#jbone bigdude

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PPP

Nowadays, asking digital bae (Siri) a question or one Google search, tells all.  Information is at our fingertips.  But there's a big difference between just reading and applying knowledge.  2 humans that have been consistently putting in work are J.Bone & BIG Dude.  With over a decade of success, missteps and lessons learned in their music journey.  They're glad to pay-it-forward.  Offering some sage advice.

Progress is a Process. We still send out more emails than we get back.  But over time we learned that the responses are the important ones.  Simply reaching out has opened doors for us.  Networking with other artists, producers, film supervisors, etc.  And that's worth focusing on.  Not energy on who isn't replying. Power to the Peeps. Doing music (really, any creative work) is hard.  There's been plenty moments when we were down and unmotivated.  But people we've met along the way, their grind and seeing their wins, helped us back up.  Surround yourself with people that push you to be better. Pop Out. Jordan Peele told you and we are too—get out!  Out of your comfort zone.  City and usual scene.  Never know who you'll meet and where those connections might lead to.  Say what's up: exchange contacts. Practice makes Prepared. Iverson might not like it, but practice is good!  Honing your skills when all the lights and everyone's eyes are not on you; is the best time.  Routine builds confidence.  Whether it's coding or public speaking, with time it will become natural for you. Persevere. You're going to hear, NO.  Some people won’t listen and messages will go unread.  Don’t sweat it too much.  That next song or performance, connection with a new person, could be what turns the tables in your favor!  Keep moving.

Follow the duo and stay social @jbone_bigdude Photo by Superb Visions Written by Pat Hill

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3 Amigos

The Cru is back at it!  Alongside longtime friend and collaborator, Kovax.  The do-it-yourself rappers get it poppin' in Pontiac this spring.  Sharing the stage with a slew of talented artists to celebrate the release of Komplex.  The 6th studio album from Kovax. Live DJ's + hype performances all inside a dope venue.  Tell a friend, come out and catch a night of high-energy Hip-Hop on full display! Saturday April 22, 2023 at The Pike Room - Grab tickets Here Photo by Timothy pAULE Written by Matthew Adams

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After Hours

After scrapping it out on their last album J.Bone vs. BIG Dude, the duo return on a different type of time.  More PDA than MMA, they linked up with multi-talented D-girl, Jai Fears, to create your new favorite slow jam.  4 minutes of grown and sexy, "Late" finds them smooth-talking over a hypnotic beat by producer and Michigan native, D Rage.  The track is the first from a batch of new music they're excited to gift us in 2023. Stream and add it to a playlist for your bae, today!  Listen Artwork by E.D.S. Written by Keisha Mitchell

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Showdown

Back with a vengeance!  D-town's rap duo return to the mic with their brand new album, J.Bone vs. BIG Dude.  New flows, faster tempos and laser-focused storytelling have them sounding better than ever.  Evident from the get-go as J.Bone proclaims, "next level" on the rattling opener. Way before Swizz and Timbo got the gram back poppin' with their Verzuz series, the MC's were training in the studio to deliver a showdown on wax to remember.  Shaking things up like fizzy Faygo—they battle it out over bars and beats—each having their own side on the project.  Helping throw haymakers on the production side: Eli Myles, DJ Truth, and music guru Dilan Wade provide sounds.  While some of the city's best assist on vocals.  Kovax, Tee-Style and songstress Katrina Carson are all featured. Firing on all cylinders, the duo continues to show and prove through skills and great music, why they should be on your playlist.  Get in the fight and stream their new album at jbonebigdude.com Artwork by King Ray Written by Matthew Adams

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Retro Read

Throw it back circa 2010, to one of our earliest interviews and learn where our names come from, what motivates us, and more.  Originally published by Cali-girl and graphic designer, Renee McKellar.  Featured in her Artists Spotlight series.

