Najii Person

No one can predict how different this new year will be from its much-maligned predecessor. But whether 2018 proves a humanistic renaissance or an even deeper decent into madness, there’s one thing that will almost certainly stay consistent between the past year and this one. In 2017, a report published by Swiss multinational holding company Credit Suisse confirmed something that most of us already knew: the richest one-percent of Homo sapiens hold a staggering 50% of the globe’s wealth, and by proxy hold that other 99% of the human race as unwitting economic hostages in a green death grip.

Barring some sort of global catastrophe, it’s hard to imagine an embrace as systemically fortified as that one loosening much over the next twelve months. But I’m a pessimist. Maybe a small meteor will strike and the survivors will enjoy some balancing of the books of the social classes. It’s a new year, anything’s possible.

While you anxiously await such a watershed moment of financial equality and exo-planetary impact, why not listen to Najii Person’s new single “Money,” the video for which dropped on the first of the year? Najii, a versatile and energetic rapper/producer out of St. Louis, rattles off a list of the various languages in which money—the true omniglot—talks. There’s high money and low money, dope money and hope money, “she-ain’t-never-leave money,” “don’t-give-me-no-joke money,” and, lest we forget, “white-kids-buying-supreme-with-their-folks money.”

More than just a barrage of multi-hyphenates in a symmetrical rhyme scheme, “Money” probes deeper into the well-trodden topic with bursts of apical insight. “You make money, but couldn’t create money,” Najii spits in a breathy drawl somewhere on the spectrum between Isaiah Rashad and a sedated Kendrick, with a pinch of Andre 3000’s inflection thrown in for Southern zest.

Unlike on an earlier release, the explosive “Not Around,” in which Najii displays his mastery of novel syllable arrangement—going fully awake (and maybe even caffeinated) Kendrick—“Money” finds his delivery tightly corralled and gelling evenly with polished production, the bars orbiting their chosen subject in neat little loops. Producer of both beats, Najii’s work on “Money”’s sonic palate is similarly streamlined when compared to “Not Around.” It’s a sleek arrangement, one that incorporates the expressive bass of past efforts while showing off the emergent rapper’s range of styles.

The focus of both production and lyrics affords Najii the space to rap about money comprehensively. He pecks at this monolithic construct from all angles—at times observational, at others biographical—as he labors to unravel the relationship between the zeros in one’s bank account and that person’s feelings of accomplishment or lack thereof. It is, of course, impossible to know what 2018 will bring regarding people’s relationship with money, or with anything else. But if more people make it their New Years resolution to think about world issues as extensively as Najii Person does on “Money,”—well, that’d at least be good a start. - Green Goblin

Najii Person connects with DorianMitchell of EKO for the 92* produced single “God Knows.”

“Najii Person releases yet another candid track about life’s struggles – ones that previously only him and God knew about. God Knows isn’t just a song; it is a testimony of how faith in better days to come will keep you warm during the coldest nights.” - Music On The Dot

Artist: Najii Person
Track: Put Some Money on It
Producer: NPerson
Album: Untitled (TBA)
Every so often, I hear a rapper reference the insane level of competition in the hip-hop game, but rarely do they truly acknowledge the astronomical odds against their success. On his first DJBooth feature, St. Louis up-and-comer Najii Person looks that grim reality in the face, admitting that his visions of superstardom may be a simple fantasy—but pledging to forge on ahead regardless. In addition to rocking the mic, he produces the record’s instrumental backdrop under the alias NPerson. PHONZZ assists on the guest tip. The album to which this jam will be attached has yet to receive either a title or a drop date, but we’ll keep you in the loop as further details emerge.


NAJII PERSON
By Richard Spadine - Dj Booth

It’s finally here! The video to Najii Person‘s amazing new song “God Knows“. This is what hip-hop is about! It’s about expression, art, culture and above all, dopeness! - ULSTN

With a Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, and old Lupe Fiasco, vibe, "Money" is a song that will be playing in your head even after you turn it off. The beat does not have too much bass and is perfect to be able to hear every rhyme and lyric that Najii covers on it. The lyrics are something that everyone can relate to since the song does go deep into the scheme of how money controls most things in our world. It's no wonder that "Money" was featured on DeluxeMagazine!

With 848 followers on SoundCloud, and his songs hitting up to twelve-thousand plays, Najii Person is an artist you need to discover. Not only is this rapper from Saint Louis, Missouri an excellent lyricist, he also produces most of his own music. At the moment he is his own manager, booking agent, stylist, and art director all in one. There are not many artist who can say that they are their own management team and still be able to produce such amazing content. Najii just wants to be able to rise to the top and change lives through his music on that journey. He is focused, driven, and wants to show the world what he can bring to the table.

