and my state of mind was great!

So you turned it into something positive?
Yes, something positive; that's what my music is about.

Being a young artist in a career that is so competitive and demanding, what can you tell those young people who aspire to reach such goals?
Just to keep their mind straight, mind focused. You're gonna have your ups and downs, but whenever you're down the only way that you can get back up is to stand right up and still aim for the top. You're gonna hit rock bottom, but just remember to gotta go all the way back to the top because you want to reach your goal.

Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from rappers that I was listening to when I was growing up, like 2Pac, Jay Z, Will Smith and also Carlos Santana, Jennifer Lopez, and Byonce. Everything they say I don't agree on, but I like every one of their styles because everyone has their own style and is unique, just like my style is being positive. That's music wise, but people wise I look up to role models like my dad, my managing company, and KB, who is like my brother to me, and my family of course.

What is the first thing you do in the morning?
The first thing I do in the morning is give thanks to God for letting me live another beautiful day and taking a breath of His beautiful Earth once again. Also to make sure that He keeps me out of trouble, and that my mind is straight the whole day and not let anything bring me down or let anything bad happen to me. I also ask God to let the people who don't have food eat and for the people in our world to be safe.

On April 28, 2007, your music video “Don’t Laugh at Me” received the prestige Remi Award at the World Film/Video Festival! Then, in August 2007, you became one of the youngest voting members of the Grammy's! You've accomplished many goals, but it doesn't stop here. Tell us where do you see yourself a couple of years from now?
A couple of years from now I see myself probably winning Grammy Awards, of course, still making positive music for the kids, traveling around the world, and spreading my positive words and music throughout the country.

How about being in movies?
Yeah, I see myself in movies and also having more books out; I got a book coming out. I'd like to be in a movie with Will Smith.

What can we expect next from Baby Jay?
We got the second album coming out. We're gonna re-release some tracks, but we also got the new hit single on it called "Girl if You Were Mine" and we're working on the video for that too so be on the lookout for the video. I also got a book coming out and I'm writing it with the youngest Latina book author named Juliana Gallegos. The name of the book is Voice of Hope and it should be out in late summer of 2008.

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your fans?
Yeah, I'd like to share with my fans that no matter what, remember to follow your dreams and accomplish your goals. Don't let nothing come in between you and your dreams. Just keep your mind focused and your head up and everything will be good. Keep God first in your life and anything can work out.

Is there anything you would like to share with your friends at Just For Artists?
Yes, I want to thank Yimy Chirinos. I want to thank him for having me here and for being a part of their vision, of course, and for believing in me. I wish them very much Success and I look forward to coming back and doing this again. I want to thank Just For Artists also for letting me be the first Rap Artist to be featured on here. Thank you once again and God Bless.

Read Baby Jay's Complete Bio

Baby Jay
Keepin It Real

Baby Jay's anticipated debut album now available Online

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For more information, please visit www.myspace.com/BabyJayMusic and www.baby-jay.com or contact Rolando Cuellar from Roland Entertainment at (713) 674-1984 or Rolando@RolandEntertainment.com.

Just For Artists would like to thank Baby Jay, Luis Gomez, and Rolando Cuellar from Roland Entertainment for all their love, support and inspiration.