Juicy J is claiming his spot and with Dr. Luke along for the ride, ‘Stay Trippy’ is a declaration that the veteran MC stays true to self.
The 16th Annual Power 30 Issue of The Source Magazine is upon us, and this year, some very special people are involved. The Power 30 is Hip-Hop’s most important heat check. It lets you know who really matters, and who’s really moving and shaking in the industry, be it on the television screen or behind the scenes. Who took the top spot in Hip-Hop’s most talked about and authoritative list? Would it be the perennial hip-hop champion Diddy? Maybe the top spot belongs to Young Money/Cash Money rap pioneer Baby, or DONDA, G.O.O.D. Music and Def Jam extraordinaire Kanye West? Let’s not forget about Jay Z, who started his own marquee sports agency and went platinum prior to his album hitting the shelves. With the landscape of Hip-Hop and Hip-Hop media ever changing, the Power 30 has evolved with it. The Digital and Radio Power 30 lists are equally as important, with bloggers and radio DJs having an ever bigger stake in the game than ever. From WSHH to Power 105.1 & Hot 97, we made sure no stone was left un-turned as we ranked the movers and shakers of our culture. The 30 biggest, most important, and most influential figures in Hip-Hop in 2013 can be found in The Source’s Power 30 issue.
Juicy J’s longevity in the game has cemented him in a position of high esteem amongst peers and industry heavyweights alike. Dr. Luke, a decorated songwriter/producer, who continues to rack up No. 1 hit after No. 1 hit, signed Juicy J to Kemosabe Records, a venture ladened with success.
Juicy’s dedication and consistent deliverance of certifiable hits resonates well with the man responsible for 28 No. 1 songs. “Juicy J hasn’t changed his name or style and he’s still relevant. I don’t think that kind of thing happens to ordinary people,” Dr. Luke declares. Subject matter is a concern directly tied to the essence of Juicy, a sound reveling in drugs and sex. Juicy may take his flack for the explicit messages but Dr. Luke stands firm behind his decision, “Hip-hop lyrics are criticized. You can’t just take Hip-Hop and get all eyebrow on it.”
Despite being Juicy J’s third studio album, Stay Trippy is an important chapter in his career as he proves his prominence to the masses. Sometimes overlooked, Juicy’s track record with the industry and dedication to the music silences all doubt that he will forever be a mainstay in the game.
“I went down to Atlanta, got out the car, and passed out mix-tapes with my street team. I was telling them, ‘Look, I’m not ashamed to get out here and show you how I used to do this back in the day,” Juicy J reminisces.
Make sure to pick up the 16th annual Power 30 Issue of The Source Magazine (August/September), which is available on some local newsstands Thursday, August 29th, and nationwide on Tuesday, September 3rd. Read as Juicy J reflects on his career as he takes his solo success to uncharted territory.
