Scouting Report: J-Mizz

Arkansas isn't exactly known for its hip-hop influence, but rapper J-Mizz hopes to put state on the map as well as become a household name within the hip-hop culture. Although hip-hop started out as a way for many people to express their emotions, feelings, and situations, some feel that this art form is becoming lost. "I think music, as far as originality and creativity goes, has been lacking," he says. "It's not about putting what you feel. It is a business and more about gimmicks."

Mizz just finished his album, which deals with two things that everyone can relate to: haters and hard times. This collection came as a result of the response Mizz received from the five volumes of mixtapes he made in the past. The response was one that he wanted, but didn't necessarily expect. "We had about 10,000 [copies] of each mixtape and they just spread like wildfire," he says. Mizz had to push back the release date, but now is ready to promote the new album.

The rapper recalls growing up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and the support he received from his hometown fans. "It's beautiful back home," Mizz said. Although his hometown supported his music, his family didn't seem to. "They didn't really support me at first 'cause they didn't know I was so serious about it," he said. "Within the past four years, my father has been really supportive and when he saw how serious I was and the response, he gave me his full support. He even got a street team together."

The Arkansas-bred MC, whose inspiration includes LL Cool J, Run DMC, Rakim, and Scarface, discovered his love of music in high school. "As a freshman and just battling on the playground, and the response was overwhelming," Mizz says. "I know I wanted to proceed in the music field."

Since that time nine years ago, the rapper has honed his skills and is looking to touch the world with his verses. His songs are not exclusive to one region. "We call our sound 'Gangsta Soul.' It's a universal sound. The south will dig it as well as the north," Mizz explains. "I give the best of both worlds."

But the face of the uprising "Gangsta Soul" movement isn't just trying to create music that gets people tapping their feet and bobbing their heads. He also wants people to look for a deeper meaning. "There are lessons that come from my music," he says. "I hope people get it. No matter what you go through, if you stay focused on your goal, it can happen 'cause you will always go through hard times and have haters."

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