DJ Jayhood is a notable music figure birthed out of New Jersey. And while it can be so easy to get caught up in the glitz and glam, the esteemed DJ, rapper, and producer never forgets where he came from. In actuality, DJ Jayhood uses his home state’s influence to propel his experimental sound to new heights. Instead of keeping elements of Jersey Club Music at a standstill, he fuses it with various genres.
Other Jersey Club beats consist of the same rhythm, sound loops, etc. But, DJ Jayhood enhances the beats with an array of cinematic transitions. Given these points, DJ Jayhood’s statement of putting Jersey Club on the map gets truer by the day. On the whole, DJ Jayhood revamped the Jersey Club era and made it his own.
His new album Holla At Me Like, Vol 2 is a testament to the producers’ out-of-box beat-making talent. Comprising infectious energy and feel-good vibes, the ten-track project influences listeners to move their bodies. Holla At Me Like, Vol 2 has features from Lila Simone, Chad B, Ms. Porsh, Blaqqstar, and Gsmontana.
The tracks without features find DJ Jayhood diving into his rapping bag. Expect to hear songs about the star’s upbringing and come up. He also details his all-or-nothing mentality, how he remains optimistic, blocking out the hate, and basking in his wins. The New Jersey legend gives cred to his undying hustle. Sonically, the LP blends Jersey Club with pop, trap, R&B, and tropical-like arrangements.
One standout record on Holla At Me Like, Vol 2 is “Kiss Whack Club Goodbye.” The song seems to follow the rhythm found in a childhood song, “Ants Go Marching Down,” yet remains rooted in Jersey Club.
Led by a piano chord and a table-knocking bassline, “Kiss Whack Club Goodbye” sees the producer/rapper speaking about being a sound trendsetter. Since DJ Jayhood entered the scene, others tried to mimic his sound but, of course, failed to do so. He tells fugazies that their shade is the least of his worries. On a daily, he gets to the bag.
One notable line goes, “Ain’t bring nothin’ to the table but want me to make them a plate.”
Natalee Gilbert got the opportunity to sit down with DJ Jayhood at The Feature Presentation, where he answered the following:
1. What component of club music appeals to you most?
The bounce of the records appeals to me the most because that creates the entire vibe.
2. Is there anyone specifically who has inspired you to create music?
Yes, I was inspired by Meek Mill, Missy Elliott, Fetty Wap, and 50 Cent.
3. Being that you’re predominantly known as a notable DJ and producer both in New Jersey and across the world, is there an achievement you are most proud of?
I can say I’m most proud of actually being able to become a huge figure to the point where I’m not able to work with and touch stages with some of my favorite musicians.
4. Favorite place to create in New Jersey:
My favorite place to create in New Jersey is, of course, in my city Newark.
5. Is there anything you do before creating music?
Yes, I usually sit in silence for an hour or two and then let the vibes flow.
6. Can you give a little description of your project? What should we expect?
My upcoming project, Holla At Me Like, Vol.2, is a hard-hitting Jersey Club project with a mixture of hip hop showing both top-notch production and artistry.
7. Influence behind your album:
The success behind my last record, “Heartbroken Twenty Twenty,” has inspired me to create an entire album like this.
8. What steps did you take to create the album?
I locked in and took my time with the album. I didn’t take any specific steps; I just let it naturally take its course.
9. How would you describe your overall sound?
I would describe my sound as fun, energetic, bouncy & just lit overall!
10. Favorite song to create off your album?
My favorite song to create off the album was definitely “Let Jersey In,” artistry-wise. But production-wise “Imma Bounce It” feat. Lila Simone was very fun to create!
11. A song that speaks to you off your upcoming album? “Kiss Whack Club Goodbye” definitely speaks to me on another level!
12. What do you hope fans get from listening to your project?
I hope fans not only turn up and dance to it but listen to the lyrics and hear some of the realness in the records.
13. Go-to record on the road?
“Heartbroken ZooMix feat. Fetty Wap.”
