The Man Behind the Letter (10 Steps Into His Mind)
What is Your Full Government Name?
My full name is Ugochukwu Jonah Jr Onyianta. My name means Eagle of God & God's Pride.
My mommy was gonna name me Steve or Ugochukwu true story. lol
My whole family is from Nigeria and I take tremendous pride in my heritage.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Newark, NJ 'Brick City' and grew up in East Orange. Not that "ghetto" from "Dont Be a Menace" I'm talkn that Boyz N Hood/Rickey shot in the back Menace to Society/Cain shot in the back ghetto!
How did you fall in love with Hip Hop?
My parents always hated rap and never used to let me listen to or buy albums so I would sneak around and listen to Funkmaster Flex and DJ Clue on Hot 97. I wasn't allowed to watch BET or MTV but they didn't know about 'The Box' on channel 96 which was my real outlet into Rap.
What is your faith and how does it impact your music?
I'm a Christian today yesterday and tomorrow. I understand that the majority of the artists who I listen to and are influenced by curse and at times mention content that goes against my faith. But I'm very selective what songs I actually listen to and what artists I actually follow. My faith shapes my direction and creative drive.
Is it true you don't curse in your music? Why?
Yes, that is a fact. I don't have to. I try not to curse at all but at times I do but my music is different. That's my outlet to the world. Don't get it twisted! I'm not Will Smith in any shape no knock on him he wonthe first rap grammy. I can write a hot 16 on any beat, on any record, with any artist on the globe. ANYONE! I said ANYONE! But I don't need to curse on record seriously. Plus I promised my Mommy & Church I wouldn't. lol
Who do you model your flow after?
4 Dudes!
1-Fabolous-The most by far! His swag, flow, and punchlines are amazing!
2-NaS-My biggest hero aside from my Mommy & Jesus! He doesn't care and hes the spokesmen of the hood. He gets better with every album and sets the standard with Jay-Z, Eminem, and Kanye.
3-Wale-Hes Nigerian for one and on the way to being a legend. His lines convinced me I had to be an MC in the first place.
4-Lloyd Banks-Him, 50, and Yayo got me into mixtapes and what they did for the Mixtape game is unmatched. And his flow is crazy and he didnt fall off to me even with the G-Unit shoes and tank tops. lol
And TV, Marvel/DC comics (geek for real but so what), movies, and life are my sources. TV does make you dumb. But its gonna make me wealthy too!
How did you pick your MC name?
I always hated teachers and people killing my name. It sounds how it looks! Wale did the same thing, he abbreviated his name which is 9 letters like mine. Its simple too. Plus my homie DJ Camo always called me that in college and said I came out of my dorm room like the tunnel the Miami Hurricanes use with smoke and Miami is also known as The 'U' But I made it hot. If that sounded conceited it was!
What do you think about the new wave of MC's? Do you see yourself in that wave?
Amazing! Kid Cudi, Wale, Drake, J. Cole, Charles Hamilton, B.O.B., Asher Roth, Ace Hood Alot of new energy and creativity thats saving Rap from Auto-tune and Ringtone gabbage (thats how its spelled!). I pray to cut songs with all these dudes God Willing. And Yes! You serious? I'm right in this wave or crowd or whatever you wanna call it. I'm not gonna say I'm better than anyone ever. I let the fans argue that and my music speak for itself.
Are you going to take Jersey Hip Hop to another level?
I'm gonna put keep the tradition of great MC's from Jersey alive. Redman, Joe Buddens, Latifah, Ice-T, Naughty by Nature, Sugar Hill Gang. I won't say Shaq because of obvious reasons haha but yeah. New York gets all the shine for obvious reasons they got Biggy, NaS, Jay-Z, Fab, everyone. Not fair to compare but I'm gonna try and take it somewhere its never been. What Kanye & Lupe & Common are to Chicago is what I'm gonna be to Jersey no doubt!
Didn't you used to be a comedian before an MC?
Yeah! I still am and will always be. Comedy is alot like rap. Delivery, charisma, confidence, controlling the crowd, preparation. Half my lines are punchlines anyway but I could do either and still get recognition. I'm blessed like that.
