By Micheline Bowman

Before I get into this story, I have to tell you what happened prior to my conversation with J. Holiday. Yes…D.C.’s own R&B sensation J. Holiday.
I wanted to have an in person interview with him, but his label said he was only available for a phone interview.  So when I left work that evening, I knew I needed to prepare myself for my phone call.   I got into my car, turned on the radio…guess what’s playing? “Bed” I’m singing along until the commercial and I flip to another station and “Suffocate” is playing. Okay…2 songs on two different stations.  I guess I need to think about my phone interview now and not later. 

The next morning I’m at my desk waiting for his label to connect the phone call. There was a buzz in the newsroom when folks found out that I would be talking to him. Several of my female co-workers were singing his songs and talking about him.  A special shout out to my girl “Holly B.” she was sending me computer notes with his lyrics. J We’ll someone from the label did call, but only to tell me that the phone interview was cancelled. They apologized, and told me that they couldn’t get in touch with him or his manager.  I put the phone down and proceeded to continue with my day. I got up from my desk but forgot my ID badge allowing me access to another floor and ran back to grab it…my phone was ringing.  Now normally I wouldn’t have answered it, but something told me to just go ahead and answer it. “Fox News Micheline speaking” “Hello Micheline this is J. Holiday.” “J. who?” “J. Holiday” “Okay stop playing who is this? “(laughing It’s me…J. Holiday”   “The interview was cancelled so who’s pranking me?”  “No really, this is J. Holiday” “Yeah right…if you are really J. Holiday answer this question….”  So after I wiped the embarrassed look off my face after realizing it was actually him, I apologized for not believing he was who he said he was, (he was laughing and totally understood) I sat back down and had a conversation with J. Holiday. Enjoy. 

 Micheline-
“Who is J. Holiday?”

J. - A guy from here who lived all over.  It’s easy for me to represent areas from Dale City to Southeast D.C.  I’ve lived everywhere in the area.  I’ve seen it all living different places.  My mom is a preacher, and my dad passed when I was young so I grew up fast and got into the streets.  I didn’t care about the money and cars.  It’s cool to have, but not that serious.  Growing up…I lived in a single family house with a pool on Silver Hill Rd.  It doesn’t matter what you have because it can be there and then gone. I’m trying to be a positive force and influence. I’ve heard folks call D.C. the land of hate and I want to get people away from that.  I get it the worst because I’m light skinned with long hair. People think that I have it easier than other folks. I’m just trying to be a positive dude.

Micheline-
While driving home from work yesterday I heard Bed on one station…commercial came so I flipped to another and Suffocate was on.  D.C. loves you for what you’re doing to bring recognition to our area. Where were you the first time you heard yourself on the radio?

J.-
I was at home in D.C. and I was riding down Route 201 and Bed came on. It was funny and interesting to hear myself.  I’m use to hearing people on D.C. Home Jams and to hear me in full rotation….
 

Micheline-
I think D.C. is an untapped city with many talented artists…take us through the musical J. Holiday journey and share any advice you have with others trying to make it.

J.-
My advice would be to surround yourself with good people. My manager is from Southeast.  We had the same vision. Get away from people holding you down. Your team has to have your best interest at heart. Perfect your craft.  We’re already in 3rd place in the race.  We have to be that much better.  So people can’t hate on you being good at what you do, and be yourself.  I hate to tell people to move away. That’s what I had to do but it might not be for everyone. You’ve got to stay on your grind.  Right now I’m trying to start a label. I’ve gone through issue with people saying who I should be. My mom said don’t let anyone change you…be yourself. I’ve worked corporate America before I moved here, (he currently lives in Atlanta) I can think on the corporate level…know your work.
 

Micheline-
What’s an average day for you?

J.-
Depending on the day of week it varies.  On a promo week…I’m on an airplane every day, up at 4A.M. to catch a  6:30 A.M. flight press all day, break until around 5PM then I’m just talking doing  interviews or performances.  It really depends weekly, but I’m definitely busy.

Micheline-
Tell me some artist you’d love to work with on future projects?

 J.-
I would love to sing with  Beyonce or Alicia Keys.  Even do something with Wyclef and make classic music…I want to have classic songs.  I’m not here just to make a buck…oh and of course (laughing) R. Kelly. (He’s in concert with him here in D.C. at the end of  November)

Micheline-
Okay…time for some fun questions.
Favorite Color?

J.-
Right now tan and brown…and burgundy you know I definitely support my “Skins”

Micheline-
The last movie you saw?

J.-
American Gangster…very good movie…I’m passionate about Black people and it’s good to see a quality movie…not that the movies we are in aren’t, but a movie where the subject matter has a positive message no matter what, and it’s not a love story.

Micheline-
What’s your favorite Food?

J.-
Italian Food and of course crabs being from here you gotta love crabs.

Micheline-
So are you a cook then?

J.-
I’m a good cook. I’ll try to make anything.  I’m getting better.  

Micheline-
Who do you have in your cars C.D. player?

J.-
Kanye West, Tupac, Marvin Gaye.  I know you might be thinking how I go from Tupac to Marvin…they both have a positive message so most of the music I listen to has a message.

Micheline-
What do you like to do to relax?

 J.-
I work hard and play hard so I love to rest and watch television.  When I get a chance to do it, I like to shoot some pool or go skating.

Micheline-
Last words you want to share with everyone?

J.-
Know that even though people ask me where I’m from I say D.C. and Southeast. When you grow up you have a certain group of friends you call family… I am from D.C. and I’m trying to get that music out there and have people notice us. I’m not the first I won’t be the last from here…I’m real and I will always keep it real and want to thank everyone for their support.

I had to condense our conversation to the words above, but let me tell you that J. Holiday is a force to watch out for. His spirit on the phone was so down to earth and relaxed.  It was like talking to someone I’ve known for a long time.  He laughed and joked with me and just kept it real.  

Hear four songs from the J. Holiday album BACK OF MY LAC’ here:
www.jholiday.com
www.myspace.com/jholiday