Give me a little bio about you. On a random day on Detroit's west side, we met while playing a couple games of basketball.  After that, we became friends and hung out more often.  Although we both listened to music, we didn't know we had an interest in making it until years later. Where did you come up with your names? J.BONE: Mine is simple.  My first name is James, and my favorite group is Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.  They're known for having a unique fast style of rapping.  When I was younger I used to know and recite all their verses and my friends would call me J.Bone.  It just stuck! lol BIG DUDE: My name changed a couple times, but since I'm older now, the name fits me.  I'm not a kid anymore, I'm a BIG Dude! How did you get started? Back when we had an allowance!  We used to play around and record "songs" upstairs in my [J.Bone] room just for fun.  As time went on, we got better and developed our own images.  Now here we are! How do you stay motivated? Recognizing the success stories of the people who inspired us and knowing that we can touch and have the same effect on others, keeps us motivated. What has been your biggest success/fail so far? So far, completing and releasing our debut album, There They GO! to such a positive response from people all around has been our biggest success.  And we're continually getting better at our craft and doing what we love.  So thankfully, we don't have a fail to list. Tell me about your music? Our music, like us, is diverse.  We both have different tastes.  Growing up and being exposed to other cultures and experiences helped shape who we are, and it shows in our music.  We may have a song that's very dark and brooding like "Resident Evil" that depicts the city we live in.  And we'll also make an energetic party track like "Vibrate" that covers an entirely different range and mood. Is it hard trying to become well-known? Yes, especially now that technology is so easily accessible.  It's become overcrowded.  But talent and great songs are still the main ingredients.  It's just a matter of working harder and smarter than others.  Getting noticed and building an audience, then maintaining that visibility. Download There They GO! for free-99 and discover more on jbonebigdude.com

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Behind The Music

As the multi-talented emcees ready the rollout for their new project, their passion and work ethic steadily propel them higher.  While not as attention grabbing as Sada Baby's dance moves!  Their name keeps pop-locking up in credits and content, local and beyond.

Building off their spectacular start in big scale film scoring and music supervision, Labor Productions tapped the two to handle the music for season 2 of their strong drama, Life Goes On.  Written by and starring Keila S. Harris. The web series features a host of rising talent, including East Side leading man, Mike Merrill.  With recent roles in BET's "The Bobby Brown Story" and Tyler Perry's "The Haves and the Have Nots."  The Detroit actor continues to light up screens.

The tension and secrets continue to unravel once the series returns for its second half early next year.  Watch the trailer below

Written by Tamara Lee

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Running Track

With their long-awaited third opus dropping in just a few months, J.Bone & BIG Dude are ready to unveil what they've been cooking up.  Mainly showcasing their peers work as of late with their creative turn to more film projects, the duo didn't forget what started their journey—Love, beats and rhymes.

That love returns in the spirit of competition with J.Bone vs. BIG Dude.  Recording enough for a double album.  The Cru plucked out their favorites and those 13-tracks are what BIG describes as their, "coldest and best yet!"  Taking a page from the Frank Ocean playbook, the guest list of featured artists and producers remain a mystery for now.  Peep the official songs below:

Tracklist 1. Intro 2. Villains 3. Liftoff 4. No ID 5. SOS 6. Nostalgia 7. Shorty Like 8. Keep it Movin' 9. Get Lifted 10. Fast Cars, Bad Women 11. Paranoia Pt. 1 12. Got What it Takes 13. Down

Do your AirPods a favor and stream their standout releases so far, before the fight erupts this Winter.  All available on jbonebigdude.com

Written by Matthew Adams

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Co-Ed

Another one! (DJ Khaled voice) Continuing their 2016 win streak, J.Bone & BIG Dude keep an already impressive resume growing.  In between recording their new album and promoting the film they recently scored, they also found time to help Amber Rose—sort of.  This summer the Cru keeps the party going, providing new music for the upcoming flick, What Happened Last Night.  Shot and made in New York, the comedy features the Muva and model; along with a host of fresh young talent.  Showcasing their diverse songwriting chops, J.Bone & BIG Dude called up singer and D-girl Niecey, to craft the upbeat "City Living" for the soundtrack. Playing at film festivals now.  The movie keg stands its way onto Prime Video and streaming platforms this year.  Watch the Trailer | Hear the Soundtrack Follow the Cru on Twitter @jbone_bigdude Written by Andre Loren

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Surround Sound

Dr. Dre, RZA, Trent Reznor—are just a few artists who made the transition from music to film.  Now you can add J.Bone & BIG Dude to that list!  Over the last few months, the Midwest rap duo have been more Hollywood than hood—taking on the challenge of creating the entire score and soundtrack for a movie made right here in Michigan.

