J French is a world-renowned rapper and fashion designer. He began doing music at 12 years old, overcoming a speech impediment. While his private activities include youth mentoring and speaking up for personal growth, French’s music and fashion brands aim to inspire, heal, unite and motivate. He has a rich music heritage, with his father winning 4 Grammy Awards. French has worked with artists such as Jah Born, RC & The Gritz, and Erykah Badu. His album and fashion brand JAGG (Just Another Gift From God) highlight the silver lining of life. Now, he set to release his album, “Good Karma,” unlike his previous works “Good Karma” is the first album without profanity.
You are known for your songs being melodically complex, with novel instrumentation and soul-searching lyrics. Tell us about your recent projects.
I have an album called “Good Karma” that is set to release soon, and a short film to go along with it. A podcast called “Fireside With French” And a book titled “Unreasonably Smart” coming next year.
You released your music video, Black and White (featured on VivaLive TV) and your album, JAGG (Just Another Gift from God). The music video was released on September 11, to honor a time when people were united. The song resounds with the chorus, “Don’t call me black no more. Call me American. Tell us more
It’s a song that unites the people and allows us to represent our ethnicity here in America. Our ethnicity is being over-shadowed by racism.
Who inspires you?
Jesus, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Nietzsche, Marcus Aurelius, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Tyler The Creator.
How important is music to the current political climate in America?
Music is the second most important thing next to food. Music has become so accessible it is now the soundtrack to our lives.
“Let the conversation be more about content and art and less about the face promoting it.” Explain.
Art is being compromised by politics these days. I just want to bring art back to a place of inspiration.
Can you share the proudest moment of your music career?
I haven’t had the proudest moment yet. Just being able to give this album Good Karma to the world is an honor.
What’s next for you?
We are working on a deal to get my music published as NFTs. Details are still in the works.