J Dilla. The Pharcyde. Masta Ace. All of these artists have few things in common, one of them being that they all are a part, or were once were, of the Delicious Vinyl family. And now a new member has been officially added: producer Jansport J. The Covina, CA producer has such a soulful feel that the fit with Delicious Vinyl only makes sense. His production credits run deep and we’re sure it’ll only grow longer from here. The producer gave us the honor of premiering a music video he did for a track off of his upcoming instrumental album, The Soul Provider LP (2/18), as well as the news of his album deal with Delicious Vinyl. We were able to ask him a few questions regarding the video and the big news regarding his album. Watch the video for “Shoulders” below and read the interview right after.

Directed by: Andrew Quesada

You don’t normally see a music video accompany an instrumental. Why did you pick this one in particular to have a story?

What I try to do with every instrumental album is either tell a story or explore a concept through beats. The goal is to create a world that the listener can dive into while listening to the entire project. We shot to this particular one because I felt like it captured the sound of the album the best, as well as it was open to a couple different ideas visually.

Who came up with the story line? What was the inspiration for it?

It’s rare, but I actually came up with the premise of the video. I usually don’t like to step on toes and let directors flesh out a vision that the music gives them, but I had such a strong desire to shoot this particular idea. The sample refers to carrying the world around on my shoulders. Obviously with the name Jansport J, I’m often seen with a backpack of some kind which I carry equipment in usually. That’s a major part of my world to me-my music. I also wanted to reflect a girl’s passion as well, so the director Andrew Quesada suggested a female photographer who carries her own world around in her bag, which is her camera.

Who’s the female co-star in real life? Friend? Crush since high school?

Jessica Foley, who’s an amazing photographer. Me and Andrew were discussing the video idea and he suggested her since she was both beautiful and an actual photographer. Came to find out that we were both from the same area and have lots of mutual friends. Very fun shooting with her as well.

Is the Pharaoh an alias you go by? What is the significance of that?

It’s just an alias for the engaged fans, as well as a personal statement to myself. Actually have it tattoed on my wrist. I grew my beard out 3 years ago and a lady at church told me I reminded her of a Pharaoh. It’s also how I approach a lot of things. I see myself as a King before the crown. Important to be humble yet know the value of what I do and always approach things with a legacy in mind.

How’s it feel to be a part of label of a caliber like Delicious Vinyl?

It’s a literal dream come true. I wrote DV down on a short list of labels I wanted to be on when I first started putting out music in 2008, and it’s amazing how it actually came into fruition without being forced. They embraced me from day one when I came in to play beats for Fatlip and Slimkid3. It’s an honor that I don’t take lightly, and I’m going to do everything in my power to uphold and push forward the legacy they’ve already established.

How would you describe the sound you’re going for on your Soul Provider LP?

Straight soul. Authentic soul. I feel like Soul music is something everybody can relate to, and a gift that God gave me to reinterpret.

Bryan Hahn (@notupstate)