There are too many stars, I want the universe- JA'LIIL

 Jaliil Abdulai is one of Ghana's upcoming hip hop artistes. He is well known for his great lyrical ability and his excellent producing skills. The Gh Underground Cypher news crew managed to have him say a little more about himself, his fans did not already know. Read further for details of this exclusive interview.

G.U.C: Tell us something about yourself.
JA'LIIL: I am Ja'liil, a Confident, care-free, controversial, crystal clear and sometimes weird fellow.

G.U.C: How did this music thing start for you as an artiste?
JA'LIIL: I started off by listening to lots of artists and genres. I listened to MJ (Michael Jackson) and Janet Jackson. I always wanted to know why our parents liked the Elvis Presleys, Sinatras, Beatles and their likes, so I listened to them also. I discovered rhyming at the age of seven, wrote my own rhymes at eight and started rapping at eleven.

G.U.C: What inspires your song writing?
JA'LIIL: A lot inspires my songwriting. From my thoughts, emotion, things I have seen, done, my imagination and a whole lot that happens. I touch various topics; negative and positive. I used to draw a lot during my childhood and I have channeled all that into rhymes, so you can imagine how I get inspired.

G.U.C: What are some of the challenges you face as an upcoming artistes?
JA'LIIL:Well, I don't really call them challenges. But, a few of them are when decided to quit rap at age 16, for personal reasons. I was about the same age when I was introduced to beat making. I returned to rap after a period of four to five years. One other thing that bothers me is false 'tele-evangelists' lying about how EVIL hip hop is. You know, they are just telling lies that sound true. Or at least, mix the truth with some lies. Those guys are all about the money, just like we artists are. And I will go deeper into that in future discussions.

G.U.C: How many singles or albums do you have at the moment?
JA'LIIL:I have no album at the moment but I have got a couple of songs out there, which you can check out at www.reverbnation.com/jaliil. Most are remixes of well known songs, though there are lots of food in the pot ready to be dished out.

G.U.C: Which category of people do you aim to reach with you music? 
JA'LIIL: My audience is mostly 18 and above. And for daring kids who want to act like the big boys do dont try this at home, kids. I have people in their 30s who give me positive comments, high school kids that feel my flow.

G.U.C: Which are some of the artistes you have worked with so far?
JA'LIIL: I have worked with Taurian Deveaux, an incredible, smart and creative singer, on a couple of songs. Chemistry is our only collaboration that is out there and the video is done. I have worked with C-REAL! I say his name in caps. We did a couple of underground songs some time back. This guy is one of my inspirations. I am also producing some of his tracks to come. I have done a lot of work with my team members Rap Berry, Jid, Bedi, Nel Magnum and Funky Boy. These guys are just CRAZY! Trust me. I am also doing some songs with DJ Juls, Nival, Aphrotech, Deli Brasco,Adisa Abeba and Anajo Black. I dont patronize mediocrity, and all the above mentioned are totally off that category.

G.U.C: Are you officially tied to any record label?
JA'LIIL: My home label is an Indie Label called the BBX.8

G.U.C:When is your album coming out?
JA'LIIL: I cannot give a definite time as yet. But when the decision is made, the revolution will be televised. 

G.U.C: Has music been financially rewarding for you?
JA'LIIL: Of course the music is financially rewarding. I believe with hard and smart work, you can get what you want. If you are not making 'something small', then you've got a big problem. And if your not thinking of making it big, you've got a bigger problem.

G.U.C: What do you think about our industry?
JA'LIIL: Well, I think our music is improving. Listening to artists like myself, C-Real, Bils, Ali -skillions-, Jid, Rap Berry, I think the industry's planted good seeds. Also, an honest observation: there are some artists that better focus on their REAL talent and purpose. You cant fit square plugs in round sockets.

G.U.C: What do you think about the “BEEF” phenomenon which is hitting the industry?
JA'LIIL: Beef is very very necessary. Hip Hop is an " I am better than you' kind of thing. Prove yourself, but don't make an a*s out of yourself. But as long as it is kept on wax - i.e. no killing, violence, hatred, there is nothing wrong with beef.

G.U.C: Do you have a “BEEF” with anyone?
JA'LIIL: For now, I don't have beef with any individual

G.U.C: Has stardom affected you in anyway?
JA'LIIL: Stardom? Well, basically, it has allowed me to share my views and feelings with people who can relate, which I think is a good thing. I am really focused on putting Ghana on the map. And I am not just saying; There are too many stars, I want the universe.

G.U.C: How do you handle the women?
JA'LIIL: Women. There are Ladies and B*tches. I treat ladies with utmost respect and hmmm... I love bitches. (laughing).

G.U.C: What is your message to your fans?
JA'LIIL: Keep the movement strong, and let your friends join in! 'Cos we are not just putting Gh on the map, we're illuminating it and leading the way!

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