No easy task, the Cru had ample help.  Like Robert Downey Jr. and his super friends, they assembled their team of top-notch producers to compose original music for scenes in the film.  Also taking on the role of music supervisors, the duo connected with several talented local artists.  Finding not just rap; but singer-songwriter, and rock tracks to put together an eclectic and dynamic soundtrack.  With the pieces in place, they formed Cinema Sound Detroit to handle future projects and continue their entertainment industry invasion. The movie entitled, Paid in Full (really), is "a thriller with action," says BIG Dude.  It features household names like R&B staple; Ginuwine, and soap star Zen Gesner.  Along with emerging talent like Michigan-native, Nikki Shah, in her debut lead role.  The film is slated for release via Video on-demand services this Fall.  Watch the trailer HERE Stay connected with J & BIG on Instagram -Written by Tamara Lee

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WHAT'S BEEF?

While Hollywood invades Detroit, to bring Batman and Superman's anticipated showdown to the big screen, there's another fight coming to the Motor City.  After releasing one of the better projects in their city's scene and beyond with DRIVE, rap duo J.Bone & BIG Dude are splitting up—only for the moment. Switching gears from their normal format, the Cru will go head-to-head on the new LP, J.Bone vs BIG Dude, and let the listeners decide the winner.  Wanting to showcase more of their individual style and personality this time around, they hope the different process: brings new results.  "We're writing and recording a lot of songs away from each other," J.Bone says.  "I haven't even heard what he has up his sleeve!"  In their corners handling production on the album are: longtime collaborator Kidd Santora, sound maestro Truth (of Red Sanction), and more.  In the studio now, the Cru brings the battle to your speakers this Winter.  Hear the first song off the album, the gritty street tale "Paranoia (Part 1)" HERE Catch up on the duo's past projects; including the outstanding sophomore trip, DRIVE, before the gloves come off.  Available on jbonebigdude.com iTunes amazon and more. Written by Jim Vance Artwork by Zac Freeland

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DOUBLE UP

2014 was a solid year for Hip-Hop duo J.Bone & BIG Dude.  They signed their first single deal, placed music in TV shows, and followed Common's lead, landing a few acting gigs.  While not releasing much music as of late, the Cru promises they haven't eased up the grind.  As a fierce Winter roars through Michigan, they got cozy with me to talk about their rising music career and more.

HEARD IT FIRST ONLINE: A lot happens in a year.  What's one important lesson you learned this year? J.BONE: Give it time and the work will speak for itself.  Some of the music we made years ago, just for the love, is starting to payoff for us now. BIG DUDE: Don't blow it all.  Stay focused with a clear mind.

Along with music, you also have movie credits to add to your growing resume.  Is there a plan to takeover and do it all? J.BONE: Eventually.  What most people don't know is—when we started making music on an amateur level back in the day—we also did our own videos.  I carried around a big camera my grandma bought me and we taught ourselves everything from shooting to editing.  We were independent way before Webbie spelled it out!

What did you wanna do before music? BIG DUDE: Truck driving like my father, or get my chef on.  I got skills in the kitchen too.  [Grins] J.BONE: Video game design.  I was a gamer growing up: I don't play like I used to, but that was the plan early on.

