Today we’d like to introduce you to 97BabyJay.
Hi 97BabyJay, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I’m 97BabyJay and I’m a rapper/Actor from Detroit. I’m from West Warren and Outer Drive which is the borderline from Detroit and the Suburbs. I Started Rapping back in 2015 when I first graduated. Ever since then I have been dropping music and doing my best to push it. Everything I do is independent so it’s been a long and tough grind but it’s starting to pay off.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. Being independent is the best way but nobody tells you how hard it really is. Trying to learn the game, trying to figure how to market myself, it gets extremely stressful at times. It’s been plenty of times I’ve wanted to quit. I think what makes it harder is I always have this fear of putting so much effort into music and it ends up not working. Granted it’s all in my head but it does take a toll on me sometimes. The biggest challenge for is moving to Atlanta and trying to build my network out there while still staying true to Detroit.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m mainly a rapper but I’m starting to dabble into acting as well. The versatility in my music is what really sets me apart from others. I have the Detroit style but can also switch it up. I can go from having a lot of energy to being extremely calm with my music. My biggest Accomplishment so far to me is reaching 91K views on my song “23”. With Acting, I have only started a couple of months ago, but I have been background in a few major movies and recently finished my first speaking role in the movie “Waterboyz”. My next role is playing “Lil Drip” in the show “HotLanta” that’s coming soon.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
The thing that works best for me when it comes to networking is just treating people like people. Especially when it comes to celebrities or people with a bigger following than you. A lot of people think you gotta hound them to get them to notice you. I keep these streaming cards with me where you scan a QR code and all of your music pops up. Whenever I end up meeting someone I tell them who I am give them the card and leave. Usually, it ends up working out.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/97babyjay
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/97BabyJay
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/97babyjay