My full name is Ugochukwu Jonah Jr Onyianta. My name means Eagle of God & God's Pride.
My mommy was gonna name me Steve or Ugochukwu true story. lol
My whole family is from Nigeria and I take tremendous pride in my heritage.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Newark, NJ 'Brick City' and grew up in East Orange. Not that "ghetto" from "Dont Be a Menace" I'm talkn that Boyz N Hood/Rickey shot in the back Menace to Society/Cain shot in the back ghetto!
How did you fall in love with Hip Hop?
My parents always hated rap and never used to let me listen to or buy albums so I would sneak around and listen to Funkmaster Flex and DJ Clue on Hot 97. I wasn't allowed to watch BET or MTV but they didn't know about 'The Box' on channel 96 which was my real outlet into Rap.
What is your faith and how does it impact your music?
I'm a Christian today yesterday and tomorrow. I understand that the majority of the artists who I listen to and are influenced by curse and at times mention content that goes against my faith. But I'm very selective what songs I actually listen to and what artists I actually follow. My faith shapes my direction and creative drive.
Is it true you don't curse in your music? Why?
Yes, that is a fact. I don't have to. I try not to curse at all but at times I do but my music is different. That's my outlet to the world. Don't get it twisted! I'm not Will Smith in any shape no knock on him he wonthe first rap grammy. I can write a hot 16 on any beat, on any record, with any artist on the globe. ANYONE! I said ANYONE! But I don't need to curse on record seriously. Plus I promised my Mommy & Church I wouldn't. lol
Who do you model your flow after?
4 Dudes!
1-Fabolous-The most by far! His swag, flow, and punchlines are amazing!
2-NaS-My biggest hero aside from my Mommy & Jesus! He doesn't care and hes the spokesmen of the hood. He gets better with every album and sets the standard with Jay-Z, Eminem, and Kanye.
3-Wale-Hes Nigerian for one and on the way to being a legend. His lines convinced me I had to be an MC in the first place.
4-Lloyd Banks-Him, 50, and Yayo got me into mixtapes and what they did for the Mixtape game is unmatched. And his flow is crazy and he didnt fall off to me even with the G-Unit shoes and tank tops. lol
And TV, Marvel/DC comics (geek for real but so what), movies, and life are my sources. TV does make you dumb. But its gonna make me wealthy too!
How did you pick your MC name?
I always hated teachers and people killing my name. It sounds how it looks! Wale did the same thing, he abbreviated his name which is 9 letters like mine. Its simple too. Plus my homie DJ Camo always called me that in college and said I came out of my dorm room like the tunnel the Miami Hurricanes use with smoke and Miami is also known as The 'U' But I made it hot. If that sounded conceited it was!
What do you think about the new wave of MC's? Do you see yourself in that wave?
Amazing! Kid Cudi, Wale, Drake, J. Cole, Charles Hamilton, B.O.B., Asher Roth, Ace Hood Alot of new energy and creativity thats saving Rap from Auto-tune and Ringtone gabbage (thats how its spelled!). I pray to cut songs with all these dudes God Willing. And Yes! You serious? I'm right in this wave or crowd or whatever you wanna call it. I'm not gonna say I'm better than anyone ever. I let the fans argue that and my music speak for itself.
Are you going to take Jersey Hip Hop to another level?
I'm gonna put keep the tradition of great MC's from Jersey alive. Redman, Joe Buddens, Latifah, Ice-T, Naughty by Nature, Sugar Hill Gang. I won't say Shaq because of obvious reasons haha but yeah. New York gets all the shine for obvious reasons they got Biggy, NaS, Jay-Z, Fab, everyone. Not fair to compare but I'm gonna try and take it somewhere its never been. What Kanye & Lupe & Common are to Chicago is what I'm gonna be to Jersey no doubt!
Didn't you used to be a comedian before an MC?
Yeah! I still am and will always be. Comedy is alot like rap. Delivery, charisma, confidence, controlling the crowd, preparation. Half my lines are punchlines anyway but I could do either and still get recognition. I'm blessed like that.
