In this edition of our My City series, Oakland based artist Jern Eye explains the L.A.-meets-Oakland roots if his unique hip-hop vision, why the Bay Area is so prone to turning out creative artists and invites readers to have a beer with him at his new favorite spot.
RefinedHype: You’re an 80s baby raised in Los Angeles. How did those early days in L.A. influence your sound now?
Jern Eye: Growing up in L.A. played a huge role in helping me develop as an emcee. Everything from the open mics, the rap battles, the shows, and the graffiti was all influential. Back then, the competitive nature of emcees was so high it forced everyone to really step up their bars. The scene was real aggressive back then, which I think reflects L.A. and it’s abrasive nature. Until this day, a lot of the things I was exposed to growing up in L.A. like the gang culture, and its underground Hip Hop scene, are still a part of who I am, so of course it resonates in my music. L.A. will always be a huge part of who I am no matter where I live in the world.
Refined Hype: You later moved to Oakland - why the move?
Jern Eye: I moved to Oakland in 1999 with a High School friend of mine Sizwe, whom I founded my group Lunar Heights with in 1996. Prior to moving to Oakland, I had a few friends who moved to the Bay and formed a collective of artists. I would visit The Bay on occasion, and became enthralled by the energy everyone put into their respective crafts. It didn’t take long until I knew Oakland was where I needed to be. I’ve been living in Oakland since then, and still remain inspired by my life here ‘till this day.
Refined Hype: The Bay Area has a rich history of artists who push boundaries. What is it about the region that inspires such creativity?
Jern Eye: The scene in The Bay is full of color and personality. People have a lot of freedom to be themselves without being judged, which I think is a huge conduit in why a lot of boundaries get pushed. Also, the separations between all the sub-genres of rap, like turf, mob, hyphy, back pack, or underground become real vague out here. A lot of artists work with each other, so a lot of styles cross over and inter mingle. I think there’s just an air of consciousness in the people, and it translates well in the music.
Refined Hype:If I’m in Oakland, where can I find you?
Jern Eye: At E. 20th and 8th Ave sipping a beer on my balcony. Also, my friend Prozack of Foreign Legion just opened up a dive bar called The Layover on Franklin Ave. That’s definitely the new hang out spot.
Refined Hype: Last words?
Jern Eye: Thanks to all the folks in The Bay who have taken me in as one of its own. My new album, “Vision”, wouldn’t be what it is if it wasn’t for you, and everybody can go check out “Vision” when it’s released on October 13! Fans can also feel free to follow me on twitter at Twitter.com/JernEye or check me out at MySpace.com/JernEye.
To download Jern Eye’s latest mixtape “The Eye Exam” and preview “Vision” click here.
To listen and download Jern Eye’s exclusive DJBooth.net freestyle, click here.
Read more: Features, My City, Jern Eye
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