Jaejae
EBMAG What’s been going on Jaejae it’s a pleasure to have you here with us. First off can you introduce yourself to the readers?
Jaejae: My real name is Jason Jamaa’l Edmund, but I go by Jae Jae. I was born May 7, 1985, in Los Angeles, California. I am the youngest of 3 boys and the oldest of 1 sister. I have two beautiful kids a 4 year old son and a daughter that is 10 yrs old. They’re my inspiration. I had many equal amounts of challenges throughout my life. However, I’ve always found a way to overcome them. Singing has always been a tool for me to vent and release my frustration. Singing has always been a part of me ever since I was young. I started singing in church when I was about 10 years old. I never imagine it would take me this far. I’ve been on shows such as, American Idol, Making the band, and The Voice. Now I’m currently focusing on working on an album with Tha Sire.
EBMAG How did get started into the music scene?
Jaejae: When I was about 12 years old, I was heading to my middle school basketball game with my coach. He was bumping Dru Hill at that time I had no clue who they were. It was the group voices that caught my ear. After my basketball game, I immediately went home and looked up the group. The first video I saw was, “Sleeping in my bed.” That’s the moment I was inspired to make music.
EBMAG How did the name Jaejae come about? Does Jaejae stands for something?
Jaejae: The name Jae Jae was giving to me by a well-known rapper by the name of Nina Ross. I met Nina Ross in Corona California at Westside Bugg studio. My brother Robert and I had formed a group and we went around different stuidios singing hooks for various artist. We really didn’t have a unique group name. In fact, we didn’t have a name at all. So when Nina Ross asked us for our name we gave him our government name. That’s when he gave us the name JaiJae. JaiJae is the original spelling of JaeJae. Jai stood for Robert Taylor Jr. And Jae stood for Jason Jamaa’l Edmund. Once my brother Robert decided to depart I adopted the name, but changed it to JaeJae instead of keeping it original
EBMAG You’re currently on the label with ESOULJAHS along with Tha Sire how has that been going for you and your career so far?
Jaejae: Tha Sire, L, and The Esouljahs have been great to me. They have been with me through all my trails and tribulation. Mentally they help me overcome a lot of my dilemmas. Since day one I knew there was a special connection between us. I consider them my family. I know I can always count on them for anything. One thing that I have learned throughout my life is that God puts people in your life for a reason. Tha Sire and L have always been real with me and he’s always treated me like a brother. The love there family gives me is amazing. I’ve never felt like I had to be someone I wasn’t. They accepted me for who I am. That’s why I love them to death. Tha Sire has been helping me on my album and supporting my music. This year is going to be a booming year for THA E. A lot of great music out of our camp will shock the world. Working with Tha Sire I know all this is possible.
EBMAG We have seen you a lot in videos doing hooks. Tell us what is it about R&B that you enjoy and why R&B is the best fit for you?
Jaejae: I enjoy the feeling of being able to express yourself through songs that virtually anyone can relate to. R&B can take you from the state of being emotional to being excited. Being able to reach out to someone through song is a big deal to me. I’m virtual talented. What I mean by that is that I believe I can sing any type of genre of music if I put my mind to it. However, I chose R&B because of the effect it had on me. There is just so meant things you can do when it comes to R&B the sky is the limit. That’s why I decided to go this route.
EBMAG At this very moment who do you enjoy listening to when we classify R&B? And what is it about the artist or artists that intrigues you to perform at your best?
Jaejae: : I really don’t limit myself from listening to any type of music. However, I’m always listening to Tank, Tyrese, Chris Brown, Brandy and the list goes on. Tank is my favorite artist right now because he’s just super talented. The man writes, produce, play music and is a great vocalist. He really inspires me to want to be a better me. I honestly don’t feel he gets the respect he truly deserves.
EBMAG Jaejae how long have you been on the scene?
Jaejae: I’ve been on the scene since 2007 when I met Tha Sire. He’s taking me to the next level and showed me that dreams can come true.
EBMAG Tell us a little about your style of singing and techniques you use to improve your craft?
