Meet Jamaal Matters | Hip Hop Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamaal Matters and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamaal, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’m big on risk taking because I believe that without a risk, you’ll never obtain success. When I made the decision to get back into the music space in my late 30’s, I often questioned if I was too old to be an artist. It’s been almost a year since I started Dope Oasis Music and I’m glad that I took the risk.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a hip hop artist and wordsmith from Raleigh NC. I wouldn’t consider myself a rapper because I take the art of emceeing just as seriously as the legends that influenced my craft. I discovered my talent for music in elementary school when I started writing poetry for class assignments. My ability to put words together smoothly surpassed the other children my age. From age 8 to 12, I performed in school talent shows and recited rhymes with my peers everyday. I’ve been in love with this thing called Hip hop every since I can remember. Music is all that I’ve ever known, and probably the only thing that makes me feel complete in life. Although I had been rhyming for most of my life, I never considered making it a legit business until December 2022 when I started Dope Oasis Music. In January, I called my longtime friend and producer A.R.T and told him that I was ready to start a legit career as a recording artist and that I planned to release music all year long in 2023. A.R.T said “I’m glad that you’re back in the game because it’s perfect timing”. Around mid January we went in the studio and began creating my 1st single “Dior Cologne”. Shortly after, I started filming and creating my own content for the song. I remember getting so much positive feedback from the visual in my Instagram comments and DM’s that I was shocked. At that moment, I knew we had something special and It was my fuel to stay consistent. It’s December now, and I have released 10 singles, performed at several venues, gained 1,700 monthly listeners on Spotify, released tons of content, gained thousands of fans, and created a buzz in my city. The goal is to fully monetize my music and merch while building a unique fanbase. What makes me different from other artist’s is my unique voice and style. Being a kid growing up in the 90’s, exposed me to the Golden Era of emcees and lyricism. I grew up listening to guys like Raekwon, Nas, Biggie, and UGK. I developed a East coast hip hop delivery from listening to NY emcees as a youth. When I combined my southern twang with a lyrical up north type rhyme pattern, It gave me an edge musically. My production and rhymes are influenced by 70’s black cinema, 90’s nostalgia, and soul music. I have faced many challenges on my journey and one of the biggest is to keep believing in myself and staying consistent no matter what life throws my way. There have been many moments where I wanted to throw in the towel because being an artist is one of the hardest careers to pursue. I overcame this challenge by having conversations with my producer A.R.T and other friends whenever things get difficult. They’ve been a dope support system throughout the year. Also, seeing my progress and hearing Radio personalities, Dj’s and fans tell me how my music impacts them in a positive way keeps me motivated. Throughout my journey, I have learned to be patient and that building relationships is the key to growth and success. One of the things that I am most proud of, is that I stayed consistent the entire 2023 and accomplished all of my goals and more. I’m looking forward to all of the great things that life has in store for 2024.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spots in the city? I would have to start with Boxcar, It’s a Dope arcade that has food, full bar, and 90’s nostalgia. Capital Grille in North Hills is one of my favorite fine dining spots. I would recommend the Salmon and Lobster Mac N Cheese. Third would have to be Lake Johnson, it’s a great park to enjoy walking trails, nature, and a boat ride. Last, Fenton movie theater. They have the best reclined seats, amazing food, and a bar.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out my producers A.R.T, Tap, and Quise

Website: https://linktr.ee/jamaalmattersmusic?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c0c4af08-7ab7-4efb-8d56-6e18b6db9014

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamaalmatters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamaalmattersmusic

Other: Here’s the Spotify link for my latest single, “Fresh Calamari” (Produced by. Mr. Milly) https://open.spotify.com/album/1W0K2nxlgT9bg1QZXoQLzg?si=hpNDCb41SRysV6nVVfJcaA

Image Credits
Cover art designed by A.R.T