Jdagr8 Talks NBA Youngboy, Giving Back and Being Houston’s Finest

By: Jdagr8

Houston rapper Jdagr8 is Houston’s next big star. His raw talent and hustle like mentality, has propelled his career to new heights. Having worked with one of music’s biggest stars NBA Youngboy, he already has a hit record and plans to continue this momentum. But the one thing that separates him from the rest of the pack, is his community work as a public figure. No matter where he goes, and how much money he makes, he always bring the city of Houston with him.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the emcee for a candid interview. As he discusses working with NBA Youngboy, giving back and putting on for his city, it is clear that he was born a star. Check it out below.

Respect: What does it feel like being a hometown hero in Houston?

Jdagr8: I never really thought about it. But most heroes never look at themselves as heroes. I like to give back especially because I come from scraps. Growing up my mom had a bunch of kids at a young age so I never really got what I want. So when I give back to my community and kids I try to give them the opportunities I never had. I see myself in kids. It truly is a blessing to be able to give back to my community.

Respect: How did the record with NBA Young Boy come about?

Jdagr8: We recorded it a year ago from today. We did a concert right when he was going through a lot of heat in the press. I actually opened up for him. But it was my concert. I had a promo company to book artists and we would chop it up with the artists and then usually record music together. We booked him for a show and organically start talking. I sent him over the “Can I Trust You” record and he recorded his verse immediately. I felt like I wrote that for him so it was a perfect fit.

Respect: Why is it important for you to give back to your community?

Jdagr8: It is important because of the effort it takes for us to make money and sustain it once we get it. I did not have to work too hard for the money I have so it was only the natural thing to do. That is the way universe works. You have to give back in order to keep receiving blessings. My mentor told me to treat everyone like they are somebody. It forced me to give versus acting like I am better than people. I see everyone as an equal.

Respect: Describe the experience in working with Paul Wall and & Johnny Dang & Co?

Jdagr8: It was organic. A lot of people in the greater Houston area do not get enough press for the community work that they do. Paul Wall and Slim Thug give back so much. I kind of followed in their footsteps. It truly was an honor and being that I am kind of new artist in Houston, it was dope for us to come together. It was actually my event. I reached out to Paul Wall and he got on board right away. It felt natural working with him. He and Slim Thug both donated 200 backpacks. He assured me that if I ever needed anything including music, that all I had to do was reach out and it would be handled. Special shout out to Johnny Dang & Co.

Respect: What are you currently working on?

Jdagr8: I am currently working on some new music. My “Can I Trust You” song is on my 50 track project titled Till We All Rich. This is my breakout album. So many people said my album is too long, and that I would ruin my career before I started it. But I wanted to do it because it had never been done. Chris brown inspired me, when he dropped his 46 song project out of nowhere. I was going to do 42, I seen he had 46 and that’s how I got to 50. I had to out do him.

Respect: If you could work with any artist in the world who would it be?

Jdagr8: Meek Mill hands down because we have the same story. He got in all that trouble the same way I did. We literally have the exact same story bar for bar. I just did more time than him. He is like a brother.

His independent indie label and album namesake Till We All Rich, are two reasons why he will leave a lasting impact on the music business. Press play below to stream Jdagr8’s “Can I Trust You” single featuring NBA Youngboy.