You will not be disappointed, check him out!

Interview with Najii Person:

What’s the story or inspiration behind this song?
I had just finished reading the Gucci mane book and was feeling really inspired to make something that would catch peoples ears just like Gucci did. I had to talk about what was current with me. I had just lost my job and the main source of income. Money was on my mind. Then I began to break the concept down in my mind and think about all the things with humanity money is attached to.

For those that are new to your music, what is something you want them to know about you?
I want people to know that I lay it all on the line when I’m on the beat. I talk about real life things because it’s how I release what I’m dealing with. I hold back nothing I say things that make me uncomfortable because I have to let it go. Rap is how I do it.

If someone wanted to reach out to help and support you and spread your music. What is the biggest thing you need and what could someone to help you with that?
MONEY is what I need. Naw all jokes aside depending on what platform they have access to the biggest thing someone could do is share it with that platform and get people hip on what I’ve been doing musically. Money would help as well because I’m a studio rat so that pretty much keeps me broke but at the same time keeps me happy. Any of those two.

What advice would you give to a musician or songwriter just getting started in their career?
Have skin like Colossus from x-men. Take chances. It’s okay to fail. Create constantly. Focus. Protect your energy. Protect your sound.

What’s your definition of making it?
When you’re able to give back on a high level. Being able to share unreachable resources to the gifted on the come up.

Connect With Najii:
https://soundcloud.com/nperson
https://www.instagram.com/najiiperson/?modal=true
https://twitter.com/najiiperson

Article by Alex Martin - Making It With Chris G

Najii Person is back with a great video to go along with his banger, “Not Around.” Najii not only showed off his unorthodox flow on this one, but lyrical talent that sets him apart from the rest. Similar to his flow, the energetic instrumental behind this one is fast-paced and uncommon. On the visual side of things, this cinematic experience did an excellent job tapping in to Najii’s artistry. Check this one out down below. - Lyrical Lemonade

Written by Glo(w) | Video Embedded | Playlist Embedded

Balance is a necessity. Each characteristic that is expressed through the human form lies on a spectrum. On each opposite end of each individual spectrum, the extreme versions of a characteristic are visible. Just as there is duality between light and darkness, these same dualities exist within everyone. Too often, we resist the fullness of who we are and plant ourselves on one specific end. We group ourselves according to those who are also riding the same wave. Though these forms of classification are sensible, such rigidness causes us to lose out on the opportunity to connect. Balance is the tool used to find harmony with the dualities of this world. And through balance, we all have the opportunity to grow into our full selves.

Many hip-hop artists tend to rely on one end of the spectrum. Their art, though not a full representation of who they are, may promote a single way of thinking. Media contributes to the lack of diversity in music, specifically hip-hop. The presentation of masculinity and femininity is often stark with no flexibility. Men, as the dominant forces, tend to avoid the parts of themselves that align with their full humanity. Though many societal and individual factors contribute to this, it is a reality that creates barriers. Najii Person is an example of clearly defined masculinity that is open and receptive to a variety of emotions. His music feels like balance. There is something for every listener. Whether you prefer classic hip-hop boombap drum cadences or modern ethereal synthesizers, there is something for everyone. Lyrics dipped in bravado and coated in sugar gives pleasure to the ears of men and women alike. Najii Person openly discusses lust and love, God and money, and a variety of real-life topics that apply to the everyday human. His balance is a display of love for self and love for all. And tha's something we all can practice.

For the record, what mediums of art do you partake in?
The first kind of art I was influenced by was illustration. Naturally, I took to drawing things like cartoons and stuff like that, which I still do every once in a while. The music just had a stronger calling when it came to me.

How long have you been creating?
I've been creating since the age of 3 years old. So, about 21 years since I first picked up a pencil. I didn't start my writing journey until I was in the 3rd grade and I began producing in the 7th. I’m one of those people who knew from a very young age what I wanted to be in life off the fact that I never felt more alive when in the midst of a bar or a sound.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about yourself through your creative process? What inspires you?
Through my music journey one of the most important things I’ve learned is that I’m persistent in the things I want. I've watched so many people take off and become super stars right in my face and they all have persistence. Never once felt defeated because of how much I believe in the God-given gift which is me. But it’s still a lot of journey left, so I'm still learning new things about me as well. I get inspired by my city a lot and people achieving their goals. Those are things that give me hope and inspire me daily.

