Music Spotlight: J'Bon the Backpacker

If you look back at a recent post from last week, you will see I attended an open mic hip-hop showcase for unsigned artists at the Red Light Cafe. One of the performers was a fellow, who's also a mutual friend, who goes by the name of J'Bon the Backpacker. All I have to say is Atlanta has so much undiscovered talent and J'Bon is proof. Click the link to access his myspace page.

WTW: What's your government tag? Where are you from? Where do you now reside?
JB: Kalyn Dewayne Gladney; Born in DC only lived there for a couple of months raised in Atlanta; Jonesboro, GA.

WTW: Tell me a little more about yourself.
JB: Im all about music and making it better. Im a very confusing person as far as my relationships with ppl goes. I love fashion. I think I should have won best dressed in high school but it's cool another nigga got it lol.


WTW: I was semi-skeptical about actually listening to your music. Now that I have, I see that you have talent and are really focused. What makes you different from all the other hip-hop artists on the come up?

JB: I think they try too hard to have a hit. I do what I feel as others do what's "in:. And a lot of artists don't stand for anything. Their songs have no concepts, they jus babble on and on.


WTW: Who are some of your influences? (style and musical)
JB: Uhh wow good question, as far as music goes A Tribe Called Quest, Kanye West, Wale, Lupe Fiasco, you won't believe this but Gucci Mane also. But as far as style goes I dabble in everything. I get my style influences from everything. Actors mainly.. I like the way they come off so smoothe and not too flashy like a musician would.

WTW: When I attended your show at Red Light Cafe last week, you practically blew all the other artists out of the water. The atmosphere was so genuine. How did it feel being up on stage?

JB: I felt at home. I'm a very goofy person [but] on camera im very shy [but] on stage iIfeel real comfortable; it's weird.

WTW: Red Light Cafe was your first show. Do you have any other local upcoming events? JB: Not as of right now but I will def let you know when I have more.

WTW: What is one quote you live by?
JB: "If you dont stand for anything you will fall for everyting."