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Dutch rapper Jay-Way tells all in his new album ‘No I’m Not Ok’
To say that rapper Jay-Way only takes up one lane would be an understatement.
Flipping through his discography, you’ll come to find that the musician does diligence in providing audiences with top-tier lyricism and rap deliveries over multi-genre offerings.
Likewise, Jay-Way adds some flair to each song in terms of speaking on melancholic topics.
His dynamic approach to transparency is nothing but inspiring. Ultimately, he showcases the ability to be vulnerable on record, all while maintaining an optimistic demeanor.
With every word that escapes his lips, Jay-Way aims to leave fans with a bit more hope than before. It’s symbolically the shoulder we need to lean on in difficult times.
“I want young people going through a difficult time to understand that they’re not alone. I hope No, I’m Not okay becomes their soundtrack to overcome distress,” he adds.
Rapper Jay-Way and his come up
The Dutch rapper, Jay-Way, has six years of musical expertise under his belt. Initially, Jay-Way crafted bars in only Dutch until he spent some time living with family members in New York City.
High praise of his fluency in English prompted him to use this strategy when putting the pen to the pad. For as long as he could remember, Jay-Way loved music.
Growing up, his dad was a DJ, so he introduced him to an array of sound. On the first day of high school as a freshman, a classmate introduced Jay-Way to freestyling, and he’s admired rapping ever since.
Sometime after, Jay-Way began making demos and uploading them online. And before he knew it, a fanbase emerged. His music is inspired by conversations with friends, new experiences, or current events.
Outside of music, Jay-Way is a brand ambassador for Puma and Red Bull.
Jay-Way’s latest seven-track effort, No I’m Not Ok, is said to be his most personal album to date. The themes in No I’m Not Ok center in on depression, doubt, upholding a fighting spirit, his undying focus, and swimming against the current.
Additionally, it provides us with more intel on Jay-Way’s life before his career ascended.
“It was therapeutic to write these songs. I was going through a tough time and wanted to be transparent with my listeners. Some people expect men to always be strong and stoic, notably within hip-hop culture. I allowed myself to be more vulnerable with No, I’m Not okay,” he continues.
Sure tracks include “Hometown Blues,” “No I’m Not Ok,” “Diary,” and “On The Rise.” “Like Quintana” deserves a spin as well due to its rendition of Russ‘ song, “On 10 (feat. Rexx Life Raj).”
Rapper Jay-Way and his producer Dayme started writing and developing concepts in 2018 for No I’m Not Ok. After he signed with IVAV, Jay-Way flew to Sweden to continue working on the project.
Eventually, the two connected with Social House associates Anton Göransson and Isabella Sjostrand, who helped co-produce and co-write No I’m Not Ok.
The second song off the 16-minute album, “Hometown Blues,” embarks on his journey to stardom. Likewise, the track allows Jay-Way to flex his bragging rights. ”
Don’t compare me to a rapper with a style that he adapted/Know a lot of people thought I’d never make it from the block/Hey, I’m tryna leave a legacy before my body rots,” he spits.
Elsewhere, Jay-Way speaks on what he hopes to accomplish before his time: to leave a legacy.
Additionally, the singer/rapper admits that he wants others to find solace in his music. With this in mind, one can assume that Jay-Way is appreciative of everything that’s happened. He also gives cred to God for working hard.
Vocally, rapper Jay-Way uses a bouncy singsong flow. Production-wise, however, “Hometown Blues” takes a folk approach and is led by an acoustic guitar arpeggio.
Twenty seconds in, the soundscape throws in a booming bassline, 808 slides, and hi-hats. But before the song ends, the beat takes on an ambient tone, letting the elements carry on.
“No I’m Not Ok” is a song off the project that encourages others to admit how they feel instead of bottling it up inside. Subsequently, “No I’m Not Ok” is an electrifying rock offering that sees Jay-Way honing into his singing.
Between lyrics, Jay-Way reflects on a previous split. “You and me never were in sync/Its time for me to stay afloat,” he sings. As the song continues, Jay-Way taps into a pop sensibility and laments about feeling low and wanting others to go away.
Before the song closes off, Jay-Way showcases a resilient spirit. “You won’t take control/ You make me fold,” he sings.
“Diary” is an intergalactic trap R&B song full of 808 slides and xylophone loops. On the track, Jay-Way wears his emotions on his sleeve as he admits to battling inner demons.
Even though he’s in the presence of other people, Jay-Way still feels alone. “Honestly, I’m trapped inside of my mind/I’ll probably tell you that I’m doing fine/I just want to run away/Really hope that this is just another page.” he sings in a war cry fashion.
The second to last song, “On The Rise” sees Jay-Way reminiscing on old times and calling out the clout chasers that have re-appeared in his life.
Over the trap R&B beat that’s backed by wind percussions and a bassline, rapper Jay-Way pulls out lyrical receipts on the fugazis, adding, “Funny how I ain’t exist to you when I was broke/Couldn’t get that chirp, now they blow my phone.”
Deeper into the song, Jay-Way speaks on his hustle mentality, saying he’s more concerned with his artistry than women. To add, rapper Jay-Way shows the power of manifestation.
He admits through lyrics that in 2018 he said it would be his last year being broke. Vocally, he displays a velvety singing pattern and swift cadence.
For now, rapper Jay-Way is focused on pushing No I’m Not Ok, but he leaves a word of advice for artists trying to create their first album.
“Don’t overthink and create. A project is never finished but released. You can always make a song sound better, so you can never make a perfect album. So don’t let that idea keep you from releasing. Your first album doesn’t have to be your last album. There’s beauty in growth, and listeners love seeing development.”