That's cool.  I've seen the tweets about game night and your epic GoldenEye battles. J.BONE: [Smiling] Yeah, we like to break it out every now and then. Drink, talk trash and shoot it out for hours.  That's a classic; never gets old. BIG DUDE: Power weapons, baby!  [They burst out laughing]

Who's on your playlists right now? BIG DUDE: J. Cole, Lil Boosie—he bout to go nuts when he get home!  And some Kem to smooth it out. J.BONE: Mike Hopper Trio, a local band I saw rock live.  Young The Giant and Adam Reverie.  We did some work with Motor City Ragers and they put me up on him.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists? J.BONE: Learn how the music business works.  Even if it's just the basics, like how we as artists and producers get paid.  It'll be to your benefit in the long-run. BIG DUDE: Do YOU.

I'm sure you both have plenty.  What's one of your goals in 2015? J.BONE: Rock the stage at Summer Jam. BIG DUDE: Gain more fans, cash more checks.

Pick up J.Bone & BIG Dude's album, DRIVE on iTunes and other online retailers.  See and hear the Cru on the small screen in the upcoming Detroit-based drama, The 10th.  Watch the trailer on YouTube Interview by Tamara Lee Photo by Timothy pAULE

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The Journey Continues

While most of the news about Detroit casts the city in a negative light, one of the things that continue to shine are the people in it.  Two of those lights burning bright are rap tag-team, J.Bone & BIG Dude.  Almost a year after releasing their standout sophomore album, DRIVE.  I reconnected with the emcees on the rise to see what's ahead in 2013.

HEARD IT FIRST Online: What was the last album you downloaded? J.BONE: Cold Men Young's You Should Be A Fan BIG DUDE: Kendrick Lamar.  good kid, m.A.A.d city Super Mario or Sonic the Hedgehog? J.BONE: Sonic, no doubt. BIG DUDE: Super Mario.  He got the mushrooms on-deck! [Laughs] Who is your current TV crush? BIG DUDE: LisaRaye J.BONE: It’s been her for like 10 years! [Laughing] BIG DUDE: Hell yeah, she even more bad now.  Thick as a deep-dish pizza! J.BONE: I don't know her real name, but... BIG DUDE: It be like that sometimes. [They both laugh] J.BONE: She plays Dawson, a paramedic on NBC's Chicago Fire.  So gorgeous. What was one of your resolutions for the New Year? J.BONE: Expand my social circle.  Not with just random people and numbers to add in my phone, but like-minded, driven individuals working toward something better.  A big part of this entertainment business centers around who you know.  So, making contacts and building good relationships is always high on the list. BIG DUDE: Make money and don't stop. With three projects out and a few song placements, what's next for the Cru's career? J.BONE: More exposure.  Having our music licensed and featured in media outlets like TV and movies is not only a great feeling, it's a good source of income and the best way to reach a large audience.  We're proud of the song placements we've landed so far and definitely want to continue on that road. Aside from J.Bone & BIG Dude material, what other projects are you working on? BIG DUDE: I got a few things on the way.  Right now, I'm focused on droppin' this Weed Album EP with my cuzo, Kidd Santora.  4-20, get ready! J.BONE: Lately, I've been spending more time on-sets than in the studio.  Helping out on some local movies and producing more of our own video content has been my gig.  One of our priorities this year is to create more visuals to go with the music.  New episodes of our web series Road Trip are being edited right now. As 2013 continues, what will be your focus in the months ahead? J.BONE: Along with promoting the current projects we have out now, performing more and growing our presence in the city and beyond is a main focus.  People want to see that your real and feel your energy.  Traveling and making those connections will be a big part of our plans going forward. BIG DUDE: Set goals and keep turning these curves with confidence. [Smiles] Get J.Bone & BIG Dude's latest album DRIVE on iTunes and more music stores online.  Follow and stay up-to-date with the Cru on Twitter @jbone_bigdude Interview by Andre Loren Photo by Timothy pAULE

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Words With BIG

Through the magic of the internet, I connected with half of rising Detroit rap duo, J.Bone & BIG Dude.  While spending time away from the studio he helped finish some of my sentences.  Here's what he had to say:

1. Detroit rap is jbonebigdude.com

2. Some good advice I can give to an artist just starting out is Be you. Don't pump fake.

3. If I didn't choose a career as an artist, I would probably be Workin' these 9-to-5's and have another hand in the street, real talk.

