Jai Harris – Interview
by Darnell Teague and Shattara Camacho
CMB had the honor of interviewing Denver’s own visionary, “Jack-ie of all trades,” Jai Harris. Learn more about his gifted woman, and then check out her new compilation release, Disconnected Vol. 1.
CMB: Where are you from and where did you grow up?
Jai Harris: I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. A neighborhood called Park Hill.
CMB: When did you realize you had a talent for words?
Jai Harris: When I was 7 years old I wrote my first poem. When I was a freshman in college, I entered a poetry contest and got second place. I enjoyed the performance and went on to join a slam team, to the Apollo and perform for legends.
CMB: Who inspires you?
Jai Harris: My grandmother inspires my creative expression, drive, and hard work. She made me very creative and I always wanted to make her proud, so I’ve always had a very strong work ethic. Losing her has been the hardest thing I’ve ever dealt with, but she prepared me to be great, and I have to live up to that for her. In 2007 I also lost my little brother, Damien “Yung Marq” Harris; he was a rapper in Atlanta, GA. He was killed in a murder/ suicide while trying to help a co-worker. He was only 17 years old and had 3-month old baby at the time. To lose the people I loved so much, so fast, and so unexpected, made me realize that every day is a blessing. We must seize it because when we are gone how will they remember us? What will be our legacy? We can be here today and gone tomorrow so Live Your Dream!!
CMB: How would you classify your poetry/hip-hop?
Jai Harris: I think my flow/delivery is different from a lot of poets. [It’s] very hip hop. But I stay true to lyricism and the art that is poetry. However, unlike a lot of poets, I am not very metaphorical; I want children, elders, Ivy League graduates, and high school dropouts to understand my poetry. But I also love music; especially old school music, so to combine classic samples and my style of poetry has been a rewarding experience. I pay homage to my ancestors and elders, and I am very inspired by them. I know they work through me and that is conveyed in my work. I think my poetry brings a realness that is rooted in the origins of hip-hop. It is that raw story telling at its finest. So my poetry with DJ Vudu Spellz’s amazing beats makes my poetry extraordinarily unique.
CMB: What’s a major turn off for you in the CO poetry/hip-hop scene now?
Jai Harris: My major turn off is that the hip-hop scene is over-saturated with mediocre music and videos. People are so busy trying to figure out the next artist’s formula, they don’t realize they could be putting that energy into creating their own formula, as the other artists have. We live in a city full of Mr. and Mrs. Me Too. Rather then supporting and showing love to people that are really putting in work, they’re sitting back saying, ‘I can do that too,’ or ‘I can do it better,’ which could very well be true, but put some time and effort into your craft before you try to subliminally compete with others.
CMB: Where do you see poetry/hip-hop in the next 5 years and where do you want to be within it?
Jai Harris: I think in the next five years, Colorado will be a truly credible place for music and music lovers to seek music. I think there are so many talented artists in Colorado that if our scene was more supportive and collaborative, we could really make big moves on the music and entertainment industry. All the really hard workers are starting to break into the game, and it won’t be long before we start to see that on a larger scale. I feel that being in Colorado we have to work harder then people in places like LA and NY. But unlike the North and South we come from a very mixed and integrated area, so we know how to interact and appeal to all different types of people. I think that is going to give us an upper hard. The genuine artists in the state kind of march to the beat of their own drum. I can’t speak for everyone, but I will be making a lot of moves in both film and poetry. I plan to travel the world, but no matter where I go, they will always know that I was raised in Denver.
CMB: What should your fans know about you?
Jai Harris: My fans should know that I am always going to be real and true in this industry. I will not compromise who I am. But please understand that who I am, is a lot of things. I don’t want to be boxed in or categorized by what people think I should be, look like, sound like, wear, etc. I want people to open their minds enough to understand that. My arts saved my life growing up, I’m simply trying to do the same for others, by any means possible. If I could give some advice, I would say don’t wait for anyone else. If you think about doing something, DO IT! You never know whom you can inspire and motivate. Our art creates more inspiration for each other’s art, and we must continue to inspire one another. But stay true to your art. Don’t spend your time trying to figure out other people’s formula for success, create your own formula. The only thing that can stop you from manifesting your dreams is you.
CMB: Who’s your biggest fan?
Jai Harris: I think I am probably my biggest. I mean I’m not very cocky and I will always remain humble, but I like to hear my own voice sometimes. When I’m driving I will turn off the radio and just spit poems until I reach my destination. I know that these are gifts from my ancestors and God so it makes me feel blessed to hear what I’ve created. Outside of me, I’d vaguely say my family and friends.
CMB: What element do you bring to CO? How do you plan to put CO on the map?
Jai Harris: I am a filmmaker, poet, event coordinator, graphic designer, and radio personality. I’ve often been referred to as “JACKie of ALL TRADES.” I’ve always been very creative. So I bring a lot of elements. But as far as “putting Colorado on the map,” Colorado has been on the map. Since the Charlie Parkers and Billie Holidays, days. Don’t ever think they don’t know about us, we just need to make ourselves memorable. We need more proper exposure and more local support. But as soon as an artist from Colorado gets a buzz outside of the state, the people who once didn’t support soon will. Just the way of the land I guess.
CMB: What’s your favorite memory growing up in Colorado?
Jai Harris: Colorado is beautiful; it is my peace, my serenity, it keeps me sane. I’ve been a lot of places but at the end of the day, Colorado is probably where I will always end up. I have so many favorite moments growing up here. As kids, we actually played outside, had firecracker wars, vegetable wars, climbed trees, and lived off the land. We were so blessed. We could be creative; we were always surrounded by colors, seasons, good times and bad. I never take this place for granted, it taught me so much.
CMB: What’s your favorite era in Hip-Hop?
Jai Harris: I’m an ’80s baby, so Tupac, NWA, Aaliyah and TLC (Left Eye). They are all telling stories, only with music and different delivery. I remember the affect these artists had on me as a youth, and I understood their power. They made me realize that I was not alone in the things I was going through physically and emotionally. I knew that I had stories to share and I wanted to have that same affect on others. I wanted to inspire. At that moment, a poet was born. Since then, Lupe, Jay Z, Nas, Common, and Kanye West have made a huge impact on my art. The most significant right now is Kid Cudi. I remember it being so different that I didn’t know if I hated it or loved it but it caught my attention. When I really listened to it, I realized he was simply staying true to his art and himself. Not compromising for what rap or hip-hop “should” sound like. That was a huge push for me because I could easily adapt my poetry to rap, but stylistically I wouldn’t be staying true to myself. I can be different and the people will accept it.
Online: jaiharris.com
Category: Buzzworthy
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