We had the good fortune of connecting with Jay The Rarest and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jay, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I truly believe it’s what I was meant for, I believe it’s my calling. I can’t run away from it no matter what, it’s literally been my whole life. Art is the thing that makes me feel the most alive, I truly have a real love and passion for art not even just music but all forms of art. I’m an artist myself in multiple forms, I always have been literally since the day I was born. Music became a form of art I engaged in at 9 years old. I’ve never lost my love of art. Art is timeless and will survive us all so, I also look at art as leaving pieces of yourself for the world to remember you by in the grand scheme of things. I’m an artist and I believe art is the most powerful, prolific, and important thing ever because how influential it is.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Although I’m an artist of many forms my main is of music, music became a part of me ever since I can remember. Music has been around me my whole entire life, I can truly say it found me.
There are many things that set me and my music apart from others such as my abstract, unorthodox, and authentic artistic style, unique ideas, raw creative approach, undeniable passion, and relentless dedication.
Besides the accolades I’ve received throughout my career what I’m truly most proud of is inspiring others through my music because that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do like many have inspired me through their music and like the late great Nipsey Hussle said “The highest human act is to inspire.” Which is also why I’m very proud to say I have inspired others and plan to continue doing so.
I got to where I am today professionally because of my sheer determination and belief in myself. I’ve always known I had talent and something to offer, something that is needed. With that said I never let anything discourage me, I took every single opportunity presented to me no matter how big or how small because I knew it would all count in the end.
Something I learned on my journey is to be grateful for every single opportunity, purchase, fan, listener, etc. that you get in this game because at the end of the day nothing is promised or owed to you in this industry especially with the millions and millions of others who are trying to break into this industry as well. Another lesson I learned is you have to be patient in order to succeed in this industry, if you’re not patient you will not survive. You will have your moments when you do become discouraged and question your work and the outcome of it leading you to even give up but remember if you quit now you’ll always have regret with the question “What if I didn’t quit?” lingering not just in your mind but in your heart as well.
I want the world to know I’m a man of the people before anything and I’m a pure, passionate, innovative artist second. I’m simply here to inspire the minds of the future and to raise the vibration of the planet while and by satisfying my creative urges. Nothing is fabricated or exaggerated, everything is pure, authentic, and from the heart when it comes to my creative expressions. I am art, I am music, I am progress, I am light, I am love!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area and wanted me to show them the best time ever we definitely would have to get drinks and our party on at Roo Bar and Mojito Lounge if we’re talking nightlife in Denver. They are the two best clubs in town hands down if you ask me, the drinks are great, the music is great and the vibes are the best. I’ve honestly had some of my funnest nights and met some my best friends at both Roo Bar and Mojito Lounge. If my best friend was looking for more nature vibes of course Red Rocks is the best place to visit, everyone in Colorado and many even out of Colorado know why. It’s truly a beautiful and unique place only in Colorado. If we’re talking about food one place that I constantly give it up to in the city is Fire on The Mountain, a locally owned restaurant that serves mainly wings. They definitely have the best wings in Denver. Another great place to eat is Menya Noodle Bar another locally owned restaurant, they serve the best Ramen noodle bowls I’ve ever had and their drinks are top notch. Tacos Rapidos is a classic Denver Mexican food spot that I’d have to mention as well, they’ve consistently had some of the best Mexican food in town for years.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Well besides God the creator and the almighty, I definitely would have to dedicate my shoutout to my mother and my step father, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t know what Hip-Hop is like I do now in the first place so, I most likely wouldn’t of fell in love with Hip-Hop and became a student of the culture and apart of the culture as an MC. I also have to dedicate my shout out to a mentor of mine and also my former teacher Wayne Watts he taught me so much about music like how to rap on beat, how to count bars, delivery, stage presence, etc. I’d also like to dedicate my shoutout to each and everyone who has supported me in anyway up to this point, whether that was you sharing my music, purchasing my music, purchasing merch, coming out to a show, or simply giving me a listen. I am nothing without you and you are the reason I continue to do what I do and I’m even able to do what I do! Word can’t even express how grateful I am for each and every single one you, I love and truly appreciate you all!
Website: https://www.jaytherarest.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: instagram.com/jaytherarest
Twitter: twitter.com/jaytherarest
Facebook: facebook.com/jaytherarest
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/rhymesightmusic/
Other: jaytherarest@gmail.com