Despite the current state of hip-hop on the airwaves, there is still a considerable amount of talent to be heard in the genre, and Shane Jackson, aka Bumpy103, is a young artist on the scene determined to maintain the integrity of a culture that first drew him in and never let go.
‘Mr103’, as he is known to his loyal fans, has made an impact in the hip hop community through a barrage of mixtapes, including Street Life Volume 1 & 2, 3, Clear View, YG’s on deck, & No Breaks Movie Music, Still Grinding, and The Koldest Winter Ever. Not only a prodigious studio artist, his charisma on stage solidifies his status as an all-around artist that connects with his fans. Known for his candor both on and off stage, the New York native recently gave us insight into his process, where hip-hop is headed, and what’s next on his plate.
New York City is the birthplace of hip-hop, but the genre has now become an international one. How has the world influenced the look and sound of the hip hop community?
I feel like it’s the other way around, the hip hop community influences the world. Specifically coming from NYC.
Who were your musical influences growing up?
LL Cool J, Rakim, Kool G Rap, Wu-Tang, Snoop Dog, Nas & Biggie.
Which hip hop figure definitively changed the genre forever?
Melly Mel, with the song ‘The Message’, changed the genre of hip hop forever.
Many people have heard your mixtapes, but most are not aware of the process that goes behind one. Can you elaborate on how you go from producing the music to distributing it online?
I really focus on making great music. I’ve been fortunate enough to have one of the best marketing directors in my city; my partner Silvia V., who distributes for every major blog in the country and runs one of the most well-known marketing company’s in NYC, SVMarketingsLLC.
How do you view the current state of the music industry?
It’s watered down; nowadays it’s more business and less talent.
Musical artists often must confront the reality that the majority have short career spans. What are your plans for a lengthy and productive career in the music industry?
To keep making music that is timeless and to move on to different ventures as far as production and films.
Which independent and/or commercial artists would you like to collaborate with?
Jadakiss, because he’s top five, dead or alive.
If you could perform with one artist, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
2pac, Because of his energy and presence on stage.
What advice do you have for any up and coming artists?
Be original, don’t fall into what everyone else is doing or sounds like. Have your own authentic sound & master your craft.
What projects do you have coming up?
I’m working on my new project ‘Street Life, Vol. 4’, which is set to be released on 2/27/2016. I’m also working on new visuals that will be released sometime next year as well.
Stay up to date on the latest news from Bumpy103 through his social media network:
MTV: http://www.mtv.com/artists/bumpy103/
Twitter: @BUMPY103
Instagram: @Banebxxgie27
YoutTube: http://youtu.be/2rGwXLfMbW4
Soundcloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/103rdstent
