TN Rapper Lil Juice Talks About Childhood, Inspirations, & More

Born in Kankakee, Illinois as Martavion Spears, Lil Juice is the man behind the voice tag for Multiplatinum Memphis Super-producer Tay Keith. The 23-year-old creative serves as an artist and producer based in Tennesse. As a 6th grader, Juice, also known as Tay Beazy mastered his craft via FL Studios. Since emerging to the game, Lil Juice has created voice tags for Nick Mira, Danny Wolf, TM88, and several other undeniable hitmakers.

In our recent chat, we spoke with Lil Juice about his childhood, musical influences, and much more. Check out the full conversation below.

Walk me through your childhood, what was it like growing up in Tennessee?

I moved to TN when I was in kindergarten, I basically been here my whole life. I grew up around a lot of hustlers and real gangstas. All my role models were the biggest ballers in my hood wherever I stayed. Until I grew up and I wanted to ball harder than all of em. My mom and my sister always remind me about how I was chubby and I used to rub my hands like Birdman and always talk about getting money. I didn’t even know how but I knew I was going to get it by rapping. So my childhood focused mainly on getting kicked out of school hustling and being the smartest kid in class who didn’t wanna listen. Believe it or not you can ask my teachers.

Who were some of your musical influences then and now?

Growing up I always listened to Kanye West or Ludacris. Nowadays I listen to myself. I can’t really get into other people’s music too much because I got my own story to get out. I mean I fish around and hear what’s going but I only look up to Tay Keith when it comes to this music industry stuff. He’s my mentor.

How did you initially gravitate to music?

My mom used to be a rapper so it rubbed off on me. I was recording music by the age of 6. Battle rapping grown men at like 10. I wasn’t winning yet but I wasn’t scared of people with experience.

You’ve worked with several producers and artists, where did your journey begin?

My journey began when I quit high school football aka the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. My highschool Coach (Issac Shelby) was a complete idiot and I was sick of him. I quit and started learning how to mix my music better with the free time and u created my own buzz. My first major placement was with 808 Mafia back in 2012. The first major artist to reach out to me was project pat. Salute Him and Memphis for the love they always give.

Outside of music, do you have any passions?

Yes. I love starting businesses and inventing new things and methods: I always enjoy conspiracies.

Now, you’re readying to put out your own solo work, what can fans alike expect?

They already heard me coming they just didn’t know who to love. I’m not looking for anything less than to replace one of these goofy rappers and never look back.

In terms of legacy, what are some short-term and long-term goals you have set aside?

Short term goal is to keep finding my balance and keep evolving with this fast-paced music industry. Long term I’m just trying to retire early.