A lot of artists pull inspiration from past creations (like older music artists, movies, etc.). Do you do this at all? If so, what are some of your favorite eras to pull from?
Anybody who knows me knows I love the movie Matrix. I pull so much from that movie it's crazy. I literally live my life like I'm Neo. Ironically, movies help me create music. It's weird. But on the music end, my inspirations are 90s gospel like Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin and anything that was dope that came out in the early 2000s including R&B, Soul music, Indie Rock and of course rap because Kanye is 75% of the reason why I started.

What’s on your playlist? Who are you listening to?
James Fauntleroy, Michael Anthony, Vaughn Vibes, Blaack Thomas, me, Eko, Elton Aura, Smino, J.i.d, Thundercat, Phoelix, H.E.R, Seals, SIR, and SZA. These are all the people who are currently on the morning playlist.

What do you think about music’s classification of genres?
I think it's just a way people keep themselves and music organized. It's like how we say that dude is white or that guy is black instead of just saying he’s human or a person. People love classifications and that's good and bad in a lot of ways.

What do you think about the way masculinity is presented in the media and hip-hop specifically?
I never got the song “It's a man’s world” by James Brown until I came of age and understood the privilege men had in America and even the world. Family, friends, TV, and role models all play a role in helping a boy define what it means to be a man AKA his Masculinity. So what do I think about how it's portrayed? Simple: media reinforces male dominance. Masculinity in media and hip-hop have their differences but in a lot of ways the same. I look at hip-hop as a sport because this is what the OGs in the game taught me and I want to be one of the best, so in some aspects I followed their blueprints. Hip-hop includes dominance somewhere in the rule book. Because people classify it as a sport, there must be a winner. Who is the better rapper? Who is the better producer? Best album of the year? I take it that serious but others don't and that's fine.

What do you think about the way femininity is presented in media and hip-hop specifically?
Sex is a system of classification, so in media they make sure masculinity and femininity are portrayed differently and separate. When it comes to femininity, media gives off weakness, submission, passive, disempowerment, etc. Hip-hop is arguably even worse with the way women are portrayed through words on record. I think we tend to forget how powerful words are. The same dude who called shawty a Hoe/bitch/thot on a song probably got a daughter or a wife but in his music he don't act like it. If I had a daughter, I wouldn't want her growing up thinking this is what I think of her or even if I had a son him growing up thinking it's okay to address women as such. But this is where masculinity falls back into hip-hop. EXAMPLE: If I called another rapper a bitch on record, it implies that I’m over you, better than you. The world/media tells me I have dominance over the women so by me calling you a bitch on record I have dominance and the hip-hop culture accepts it. It gets deep. I really wish I could go further.

What larger themes exist in your music? What is the most important idea you want people to get from your art?
The biggest theme of my music probably would be to stay attentive to your surroundings be aware of who you are. I just want people to get themselves. Stay true to the god particle that lies within and not what the matrix forces us to be.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
To be fearless

How do you think the creating process would be different if money wasn’t a factor
Mmmmmmaaaaannnnn so different and in a lot of ways the same but far as equipment way different. The more I have to work with, the more powerful I am, and the less I have to work with the more creative and dangerous I am.

Do you think it’s important for other artists to congregate and work together?
Of course! It’s great for artists to come together. Two minds are always better. That’s something we have been hearing all our lives but still don't understand the concept.

Tell me about your dream project.
My dream project will be called “Children Of Israel” Its a dark album about today's world as I compare my generation to the children of Israel in the bible. It’s very soulful but at the same time dark and heavily influenced by gospel.

When can we expect another project to be released?
My First ep is 75% done and I’m looking to the end of summer.

Is there anything else that you want people to know that they may not have gathered?
I love St. Louis and we gonna win together. STL the new NYC. - Art Bae

Najii Person never hesitates to say exactly what's on his mind, and that honesty provides a fascinating insight into the mind of one of St. Louis's best up-and-coming lyricists. While many rap artists prefer to curate a specific type of track, or lean on a single producer to help craft a trademark sound, Najii uses everything from old-school boom-bap beats and piano samples (which you can hear on "God Knows") to cutting-edge post-trap (best exemplified on "Not Around") to frame his thoughts. The sonic diversity of Najii's work might make another rapper come across as unfocused or — even worse — like a musical tourist. But thanks to an obvious love of a wide range of hip-hop along with the honesty of his lyrics and his humble, rapper-next-door delivery, Najii's output simply reads as glimpses into the mind of a complex, multifaceted and thoughtful human being. - Riverfront Times