Read the full interview on YoungCalifornia.com!
She said ‘Hola, ¿Cómo estás?’ She said ‘Konnichiwa’!” At one point, Kent Jones had the hottest record of the summer. With DJ Khaled behind him, “Don’t Mind” quickly gave the Miami rapper the push he needed to the forefront of the rap game. The record went on to peak at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching an audience on a global scale. Read more…
While Kent is only 25 years old, his overall goal goes beyond just breaking down all barriers in the music. From rapper to producer to businessman to being a father, Kent Jones proves exactly why he belongs on DJ Khaled’s We The Best roster.
For those who don’t know, who is Kent Jones?
Kent Jones is a musician, innovative artist, and a comedian.
How would you describe your sound?
Very sophisticated, very intricate, and very diverse.
Where do you fit in the realm of R&B and Hip Hop?
I think R&B and hip-hop fits in my realm, rather than me fitting into the hip-hop and R&B realm. I think my style goes beyond just those two categories.
You’re from Florida. How does that play into your life and music?
Oh, big time! I mean, I embrace it. From the country in Tallahassee, to the hood in Pompano, to the diverse cultures of Miami. It’s different Spanish, Haitian, Latino, etc.
How important is it to come to LA as an up and coming artist?
As an up and coming artist, I’m not sure. Because when I came to LA, I was already an artist in the industry. For an up and coming artist, if you’re not from there, I wouldn’t say go to LA to find yourself, because you’re not going to do that. You’re going to get sucked up into like… whatever. Now for me, it’s hard for me to speak on that because once again, I wasn’t an up and coming artist. When I first got to LA, I was already doing shows. I was already doing radio.
For that particular thing, I think it’s a good opportunity. It’s a lot of money to be made. Especially when you’re new and when you have that… should I say that clout, or that strength in the industry — that’s what’s good. You make a lot of money. A lot of opportunities. But for up and coming artists just going to LA just ‘cause? No. You gotta have a plan. If you got a plan, go ahead. Like I said, all the money is in LA.
Talk about your relationship with DJ Khaled. How did you guys link and what’s the dynamic like in the studio?
Khaled is my brother man, at the end of the day. We met through mutual partners including Drake, who’s like my day one family. As far as the studio, every time I’m in the studio and we play each other records, it’s always a level, you know? It’s always a level. He’s always crazy to hear what I come with, and he always comes with something that blows my mind every time.
What’s the best memory you guys have shared?
Sheesh, y’all getting deep. [pause] Of course, our platinum record. We went triple Platinum all over the country. That’s a great moment in time. We did all the Summer Jams, the Demi Lovato Tour, the Beyonce Formation Tour. Oh yeah! When I came to his house for the first time and he showed me his house. His house was crazy. It has an elevator in it!
Khaled is full of gems. What’s the best advice he’s given you personally?
“Work harder than yourself.”
Talk about the making of the Miami Marlins anthem.
It was a record that was brought to my ears by Poo Bear. We heard the record and I cut the record. And Khaled became a part of the record and things just took off from there.
How many ladies have you pulled with “Don’t Mind”?
Man! I choose not to answer the question.
You’re only 24, what’s your end goal?
24 — I’m about to be 25 in like 10 days! My end goal is I want my record company to be the biggest record company in the industry. I want to start my academy that starts kids into the entire industry. I also want to be the biggest in the car industry. I’m going to have my own luxury vehicle. I’m coming out with my own car. And I also want to be the most poppin’ real estate agent. And I plan on having a few more investments by then too.
What’s a normal day in the life?
Like when I’m just home? In Miami? Wake up, thank the Lord, get in the shower, decide which car I want to drive for the day. 9 times out of 10, it’s the Rolls-Royce. Get in the Rolls-Royce, go to the gym, leave the gym, go back home, freshen up. Sometimes, I might go to the studio. Might go on the beach. Might go to this spot called The Palace.
What’s The Palace?
The Palace is a dope spot. They got the hot tub. They got the stripper poles. They got all the music. They sell you the lubricant, your condoms, whatever else you want, in the front.
What’s the best encounter you had with a fan?
A fan gave me a $1000 pair of shades one time, when I was in New York. He was a kid too.
Who’s the most played artist on your phone?
Migos. Culture II. Their whole album.
What’s your favorite song?
I wanna say almost all of them. We got “Emoji a Chain.” “CC” is dope. I just really started vibing with “CC.” “Stir Fry.” “Top Down On Da NAWF.” The “BBO.” “Narcos.” “Movin’ Too Fast.” “Too Much Jewelry.”
Dream collab?
It’s between Michael McDonald. Or it’s between Stevie Wonder and… Cherokee Diaz. She’s a pornstar. I want to work with her because I’m a pornstar too. My porn name is Michael Sex, peeking out the blinds. [laughs]
Is there anything else you want to let Young California know?
That’s about it. I appreciate ya’ll for having me on there.
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