Living Room
ARTISTS ON ARTISTS: THE NEXT 50
Hip Hop Legend Juicy J on Up and Coming Talent
This year marks the 50th anniversary of hip hop in the United States, an occasion that lets us toast to the impact hip hop music has had on fashion, culture, and history. But as we celebrate hip hop’s 50th—and the icons who’ve changed the game forever—we also look toward what’s next.
We were honored to work with music legend, Academy Award winner, and Three 6 Mafia founding member Juicy J to select the E&J Brandy 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop up-and-comer: a talented musician he believes represents the future of hip hop.
Juicy J and E&J Brandy are honored to present Memphis-based musician Christian Ford, aka C4 Da Don. Read on to discover, in his own words, why Juicy J believes C4 Da Don is a hip hop artist to watch.
Tell us about C4 Da Don. Why did you select him to be honored as the E&J Brandy 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop up-and-comer?
I feel he is an artist that’s versatile between R&B and hip hop with melodic flows. He has something for everyone; and I feel he has what it takes and the drive to go get it. Plus, he isn’t stuck to one style, but has a lot of ways to come on records.
How did you learn about them as an artist?
I was introduced to C4 by my manager and cousin King Ray a few years ago. As time went by, I got exposed to his music and was impressed. I’m the type to not say much when I see a new artist, just to see what they are going to do on their own without my affiliation; are they going to keep it going or not. To survive in this game, you can’t give up, ever. I see that he is still pursuing and that’s one of the most important things in any artist.
What does C4 Da Don bring to the genre?
I think he brings Memphis sound, but different, as his music speaks on the everyday pain of growing up and being a man in Memphis. The everyday struggles, from relationships to trying to chase a dream. A lot of people can relate to those things as they happen in every life. You don’t have to be from Memphis to relate to the music.
What sets him apart?
I think, like all artists, there is only one of him. So to me, what sets him apart is that he is himself and making music about his life experiences that people can relate to. That’s the winning key. Each artist is different, so finding out what works for you is an exciting adventure that guilds the reward once you figure it out. And I think he has figured out who he is as an artist.
What do you think the future looks like for C4 Da Don? For hip hop in general?
The future for hip hop will be great. It’s now the number one streaming music genre, and is constantly evolving into new sounds with rap styles and beat production. For C4, I think the future is bright. He has talent; he raps, he sings, he produces, he engineers and mixes. Can’t lose knowing all that.
And lastly, what does the 50th anniversary of hip hop mean to you? Why is it so significant?
It means a lot to me. I was a poor kid from North Memphis that said I wanted to be an entertainer, and with God’s grace I made it. I love hip hop; it changed me and my family’s life and continues to change the lives of many artists and their families.
Thank you to Juicy J and C4 Da Don for helping us celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop, and looking toward the future of the genre together.
Love the spotlight? Have a question for the artists? Let us know in the comments below.
You cannot post comments until you have logged in. Login Here.
Fam Comments
brandiechisnell@gmail.com
5 months agoCheer's Thank You for 50 year's and counting Hip Hop Legends My G .. Let's Get It
Cool moe dee
8 months agoDo that s*** over here Papa hip hop hip Hop
Yung1
9 months agoThank you for the 50 years and many more Happy 50 Years to Hip Hop ...Cheers
Lotto Beats 314
9 months agoCarone
9 months agoCongrat's
Babygirl143
9 months agoAwesome!!!!
Crystal20
9 months agoHappy 50yrs of Hip Hop
saleago
9 months agoAWESOME!
No one has commented on this page yet.