J.Nolan, born Jamar Nolan is a 23year old Hip-Hop artist in Atlanta, GA. He is originally from New Haven, CT and spent a brief part of his childhood in the Bay Area of California. Striving for excellence, Nolan has built a solid reputation as a lyricist oft-acclaimed for his technically sound wordplay and potent imagery about his environment. Nolan began rapping at a young age of 8 and since then has dropped 5 projects including his latest Distinction which made our Top Of The Month section.
In 2005, J.Nolan and Yung B Da Producer formed The Manifest Movement, which is the imprint they release music under with assistance from Real Fellas, Inc. And he also belongs to the TSST collective crew. J. Nolan has a style that is rare amongst new comers which stays real to the culture of hip hop and brings back the essence the 90's created.
OK-Tho:
So your from New Haven CT, at what age did you leave and move to ATL?
J.Nolan:
My family first moved to Atlanta when I was about 5 years old, but we left shortly after that. I came back when I was 9 and I've lived here ever since.
OK-Tho:
Is there a way you can describe the difference between the music scene in CT and ATL?
J.Nolan:
Both local and commercial. Every music scene is pretty similar. You got the popular cats and you got the "underground" heroes. Atlanta is just a major market with more opportunity and music culture behind it. You can't really compare the 2 'cause no rapper from Connecticut has ever been a mainstream success.
OK-Tho:
Also you spent some time in Cali, ever think to go back out there?
J.Nolan:
Nah, not really. Most of my family lives out there and I've got quite a bit of support from California. I just don't see it as a home base for me. I've come to really love Atlanta in recent years. I'll probably always keep my home here.
OK:
You say you started rapping at age 8, so what and who were your inspirations growing up which got you into becoming an MC?
J.:
My older brother got me started because he was doing it first. Early inspirations were Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and DMX. They were 3 of the biggest names at that time. I would substitute my own words to "Ruff Ryders Anthem" when it came on the radio and that kind of gave me more confidence after awhile.
OK:
Explain your Manifest Movement and TSST, let us know what they are about?
J.:
The Manifest Movement is basically my independent imprint that I started with Yung B Da Producer. We're in business together and it's just our platform to release music. We have 2 official releases, The Upbringing and Distinction. TSST is more of an affiliation. This artist out in southern California named Turbo started it and he extended his hand to form an alliance out of respect. I'm more actively involved with my Fresh & Local team. We'll be properly introducing ourselves very soon.
OK:
You have 5 projects that you have released and your only 23, thats dope. Now out of all 5 projects, have your motivations and personal preference as far as type of musical style and own rap style changed since Broken Dreams?
J:
My basic motives haven't changed. I make music because I love it and I write from a very honest place about who I am and how I feel. It's just now that I'm more seasoned and older, my tastes have expanded and I understand music beyond just rapping. There's a whole presentation that has to register with the audience so I focus on everything now.
OK:
Do you think you have found your sound now or are you still trying to find your niche?
J:
I've definitely found my sound, but anyone with longevity knows you have to grow over time. My main goal is always keeping my foundation in God more than anything. Sound wise I can honestly do whatever. I just prefer more soulful and eclectic sounds because that's what speaks to me.
OK:
Listening to your latest project Distinction, I wasn't too familiar with the producers. How did you link up with most of them and are there any producers that you work with exclusively?
J:
Production is a focal point for me. I work exclusively with everyone on the project, pretty much. Kev The Sureshot and Blizz Cartel have been producing records for me like 6 years. Yung B's been my primary producer since high school.
OK:
Are there any up and coming artists you favor and are impressed by?
J:
Mostly my peers. JusThoughtz, ForteBowie, and Stevie Crooks are all very talented artists and they all have different styles. Yung B Da Producer is currently my favorite rapper, though.
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OK:
What are your biggest accomplishments?
J:
I haven't accomplished anything in all actuality. I've been featured in a few magazines, got a couple cool websites and industry people to know who I am and that's kinda fresh, but I'm nowhere near where I'm gonna be 2-3 years from now. My biggest accomplishment is staying true to who I am and never being taken off this path I chose.
OK:
Name 5 of your top albums of all time?
J:
Wayyyy too many to choose from. Illmatic and It Was Written by Nas, Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z, Muddy Waters by Redman, and The Coming by Busta Rhymes. That list can change at any time, though.
OK:
If you had the opportunity to choose any 3 producers and 2 features for a project, who would you get?
J:
Producers: Timbaland, Pharrell, and Black Milk. Features: Bilal and my dear friend Jae Franklin. The list goes on, but I don't have enough slots to fill. lol
OK:
Give us two movie genres that best describe you?
J:
Horror and comedy. They're both funny to me and if you really listen to my lyrics, you'll see that those 2 movie genres inspire me more than any particular artist ever will.
OK:
Carmelo or Kobe?
J:
Kobe, easily. Carmelo hasn't done anything compared to Kobe statistically or in terms of influencing the sport. Plus Kobe's on the verge of retirement and still gives Melo fits on that court. That's too easy. lol
OK:
Best track of yours you favor?
J:
"Cosmic Cruise" is a one of a kind song. That's a song that I can confidently say is unlike any other record I've ever heard just as a fan. But I still feel like I'm about to make something better.
OK:
Whats the future looking like for J Nolan? What can we expect from you?
J:
You can expect me to be the illest emcee out for awhile and great effort to push myself as far as I can go. I can't control what opportunities open up for me or how the public receives me. I just want people to listen with an open mind and see that I'm not really competing with anyone that's out right now. I'm looking at Nas, Jay, Lupe, and 3 stacks. They've proven themselves to have undisputed moments of greatness, regardless of record sales. I feel like I should be coming into that conversation.
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