4. True or False: Hard work beats talent. False

5. People would be surprised to know that I Was in a Jit dance group back in the day.  I still got those power moves! Lol

6. To get myself right in the studio, I need these three things: Loud pack, water, a nice vibe.

7. Three qualities I look for in a girl are: Honesty, self-confidence and independent.

8. One of the best investments I ever made is Joining a PRO.

9. Music Talk 4 Itself will be different from other group projects because We came up together.  We didn't just pick so-and-so who's hot at the moment.  It was for the love way before money came into the picture.

10. 2013 will be Cut the check season.

J.Bone & BIG Dude's latest album DRIVE is out now on iTunes and other music stores online.  Follow BIG Dude on Twitter @313BIGDUDE

Interview by Jim Vance

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Joy Ride

As the Michigan Summer sizzles, Motor City rap duo J.Bone & BIG Dude return with their latest release entitled, DRIVE.  Fueled with even more energy the second time around, the well-crafted 13-track album straps the listener in from the intro and takes off at full speed!  Joining the journey along the way, a list of high caliber cameos from fellow rhyme slingers gives the album a collaborative spark and adds to the replay value.  Creative concepts on top of superb production make DRIVE a ride you shouldn't miss.

Available online and in select stores July 10th. Listen and purchase DRIVE @ jbonebigdude.com iTunes Amazon Spotify and more. 

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Under The Influence

With the release of their sophomore album DRIVE, right around the corner, we caught up with burgeoning rap duo J.Bone & BIG Dude to find out what's in store for their journey ahead.

HEARD IT FIRST Online: How is your new album different from your debut? J.BONE: With a debut project there's somewhat a set of rules you have to follow.  Kinda like a job interview, you have to connect with the listener and make a good first impression in a small amount of time.  On a sequel or follow-up project you can loosen up a bit more.  Spend less time on introductions and crank things a notch or two.  Also, there's a wider variety of songs and deeper concepts on our new album. BIG DUDE: And it bang harder too! J.BONE: Oh yeah, and that... [They laugh] What are some albums that influenced you both coming up, and why? BIG DUDE: Growing up, it was a lot of albums that inspired me.  One that really comes to mind is 50's [50 Cent] Get Rich or Die Tryin'.  He dropped that not long after I graduated Cody [High School] and shut it down!  I remember ridin' through the hood bangin' it in mom's whip.  It wasn't just the music, it was the statement.  I felt that.  I still do. J.BONE: One of the albums that made a big impact on me coming up is Make Yourself, by Incubus.  Songs like "Pardon Me" and "Stellar" were great on their own, but once I spent more time listening and digesting the overall message, it really started to be a major influence.  It came at a time where as a young adult you're trying to figure things out.  How to carve your own path and not conform to what someone thinks you should be. What do you hope to accomplish with your new album? BIG DUDE: Cut that big check...

J.BONE: Definitely.  And like most artists, we want the music to reach more ears and have our audience grow.  We also wanna travel and expand our brand.  I think a lot of artists from here [Detroit] get comfortable with the recognition they get at home and settle for being local stars.  The world is a big place, and so is our vision for the future. When asked, what we can expect from them in the coming months, they smile and reply, "buckle up and enjoy the ride."  DRIVE is set to roll in June.  For news updates, videos and more with the Cru, follow and stay connected on Twitter. @jbone_bigdude

Interview by Andre Loren Photo by Timothy pAULE

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DO THIS

It’s not a hobby, they do this!  If you haven’t seen the Cru live, get a sample of what its like with this crowd-pleaser made just for the stage.  A wild card and one of the few covers in their live show.  The track is a Gucci Mane throwback and features young-gunner, Tino.  A member of BIG Dude’s label imprint, Independent Street Hustle.  Turn it up!