There is something to be said for defying expectations and following your creative spirit; few producers in today’s landscape can lay claim to a career shift as unexpected as that of 22-year-old former Vine star Jay Versace.
Over the past two years, the New Jersey-native has been on a path distinct from his core brand: producing soulful, low-fi Hip Hop. Things took a massive turn in his career this year, following placement on Westside Gunn‘s Billboard Hot 200 charting Pray For Paris LP.
“The journey has been liberating because I almost felt boxed in from only being known as the kid from the funny videos,” he tells HipHopDX. “To be able to express myself musically and receive appreciation and opportunities is extremely relieving … and exciting.”
Finding himself part of Griselda 2.0 — as it expands beyond the main trio — his most significant contribution to date has been alongside Detroit MC Boldy James, as the sole producer on his label debut, The Versace Tape.
“Gunn is a genius at curating people together,” he says. “For him to bring me and Boldy together was entirely something that only he would have put together.
“At first, I was curious how my sound would collide with his, but it turned out to be a classic,” he notes, adding the Boldy was relatively easy to work with.
What makes the pairing so unique — and in fact, what makes Jay’s current relationship with Griselda so unique — is the differentiation in their backgrounds. Far removed from the rather dark origin story shared by Griselda and Boldy James, Jay (an openly gay comedian) came to prominence via his Vine account, which boasted over three million followers and over 2 billion views before the platform’s inevitable demise in January of 2017.
Jay continued to thrive, even landing his own web series via Fullscreen, Jay Versace is Stuck in the 90s. It was in 2018 that be began making beats, though. One of the first of which became Westside Gunn’s “Versace.”
The particular sub-genre of Hip Hop he inhabits is one that is often soaked in a certain level of stigma when it comes to LGBTQ issues. But, something he isn’t doing is allowing himself to be restricted by preconceived notions.
“[Hip Hop] can be very homophobic in some respects,” he explains. “Me being able to navigate through that makes me feel like I’m somewhat paving a way for the next queer producer.”
Having risen to musical prominence amid both COVID-19 and an apex of global racial tension, he says the unprecedented transitional period has fueled his output in the best way possible.
“The current climate makes me hungry to express art,” he says. When under pressure, I feel more creative — so, I’ve been utilizing this time to express myself like never before.
“People are seemingly receiving it well, so I’m not taking this experience for granted. If I can help someone with my art, I’ve reached my goal.”
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Jay has always been unapologetically outspoken on issues centered around both mental health and blackness — something he feels anyone with a platform should be striving to do, as well.
“It’s extremely important, especially if the community that is feeding you needs your voice,” he says. “I can’t eat off people and abandon them when they are troubled. The very least you can do is use your platform to amplify essential conversations, and that’s what I’ve always believed.”
One thing he’ll never be is creatively stagnant, noting that fans can be on the lookout for upcoming collaborative projects with artists that have always inspired him.
“I’m excited for y’all to experience this with me,” he proclaims.
Exciting stuff, indeed. Stream Boldy James and Jay Versace’s The Versace Tape below and check out his highly entertaining Instagram account @jay.
It’s interesting that he’s bisexual or
Whatever he wants you to
Call him, but it doesn’t take away from skills. If that song
Comes on and the beat knocks, fuck what he likes behind closed doors or opened doors for tang matter hahaha
I think that is the movement in progress or I guess progressed. Sexuality doesn’t define a person. It’s only a small part of who they are.
Homosexuality has no place in hip hop. PERIOD.
Ok Lord Jamar lmfaooo
Lol it’s always been in hip hop. Pop. Rnb. Jazz. Rock. In all music. N always n forever will b . Gay ppl have always n always will exist. If u was secure it wouldn’t scare u.
Neither do you.
I read the article, streamed the music, and forgot what the article was about. A strong catalog is all I care about
Nahh fam that shit wild gay wtf if this the direction this heading, I’m gracefully exiting this shit cause wtf lmao
Sorta like what Meek Mill did for rappers…he was the first homosexual rapper embraced by hip hop
Pac wouldn’t stand for this so… If you really want to make a statement as a gay male in rap, be a gay producer making a hit record with a gay rapper
Was trying to reply to jussie smollett not u. Sometimes this site makes replies go to wrong person, glitchy browser . And where did tupac say anything homophobic ? I don’t remember him saying gay ppl need killing.
Pac actually worked with Danny Boy. And I believe it was rumors out that Danny Boy was queer even back then. Not sure if Pac knew it or suspected it or not.
Also, young Pac probably wouldn’t have gone for it. But that was the 90’s. I honestly didn’t go for it back then. But I’m older, and more discerning with a person’s sexuality. And I think Pac, with his level of intelligence, probably would’ve been more acceptable of it today as well!
I don’t care who he been fucking, as long as it ain’t kids and the beats fire!
Facts!
Has no place in hip hop. But I will say u prob shouldn’t make an article and say queer in 2020
“There is no place for homosexuality in Hip Hop but I take some sort of offence to a term even though it’s the Q in LGBTQ and the guy himself identifies as such in this article.” —I ain’t wit it
Personal opinion,
I’m tired of hearing who is and isn’t gay.
If that’s your life cool, if not, still cool.
I only care about good music, not what someone does in the privacy of their sex lives.
Why not just be the kid (not the queer kid) that worked with Griselda? Congratulations to the boy, but I believe he is working with the label because of talent, not because he is queer.
Being gay isn’t taboo anymore and nobody cares as long as the beats are dope.
Really….? Cakes the killa. Frank ocean. Big freedia…in a fuckin drake song. Shit isnt new. Y’all squeezing as much outta this tired rag as possible. Just as long ago dudes weren’t even admitting to eating pussy. Now they openly eat ass at the drop of a hat. Smh. This article belongs in like fuckin 2006. You know about atlanta? Right???? Pimp C been gone. He already did as much rolling in his grave as he gonna do. Its over. It’s beeeeen over.
paving the way for gay producers? this homey is lucky no one stab him with a dirty needle yet. if they be straight they straight if they be gay they be gay don’t single out gay people things just happen with the flow your agenda is loud and clear home boy.
This guy too arrogant. Today he announcing to the public, wat they should not say, to Andre 3000, if they see him. Like wtf do u think u r . Since wen dou speak for ansre3000 and does he even fucking know u I fkg doubt it. Humble down lil ho, u ain’t really that important
Griselda is gayyyyyyu