Def Jam recording artist, LaJan Slim, released his palatable mix-tape, “Hood Olympian.”
His single “Haitians,” smashed digital markets back in January with millions of traceable downloads.
As far as the album is concerned, his categorical music is chock-full of intense and titillating lyrics, narrating over dope beats… There’s levels to his stories.
The 22-year-old has a style similar to Kodack Black, but his wordplay throughout the LP is brutally aggressive.
Originally from Miami, LaJan moved to Brownward County, Florida, following some unfortunate events that transpired in his life.
His mother was on drugs, and his cousin died from Aids. As if that wasn't enough, the woman caring for LaJan, his grandmother, died from cancer.
This only propagated his passion for music and intensified his focus.
Although grueling circumstances, LaJan graduated high school, and became an English major, while still pursuing his dreams.
Multifaceted in the arts and electronics, he produces his own sounds, which was one of the reasons that many people picked up on his talents quickly.
LaJan guerrilla marketed his songs to the underground DJ’s who ruled the club scenes in Florida. By getting his tracks played in consistent rotation, LaJan was able to stirrup a remarkable fan base that gravitated to his tunes—he was able to put out a single called “Quick Pik.”
Oh, what a tangible web he weaved when putting out the song! Word spread about his lyricism, and radio stations from Miami throughout other areas of Florida, took notice of LaJan and began playing his singles, which was a means to a powerful beginning.
How did you get the contract with Def Jam?
I was making noise in my region doing underground work and I was performing. The songs ended up picking up steam from the local clubs and the major radio platforms, to all the artist and celebrities that were coming into Florida and Miami. Someone came into a club and heard my song.
How did you feel when you learned label execs were watching you?
It felt kinda good actually. I was working. It was our calling for all of us to be working.
"Quick Pik" was the single that turned heads, and now you have “Haitian” as your newest single. Is it safe to assume that Haitian is part of your culture?
Correct
Why did you want to pay homage to that?
Well, I do have a brotherhood that’s more than Haitians, but majority of us are Haitian. The root of it is being young black men, especially a half island boy as well, and then coming over here to face the adversities and hardships of being different. You know, stuff like that.
How’d those misfortunes empower you to take drastic measures within your own life to do other things?
Just standing up for what I believe in and staying true to my principles and values that I’ve learned. It’s relating back to my real life, by sharing those messages and values that I’ve learned.
How often would you say that you hit the studio?
All day. That’s all I do, is be in the studio
Since you are a young father, do you plan to breakaway from stereotypes?
I really wouldn’t know the stereotypes. I’ve had my two kids since they were born, till now. I have a condo and they have their own rooms.
My daughter is three and my son is two. I’m going to be there for my kids, if that’s a stereotype. I’m will always be in my kid’s life. I don’t plan to not be in their lives. My motive is to stay positive and do positive things.
You are expecting a new edition to the family. Do you want a boy girl? Are you going to be a strict dad or, are you the type that melts at the mere thought of your kid?
I’m having another boy. I just be loving on them… I give them unconditional love the way I would want as a child.
I wasn’t fortunate to have this with my father, so I’m just playing the full role of a parent. I was fortunate enough to have people teach me guidance and stuff like that, so I just keep those priorities with my kids. Babies are going to always be babies. They do stuff that babies do. I don’t trip, I just do stuff to help correct them
This is geared towards your legacy. What do you want to be known for?
That’s a really good question. An artist—I want to be known as a great artist. I’m still finding my niche through it all. I do a great job of vividly telling my story, and illustrating it very good. I’ve always liked trying to tell life from my point of view.
What’s next for you, and when can we expect that next mix-tape to drop?
It’s just a gift. Everybody keeps calling it a mix-tape. It’s just a gift that I’m giving to fans, to show my versatility. It’s a little more edgy… It drops today at 11:00 (2 weeks ago).
Which track from the mix-tape spoke to you when you made it?
It’s a gift that’s not even spoken on. It’s something I did for fun. I want people to listen to it and move past it. I want them to still focus on the original work, which is “Hood Olympian,” and significantly on there, I went into a different mood. Whatever viral mood the fans are in, they can switch to it. It’s all my trials and tribulations with an up-tempo type of feel to it.
Any advice for aspiring artist?
Stay focused and true to yourself. Put God first, and everything else will come afterwards.
For media inquiries, please send email: Tangi Watts/ imerge1@aol.com>