If Little Rock, Arkansas, is known for anything, it's for being the birthplace of former president Clinton, not it's hip-hop scene, but one man is out to change all that, and his name is SL Jones. In the latest edition of our My City interview series, Jones sits down to talk about helping to push Arkansas to the top, his focus on longevity over short term success and much, much more.
RefinedHype: Much of the rest of the South (Georgia, Florida, even Miss. to some degree) have been represented on the national hip-hop scene, but Arkansas still seems to be waiting for a big break out star. Why do you think that is? Will could you be the first?
SL Jones: I don't think there is one particular reason why Arkansas hasn't had a big break out artist honestly. I just feel like if we keep working it will happen. I'm not into making excuses and nobody owes us anything. Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi all had to work for it. So the A-State gone have to work for it. Yeah, I could be the first. I don't really get caught up in all that though. Racing to be first just seems kind of corny to me. Its about having a career with longevity, you feel me. I'm just gone focus on pushing the line for Arkansas as a whole because that's bigger than any one artist, including SL Jones.
RefinedHype: How has growing up in Little Rock affected both your musical style and your career?
SL Jones: Well my environment shaped me and my perceptions on life. Little Rock is a gangland, so growing in the hood I had to really stay on point at all times. It was about survival. I talk about the things I've seen, my experiences. For the niggas who really did it and aren't here to speak on it - I'm their voice.
RefinedHype: What inspires you about your city?
SL Jones: Little Rock is the crib. No matter where I'm at, that's always gone be home to me. I'm inspired by the neighborhood that I came up in and all my surroundings.
RefinedHype: If I'm rolling through Little Rock, where can I find you?
SL Jones: Man you might find me anywhere, I might be on Wolfe St., on Wright Ave. at the car wash, at the Six, Centennial Park and then slide over to Kanis. I might go to the East End on Hanger Hill. I'm always with family so I'm good everywhere when I'm in the town.
RefinedHype: Last words? Shout outs? Confessions?
SL Jones: Shout out to everybody who's doing it for the town. Not only for the Rock, but for the whole A-State. E-Ddubb what up, 607 what up!
Check out Jones' new video, "Making Money Fast (Remix)"
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