Rhode Island is known for its seafood but not its music. Hip-Hop has no set home, just a birthplace so an artist from Pawtucket, Rhode Island would get the blank stare face. Upon hearing 20-year-old rapper Jah-Youth Lopez better known by his stage name, Jinsu, the expression would surely change. As a music lover the beat draws me in but I hold lyricism to a higher standard. Jinsu’s consistency on his recent released mixtape, Triumph, has proven his artistry.
His name is derived from his godfather who complimented him on his sharp-edged lyrics. Building a name for himself in his hometown, he caught the ear of Doug “Biggs” Ellison, the CEO of Four Kings Productions who soon became his manager. His wordplay and work ethic has given him the opportunity to bless the stage with many of the big names in the industry such as Diddy, Bow Wow, Chris Brown, Tyga, and Lil Wayne. Taking a break off the Closer to My Dreams tour headlined by Tyga, Jinsu spoke to Parlé Magazine about his come up, being on tour and his role in the industry.
Parlé Magazine: Saw your energy on stage recently at the concert, talk to me about your motivation?
Jinsu: I just like going out there and having a good time. I motivate myself because of the crowd, I make sure I give 100% energy and have fun.
Parlé: How did you break into the industry?
Jinsu: I started rapping at age 6 and performing at age 8, ever since then it’s been history ever since. Now I’m in a healthy situation right now with my team, The Washington Brothers. I’m hopping on another tour and I just dropped a mixtape, the grind never stops.
Parlé: Who are some of your influences?
Jinsu: Besides Biggie and Tupac, Jay-Z because he’s most consistent, swagged out and a lot of dudes learn from him. On the Southern-wise of influence it has to be T.I.
Parlé: How would you describe your sound because what I took from the mixtape was the consistency of your flows?
Jinsu: I can’t say original because no one is original nowadays but I like to talk about things people can relate to. What I talk are real situations whether its relationships, family or growing up.
Parlé: What do you feel that you uniquely have to offer Hip-Hop?
Jinsu: I’m like a breath of fresh air, that’s how I look at it. I feel like there’s not a young artist that is speaking what I’m speaking about, they don’t have the lyrical content that I have, they don’t have the story that I have and they don’t have the swag to back it up.
Parlé: I know you recently dropped the mixtape, but any plans for an album?
Jinsu: Probably in the near future but I’m not rushing an album. I just want to build the buzz up, plus I want my album to be well-deserved. I’ve just been putting out these mixtape, doing videos and shows until a deal comes.
Parlé: Jahlil Beats, on your mixtape, said the young dudes are running it right now, do you think you’re head of the pack right now?
Jinsu: I definitely do. People can call it confident or cocky but me and Jahlil always have talks about no one being in my lane right now. I always walk around like no one can test my lyrical skills,
Parlé: What’s your ultimate goal?
Jinsu: To be successful in this game. I don’t want to be rapping forever, I don’t mind branching off and doing other things. I want to be a young entrepreneur.
Parlé: What is your label situation like?
Jinsu: I’m on an independent label, The Washington Brothers, we have a few deals on the table. When the right one comes everyone will know.
Parlé: How’d you get on the Closer To My Dreams tour?
Jinsu: My manager did the deal. It was a good situation because of networking. It was the perfect demographic to cater to. I did it, I had fun and a great experience.
Parlé: Besides rapping do you work behind the music scene?
Jinsu: I’ve been writing for other people. I started with Bow Wow, J-kwon, Taboo from the Black Eye Peas and I learned from them. I had a hook book and used to write hooks all the time.
Parlé: Which side of the business do you prefer?
Jinsu: I look at it like I’m blessed to do both, but I was really born to be an artist and represent for myself and not the next man.
Parlé: Where can your fans catch you next?
Jinsu: On twitter, @TheRealJinsu, download my mix-tape, Triumph and be prepared to see me on more tours. More videos and more music coming near you.
Parlé: Well thank you and good luck!
Jinsu: You already know.
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