Jaejae: Some people say I sound like Dru Hill, Jodeci, Tyrese, Tank or maybe even Jamie Foxx. However, I consider myself soulful. I can’t categorize myself as anyone because I learned from multiple people and took a little from each artist to help create my own style. But then again, I don’t mind being told I sound like these people because their all great singers. I think it’s a great compliment. I’m also looking to improve my craft every day. I’m always studying new artist such as Chris Brown, August Alsina, Jason Derulo, Jeremih etc. The new style of
music is amazing. I have to continue to keep up with it in order to improve on my skills.
EBMAG Are you working on any current solo projects?
Jaejae: Right now, I’m focusing on completing a mixtape with Tha Sire. As far as my album, that’s something I’m going to work on later on this year. I do have a lot of songs complete to make an album, but I like to focus on one thing at a time. It’s all about being patience and making calculated moves.
EBMAG Before you got put on to ESOULJAHS camp who was you with at that time?
Jaejae: I was working with an A&R that worked as an intern for Sony Records. Her name was Auni G. My spelling may be just a little off, lol. Anyways, I was on the edge of signing a deal with her, but my manager at the time said it wasn’t worth it. Therefore, I continued to working independently.
EBMAG Would you ever sign a deal if you was approached with one? (Why or Why not)?
Jaejae: It all depends on what the deal consist of. If the deal is going to support my Esouljah family then yes I’ll consider. However, I would need to negotiate all of it with Tha Sire and L since I’m 100% loyal to them before making any kind of moves. One thing about me is that I am always staying true to THA E because they have always been true to me.
EBMAG What makes your music unique in today’s music?
Jaejae: I’m a true vocalist. I sing from my heart. A lot of these new artists are missing that and I’m not knocking anyone down. I’m just saying that music has shifted in a direction and there are very few artists out there that can really give you that soulfulness. Tank is one of those guys that does. There’s other artist too, but I’m a Tank fan so I reference him a lot.
EBMAGWill you be doing any touring this year? If so in what city would you like to start your tour?
Jaejae: I really don’t know if I am going to tour this year. It’s all up to Tha Sire and what the team decides. I would love to tour to get that exposure, but honestly, touring isn’t really big anymore. We shall see what happens later on this year.
EBMAG Every artist talks about making a difference in the music world. How can you change or set a positive attitude for the young youth providing style, knowledge and education thru your music?
Jaejae: I come from a dysfunctional family where I know a lot of young inspiring artist can relate to. Living in the gudda is real to me. So, I know with my music I can reach out to those artists and show them that you can make it if you put your mind to it. It’s all about surrounding yourself with positive and likeminded people. Not letting their negative environment control their future. If a single father of two kids with a full time job and going to school full time can do it. I believe anyone can do it to. With a lot of praying and believing anything is possible. It all starts with you and your desire to want better. I have always had a burning desire to want better and I never let anything or anyone stop me from moving forward. That’s what I would provide to my young youth.
EBMAG Who all have you worked with thru out your career Jaejae? And if youhad the opportunity to work with any main stream artists who would it be and why?
Jaejae: Let me see…… Where do I start… I’ve worked with Kokane the Rapper, Westside Bugg, Nina Ross, Tony Yayo, Jayo Felony, 40 Glocc, K9, and the list goes on. I would definitely love to work with Tank or Chris Brown. I really like what they’re doing for music right now and I would love to be able to work with them.
EBMAG Where can listeners go to hear your music and purchase from?
Jaejae: Right now, all music can be bought and any info on the camp should be directed to our site WWW.ESOULJAHS.COMEBMAG
EBMAG Would you like to add any additional words or shout outs Jaejae?
Jaejae: Shouts out to my kids Alajah and Fatboy. Daddy loves you both dearly. I want to give a shout out to Tha Sire and L for helping me through this journey. You guys are awesome. I want to give a special shout out to Des and David Jr. I love you guys just as much as I do my kids. You guys have also played a major role in my life and music. Thank you guys for all your support. I want to give a big shout out toEBMAG for giving me this opportunity to express myself and be me. I will never forget this moment. This is one of the most amazing moments of my life and I really appreciate you guys. Thank you so much. Last but not least I want to thank God for everything he is doing in my life. Without him I could be nothing. Without him I would fail. He has blessed me with people like Tha Sire and L who I really consider family. Like I always say, “Everything happens for a reason.”
