A Conversation with New York Rapper JusKolMeAl

JusKolMeAl is a charismatic MC, producer, and DJ. He got his start in college radio at WCOW at Old Westbury in 1995. JusKolMeAl also appeared on television and local radio stations. JusKolMeAl produced two albums: “Roosevelt High” and “Heavy is the Head.” Both albums are a mix of 90’s lyrical style over hard-hitting beats that birthed the Hip-Hop culture. JusKolMeAl wants to bring back that old school style to all generations of Hip-Hop fans. He wants to bring back that feeling when someone hears a dope line and it makes them say “OOOHHH!”

There are three songs that stand out the most in JusKolMeAl’s career. The first is “Jungle.” It is a driven Lo-Fi style track which JusKolMeAl delivers verses that educate the streets and youth about the pros and cons of choices. “His-Story” is an emotional story about how people have to carefully choose their path and image in the rap game. “Show U How” is a feel-good beat with a beautifully sung hook that talks to the audience about who JusKolMeAl is and what his life is like.

With his single and music video, “The Boulevard,” out now, we took some time to hear more from JusKolMeAl. Read below to learn more about JusKolMeAl, the story behind his latest single, and what’s to come.

Hi JusKolMeAl! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?

I did a show a while back and, at the time, I didn’t have a stage name. I told the MC to just call me Al. He got up and introduced me as Jus Call Me Al. People loved it, and I never changed it. I just spelled it that way for fun.

What city are you from and where are you based now?

I am born and raised in Roosevelt, NY. I still reside there.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?

I began DJing at 8 and started rapping at around 12. My parents were heavily involved in music, so it came naturally.

Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?

Certainly. My hometown is home to many legends in the game. I grew up around talented people.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?

My sound is a throwback to the 90’s. I am true to that era, and I believe in the purity of what Boom Bap is.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

I enjoy video editing, cooking, and martial arts.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, and Canibus to name a few.

What are some of your future music career goals?

To let the world, know that Boom Bap is not dead, and that there is purist, like myself, still grinding and still making it work.

Who would I like to do a song with?

I would love to rock with Rakim or Summer Walker.

Now onto your release, “The Boulevard.” What inspired this song?

I heard the beat on BeatStars and feel in love with it. I wrote the verses a while back and searched for the right vibe, then found this Dreamlife produced beat. The rest is history.

What is “The Boulevard” about in your own words?

Educating minds and dropping jewels for any generation of Hip-Hop to listen to and be motivated by.

How did the music video for “The Boulevard” come about? What was your vision for the video?

My crew and I came together to discuss what vibe I was going to create for the video. My videographer recorded us hanging out and the magic just came to be.

What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from “The Boulevard?”

To not take life so seriously; that things will be fine if you give yourself a moment to think and clear your mind.

What’s one of your proudest moments of your music career so far?

Listening to my children recite one of my verses while they didn’t know I was home one day.

What would you say are the greatest lessons you’ve learned so far?

That music is very subjective and that you cannot allow a few people saying “no” to your music to break your vision. Don’t focus on 20 no’s, focus on the 2 yes’.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects that we should be on the lookout for?

I plan to make a new album soon. I will also be producing some tracks for other artists. My next EP titled, “Icon,” is set to be released in the early part of 2022.

Where can we follow you on social media?

Instagram: @juskolmeal and juskolmeal.com — sign up and check out my merch page!

Before you go, let’s ask you something random. What is your favorite food?

I am a huge sucker for good pizza and fried shrimp.