Dropping Jewels with J. Robb about his Producing Journey, Soulection and Trash IV
Photo: Geneley Childress/Flatline Cinema
Jay Roberts, formally known as J. Robb, is 22-year-old producer from Baltimore, Maryland with a fresh innovative sound, hard-hitting drums and the makings of music industries next elite producer.
I’ve been following J. Robb since 2015 after his debut project Swag Surf Gawd, released on the first day of his freshman year at Frostburg State University in Maryland. His songs, remixes and productions were featured each week on my college radio show “The Wave” on WRAS-ATL 88.5FM.
Following multiple projects, collaborations and countries traveled, J. Robb was able to reflect on the journey thus far, preview his latest project Trash Vol. IV and drop a few jewels in an exclusive sit down interview, presented by Flatline Cinema.
J. Robb burst onto the internet’s music scene at 17 by remixing R&B classics and rap hits, creating a new eclectic sound. His music quickly gained traction amongst listeners on Soundcloud and selectors worldwide, encouraging him to leave college in order to pursue producing full-time.
“J. Robb makes beats because that’s really the only hobby I like to do, and I get paid for it,” said the young producer.
He credits his parents as musical influences; his father an accomplished producer while his mother encompasses a great musical palette.
Growing up during late 90’s and early 2000’s, R&B artist like Mary j Blige, Faith Evans, Total and Amarie laid the foundation for his sound.
That unique sound has captivated a global audience presenting him opportunities to travel the world touring and make a living of his music.
“A part of me still doesn't believe it”, said J. Robb adding, “It’s always refreshing to get a nice reminder that people care about the things that I make... 17 year old me would have [went nuts].”
“J. Robb makes beats because that really the only hobby I like to do, and I get paid for it.”
- J. Robb
At 17, J. Robb gave his very first interview for “The Wave”. I asked what his goals were moving forward and he said he wanted to be established in the industry by 19 and to ultimately release a Soulection White Label EP.
Soulection is an independent music label, clothing brand and radio show hosted by industry tastemaker Joe Kay on Apple’s Beats 1 Radio platform.
J. Robb achieved both goals, becoming the youngest member of Soulection and releasing his very own 4-track White Label EP on November 3rd, 2017.
Being a member of Soulection’s label propelled J. Robb to new heights, however he says the affiliation has adversely put him in a box of what sound he produces.
“I was really in the R&B vibe at that moment and that’s all I made” he proclaimed, “but how do I make rap beats and how do I produce for rappers who don’t want R&B type stuff?”
He makes it clear that he can produce more than just soulful records and has been finding balance in his production saying, “I’ve been learning a lot about living within myself.”
Photo: Eva Anzola/@evasofire
J. Robb has been living life to the fullest. At 20, he signed a Sony/ATV contract and moved from his mom’s house in Baltimore to Brooklyn, New York with his longtime girlfriend Eva. He says one of his biggest mistakes was blowing his advance on rent and furniture.
“I shopped at West Elm like an idiot.” He eventually sold the furniture so him and his girl could travel to Asia for the remainder of 2019, living between Bangkok, Bali, Malaysia and Tokyo.
“It’s something I don’t take for granted at all,” said J. Robb, noting that the experience taught him, “how big the world is and how similar every place is to one other. We all have the same human experience.”
Following the Asia tour, he and Eva moved to Atlanta in January 2020. “There’s a certain charm about Atlanta that I really like, and the food is good.”
The Covid-19 pandemic altered his plans of dominating Atlanta’s rich and vibrant music scene with his live DJ sets, however quarantine has allowed him to focus on producing his latest project Trash Vol. IV.
Trash Vol. IV available on Bandcamp.
The “Trash” compilation series has grown and evolved along with the budding producer.
“It started out as me trying to put out a compilation of stuff that I didn't have any plans of doing something with,” he said of the idea which began in his room at his mom’s house. He’s since released Trash volumes 2, 3 and 3.5 as he’s experienced life as a traveling producer and DJ.
Trash Vol. IV differs from previous volumes because “Music now has been more personal than my music has been in the last 2 years.”
Now four volumes in, the producer says, “Every year I see what’s in my trash folder and i’ll drop it… at this point it’s become a yearly compilation.”
He calls the compilation trash because he “didn’t consider it good enough,” but his fans and units sold suggest otherwise.
Due to the massive success of his music, the 22-year-old hasn’t had to work a formal job to date.
Since 18, he’s operated as a limited liability company (LLC), selling his music/drum kits online.
“Shout my mom who got me setup correctly on that,” he said after she discovered his plans to become a full-time producer.
Since becoming a full time producer, J. Robb has worked with many artist including Smino, Devin Tracy, Elujay, Zilo and Beya Likhari amongst others adding, “I’m really open to working with anyone who I deem to be good at music.”
His goal moving forward is to grow and develop in all facets of the music industry, gaining more song placements and delving into song writing saying, “There’s still much more to do.”
In closing, J. Robb’s final jewel was, “Whatever you think is how things are, stop for a second and think it’s not, just to see. Try and challenge your own way of thinking, cause 9 times out of 10 were all biased.”
“Take a moment to step out of yourself and be objective about life, at least once a day.”
#supportahustla & Discover J. Robb:
soundcloud.com/jrobbdaproducer
twitter.com/jrobbdaproducer
instagram.com/jrobbdaproducer
Production Crew: Ray Virgin (Top Left), Geneley Childress (Top Right)