Urban Vault caught up with Los Angeles, California based Jamo Gang who have just dropped their new self-titled EP, (Jamo Gang are El Gant & Ras Kass on the mic and J57 on the beat) to ask them some questions about the new EP and more…

Jamo Gang started out as Ras Kass & El Gant writing and recording songs on the spot to new J57 beats at his Brooklyn studio in October of 2015. Their incredible chemistry quickly turned into a side-group for fun, which then turned into a serious group that leads to the three teaming up to create more than an album’s worth of music by early 2016, with a push from DJ Premier to do so.

Jamo Gang spent the majority of 2016 & 2017 fine-combing their songs with J57 adding post-production as the three brought in a few hand-selected guest appearances for their debut, self-titled EP which is out now!

RAS KASS:
What‘s your name?

John Austin aka Ras Kass

Where are you from?

Los Angeles, California. specifically Watts & Carson.

How long have you been making music?

20 years professionally

Can you tell us about your new project Jamo Gang, the background, and idea behind it?

The EP is self-titled. J57 is the producer and Elgant & I handle the brunt of the rhyming. I consider us an extremely golden era Hip Hop group surround by music that has an 80’s ambient sound quality. Its new and inventive but has a dreamy ‘retroistic’ feel.

Can you give me some further details about the EP?

The EP features Big Twins (Infamous Mobb/Mobb Deep), Shabaam Sahdeeq, Snak the Ripper, female vocalist Ms Bodega and Deejay Element scratches on ‘All Eyes On Us‘.  The EP is released through Soulspazm records. forthcoming vinyl/Casettes via Blackhouse records.

EL GANT:
Who else have you collaborated with so far in your Career?

I have been fortunate enough to work with a lot of artists I looked up to throughout my career. Kool Keith, The Beatnuts (who have helped me significantly in the beginning of my career), El Da Sensei, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Joel Ortiz, Masta Ace, Tek of Smif-N-Wesson, Sid Wilson (of SlipKnot), Killa Priest, Ill Bill, Torae, the list goes on! The most exciting thing currently is working with my friend and hero DJ Premier.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

I’ve always wanted to work with De La…just a personal dream of mine.

What inspires you when you make your music?

The beauty and tragedy of life inspire me. I  grew up learning from the OG’s, who reported from the street, life, and just the political climate of the time. I truly love to write and perform and can’t imagine myself doing anything else.

How have you ended up in the music industry?

I started by performing at showcases in NYC, and got discovered, I signed a deal too fast when I was really young and learned fast. I’ve been in it in some capacity ever since.

What do you think of the music industry in 2018?

I’m excited about it. Record labels no longer determine who’s hot, the fans do. I’m not concerned with selling a million records. I love rocking for an out legion of loyal followers that believe in beats and lyrics just like we do!

J57:
What have you got planned for 2018?

We’re releasing the self-titled Jamo Gang EP on January 30th. Then we’re going to be touring the US, Canad, and Europe. Then we plan on kicking off our debut LP’s campaign in early July!

What’s your favorite track at the moment?

I love them all. But ‘Welcome to the Golden Era’ is my personal favorite.

What do you do when your not making music?

Using fighting bears in the woods.  Nah, honestly, not much; I go to the gym a lot but I’m always making music.

Facebook or Twitter?

I hate them both. My answer is Instagram.

In a few words sum up your thoughts about Urban Vault and what we’re trying to do?

Urban Vault is about the realness and timeless music with a message.

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music…

www.facebook.com/jamogang
https://instagram.com/jamogang/
https://twitter.com/RasKass
https://twitter.com/ElGant
https://twitter.com/j57