Contact The 'U' for performances and updates at:
>ugironman@gmail.com
>blackjugo@aol.com
>ujo100@psu.edu
>visionsofquest.blogspot.com
(OFFICIAL BLOG FOR THE 'U' & VISIONS OF QUEST)
>twitter.com/U_goBoy
>blackjugo@aol.com
>ujo100@psu.edu
>visionsofquest.blogspot.com
(OFFICIAL BLOG FOR THE 'U' & VISIONS OF QUEST)
>twitter.com/U_goBoy
Music News!
V-3: 'U' Jersey Mixtape (Vol. 3)
Presented By The 'U' Movement/Jungle Noise Productions-JNP/Visions of Quest-VOQ
Produced by J-Smoov, DJ CaMoflauge, & Killa Kake
THIS MIXTAPE IS FREEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! FREEEEEE!!!! FREEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
AVAILABLE SOON!!!!!!!!!!!
>>>Mixtapes<<<
V-3 ('U' Jersey Vol. 3)
1.) intro-uphill (tony Keith)
2.) pause
3.) reasons (produced by killa kake)
4.) Dynasty joint
5.) goin' in (featuring sah ril) (produced by killa kake)
6.) say something
7.) a piece of piece (j dilla joint)
8.) jersey gorillaz
9.) crush on 'U'
10.) ugi baby
11.) sidebar
12.) man's world (produced by jungle noise productions-jnp)
13.) anime joint
14.) o let's do it
15.) 'U'nbelievable
16.) 'U'ptown Anthem
17.) Nothingness (Featuring sah Ril) (Produced by sah ril) (bonus)
''U' Jersey Vol. 1 & 2 Mixtape (Double CD)
Vol 1 & 2 MIXTAPE LINK (Copy & Paste Link!)
http://www.datpiff.com/DJ_CaMoflauge_The_U_U_Jersey_Vol_1_2_Doub.m74691.html
U' Jersey Vol. 1 (CD 1)
1.) Intro-Journey (Fumi)
2.) Nite & Day
3.) Take 'em Back
4.) SMH
5.) Pay Attention
6.) Lonely
7.) Infinite Mass Appeal
8.) Down South Throw-Down
9.) Interlude Time! (Pt. I)
10.) Nike Boots Sequal (featuring DJ CaMo)
11.) Take 'em Back Again
12.) Underground African Joint
13.) Gangstarr Joint
13.) For My Homies
'U' Jersey Vol. 2 (CD 2)
1.) New Flava
2.) I Just Do It
3.) Bring It Right Back
4.) Take 'U' Higher
5.) Jersey Chilln' (featuring DJ CaMo)
6.) BK Banger
7.) Interlude Time! (Pt. 2)
8.) Take Off
9.) B.R.B. (featuring Hadji)
10.) So I've Been Told
11.) Get It
12.) Stop Frontin'
13.) 'U' Anthem
14.) Daytona 500-New Era Anthem (Bonus)
15.) Get More Money (Bonus)
16.) Outro: Role The Credits (featuring DJ CaMo & G-Beezy)
http://www.datpiff.com/DJ_CaMoflauge_The_U_U_Jersey_Vol_1_2_Doub.m74691.html
U' Jersey Vol. 1 (CD 1)
1.) Intro-Journey (Fumi)
2.) Nite & Day
3.) Take 'em Back
4.) SMH
5.) Pay Attention
6.) Lonely
7.) Infinite Mass Appeal
8.) Down South Throw-Down
9.) Interlude Time! (Pt. I)
10.) Nike Boots Sequal (featuring DJ CaMo)
11.) Take 'em Back Again
12.) Underground African Joint
13.) Gangstarr Joint
13.) For My Homies
'U' Jersey Vol. 2 (CD 2)
1.) New Flava
2.) I Just Do It
3.) Bring It Right Back
4.) Take 'U' Higher
5.) Jersey Chilln' (featuring DJ CaMo)
6.) BK Banger
7.) Interlude Time! (Pt. 2)
8.) Take Off
9.) B.R.B. (featuring Hadji)
10.) So I've Been Told
11.) Get It
12.) Stop Frontin'
13.) 'U' Anthem
14.) Daytona 500-New Era Anthem (Bonus)
15.) Get More Money (Bonus)
16.) Outro: Role The Credits (featuring DJ CaMo & G-Beezy)
