SmashMouth Entertainment recording artist Jimmy B recently crowned himself the new prince of Scarborough, Canada and I would have to agree! With his latest mixtape Prince of the ‘Borough: Ch. 1 The BRiCKZ growing in popularity on the rapper’s official SoundCloud music profile, there is no doubt that the emcee is back to take over the game. POTB features the smash hit single SCARBOROUGH which was produced by rising talent RGC and is an intimate tribute to his hometown.
I was lucky enough to have the chance to chat with Jimmy about everything from his thoughts on the current state of Hip-Hop, Canada’s developing music scene and of course his new mixtape Prince of the ‘Borough: Ch. 1 The BRiCKZ available for free download here. Check out the full interview below!
In the [United] States, each geographic region has a signature sound. For example, areas like New York is grittier whereas Texas is known for the unique sound of chopped and screwed. But the lines are now being blurred as more artist branch out of the area’s comfort zone. With big names like Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR coming out of Canada; how would you describe Canada’s true independent sound?
I really don’t think Toronto/Canada has a true sound yet, we’re still searching for it. Dudes Like Drake/Weeknd & PARTY influenced a certain brand of music with their sound that worked for them. But that sound won’t work for everybody. I feel were in a building stage as far as finding a distinct sound goes in the city.
You are very careful in avoiding one sonic label, rather labeling your music “jiggy”. What is “jiggy” music in your definition?
Jiggy is just wavy shit. Like Max B has the wave music, this is jiggy music. Music to make you feel like your the man and give people that confidence to be themselves and not apologize for their jiggyness.
Let’s talk about your new project, Prince of the ‘Borough: Ch. 1 The BRiCKZ. What was the inspiration going into the project?
Going into this project I was inspired by my surroundings and environment. Me and my friends would spend everyday in Scarborough talking about how we wanted to be the guys making a difference in our community. We wanted to be the inspiration for younger kids and everyone to really see us make something of ourselves and believe they could do the same. Prince Of The Borough represents a mindset of wanting to be great, so i wanted to capture that and put into music.
Prince of the ‘Borough: Ch. 1 The BRiCKZ features guest production by some great mind and is executive produced by Brenden Hewko, Jordan Ormsby and Rocko Geechie Chung. With so many creative minds working together, how were you able to collaborate yet keep Prince of the ‘Borough: Ch. 1 The BRiCKZ true to yourself as an artist?
It was easy because I work with people who understand my vision and understand who i am as an artist. They have their suggestions and have a huge hand in making the music with me but would never try to jeopardize my artistic integrity. That’s why it’s important to build a team with like minded individuals who have the same goals and vision as you do.
With over 3,000 streams of “Scarborough” on your SoundCloud page and nearly 15,000 views on YouTube, you have to tell me what influenced this specific track?
That song was inspired by the same stuff the EP was inspired by. I just wanted to give my city an anthem that they could be proud of and stand behind. Anytime people mention Scarborough I want them to bring up that song/video and be like “that guy was really puttin’ on for his people”
Although Prince of the ‘Borough: Ch. 1 The BRiCKZ has loads of guest producers, the project has no listed guest features. Are you open to collaborating with other Canadian artists? Or artists in general?
I’m always open to collaborations as long as its genuine. You could learn a lot from collaborating with other artist and make music you otherwise may not be able to make. POTB had no features because I really wanted to give my story and let people understand exactly who I am before I go putting myself beside others.
You’re never one to hold your tongue when it comes to your disappointments in the music industry. What do you think the game is missing?
I feel like the game is missin’ integrity man. Back in the day you couldn’t come out sounding/looking or trying to be like someone else. You would get burned for that, dissed right out the game. Nowadays everybody sound similar & make the same type of music. Do the same drugs, dress the same its whack. Everyone just rides on the current wave and get considered ‘hot’ or whatever and thats a sad thing because once that wave hits the shore all those guys will be forgotten.
As your fan base continues to grow and fans contact you to tell you, they’re inspired by you; does it ever feel real?
It never feels real and I hope it never does because that will keep pushing me to move forward. The minute I’m content with where I’m at is the minute I’ll quit.
What does your legacy hold?
My legacy holds greatness. I know where I want to go in this game and I know the impact I want to have. I understand it takes paitence and nothing is handed to you. I’m ready for all the obstacles and all the hard work that comes with trying to be great. I was born for this.
What can fans expect next from Jimmy B in the near future?
Expect new videos off POTB coming very soon. I also have POTB merchandise coming out as well. And I’ve already started working on the next project so they could expect that as well.
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