Everglades Boss is the professional name of veteran hip-hopartist, Gerald Roger Jr. He was born in Brooklyn, raised in Miami, and is now based in South Carolina. The multifaceted emcee has had his finger on the pulse of East Coast and Southern hip-hopsince he first stepped to the mic back in the 90's.
He was a teenager when hip-hop ruled the radio. As an artist putshis own spin on that old-school vibe, citing the inspiration oflegends like Wu-tang Clan, Master P, Tribe Called Quest, and manymore. In November, Everglades Boss dropped his first new musicafter a long hiatus.
"Blues Joint" is a new release from Everglades Boss, availableworldwide via all major streaming services
. It is the first of fivenew singles he has released in as many months. The laid-backhip-hop groove pairs an old-school groove with Roger's smoothSouthern flow.
A bluesy lo-fi ragtime piano opens the track. Soon the beat dropson a chilled and jazzy downtempo rim-shot boom-bap groove. Onthe mic Everglades Boss drops a verbose lyrical and melodicfreestyle about family, hip-hop, African plains and Floridian shore lines. With shoutouts to everyone from Etta James to Janis Joplin,he delivers a "grown folk type of vibe."
SOCIAL MEDIA and WEBSITE LINKS :
https://t.co/udPmL86z7F
https://open.spotify.com/track/48C6JSqqV6BBnnSU11Jeac?si=4119e04d11744162
https://facebook.com/evergladesboss
https://instagram.com/Geradhvachttps://twitter.com/evergladesboss
What Musical Genre Do You Feel Best Describes Your Music And How Would You Describe Your Sound?
I feel my music category would be Hip Hop genre. I was born in Brooklyn, NYC. Home of Artist & Legends with names like Biggie Smalls, Troy Ave, Iron Mike Tyson, Fabulous, Maino, Jay Z and numerous others. I was raised in Miami, Florida. Home of Artist like Uncle Luke, Dj Uncle AL, Trick Daddy Dollars, Rick Ross, Pitbull, Trina and JT Money. My family roots are French Haitian American. So my style is a flavorful, with a good amount of seasoning and Green peppers, garlic red onions and right off the stove neighbors.
How Did You Get Your Name? Is There A Story?
I started off as Jolly, or Jolly J with my first Rap Group in 1999 Gruesome Pack. We stayed out of trouble creating music, but we were inexperienced and lacked knowledge and fell apart from the ups and downs in all of our lives. I have the honor and respect of being a father to two young adult sons which are now in there 20s. My priorities after the Rap Group fell apart were raising my sons in beautiful and very expensive Naples, FL. About 2 hours from Miami. It was not easy being a single parent, but with God's blessings, effort, support from my Parents and Siblings during the Summertime and my music hobby and passion.
I earned the accolade EVERGLADES BOSS. My first album was recorded and distributed titled "GROWING PAINS" which is now available in all Major distribution stores , Spotify, Apple Music etc. But at the time of release in 2012, more obstacles were thrown in my way, so i didn't have videos or promotional campaigns. No one is immune! We have to keep enduring, keep fighting, and staying humble.
What Are or Have Been Your Musical Influences?
There are numerous Music Influences, i listen to a lot of Musicians, Artist and various genres for relaxation, during work, driving etc. From Classic Rock legends like Janice Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Lynard Skynard, Led zepplin. To Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, The Beatles, Etta James, Aretha Franklin. Fruko Y Sus Tesos, Joe Arroyo, Michel Martelly, T-Vice, Zin, System Band. To Wu tang Clan, Master P and the No limit Soldiers, Geto Boys, UGK, Eightball N MJG, Mobb Deep, G UNIT, Tribe called quest, DMX, Big Pun, Soldier Slim, Stack bundles and the list goes on and on.
What Are You Working On Now? Any Future Collaborations We Can Look Forward To?
I have files of music, and would like to get my music placed on Films, video games, globally on radio and the opportunity to network and build with the other Musicians, Artist, and Producers who would like to make more great music content and great history.
What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry? What Is Your Plan Of Action?
Honestly, the Music industry has good and bad players. This was seen with the efforts of Hip Hop greats N.W.A with Dr Dre, and Ice Cube and the team. It was a struggle, not getting paid, bad management etc. I just want to deal with professionals who want to really help the artist and grow and build. I would love to create music full-time and retire from my career in HVAC.
I am looking for the opportunity to grow with the right team who wants to work with a talented artist, professional , and respectful gentlemen and make more great history. Let's talk and get some sign on Bonuses and endorsements and collaborations. I have music on deck ready! I would like to travel and site see and work with more great music legends, especially the Living Legends who are alive and love working with other creative artist for inspiration.
What Is Your Favorite Track To Perform Live and Why?
I performed in Manhattan New York at the Club Pyramid with DJ Mental Supreme. I have two great songs Everglades Boss and the Mujeres. I created the Beats for these songs and they are Jamming. I have a passion for dropping Beats and hard catchy Chorus lines. Both Songs and numerous others catch the audience.
What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus Far?
Quality Management contracts that benefit the Artist and will not leave them at the mercy of the Management. Finding reasonable Recording Studios, and DJS and radio stations to aide the artist with getting there hits recognized and aired globally. Music is nothing without Radios and DJs to spin them. The Artist is nothing without the Aide from DJ's and the Radio stations. The audience hears the music and request them and wants to see there new favorite artists, and buy merchandise and attend shows and concerts. That is the biggest challenge my friends.
What's Your Typical Songwriting Process?
i like a quiet environment in my own home studio, i hear a fresh beat or old 50s to 70s song and vibe and the creative process begins. Sometimes i can finish a song within in a day. Sometimes it takes a few years, because the song is expressing my life. Like my song and newest Single Blues Joint. It took some years to complete.
How Has Social Media Influenced Your Career As An Artist?
It helps you network and build through social media. twitter, Facebook, instagram, beatstars, Reverbnation and numerous others help you to grow.
What Are Some Tracks and Artists Currently On Your Playlist?
i have everything from Gucci Mane's Bucket List, to Ludacris's Saturday Oooh Oooh, to Tom Petty mary jane, Nirvana's heart shaped box, and Guess Who American Woman. So many my friends.
What Did You Do Before You Started Making Music?
I was always riding bikes with my siblings, or playing basketball in the park. doing what kids do and play outside and have fun with sports.
Any Advice For Young People Men or Women That Want To Succeed In The Music World?
Understand why you are creating music, and your Goals. Once you understand and comprehend why you're creating music, you will appreciate the journey. It will be fun, and not a burden!
What Would You Change In The Music Industry If You Were A Top Music Executive?
Management Contracts to benefit the Artist. Good sign on Bonus to position the artist to not have to worry about Financial responsibilities, expenses etc. Give full control and creative rights to the artist, and let them work and do what they do best. Keep it fun and not a BURDEN! Help them with peace, respect and professional environment and atmosphere. And enjoy working with such talented people, the moments, the shows, the interviews, the videos, the ups and downs and being a positive influencer and motivator to my fellow mates.
How Do You Feel About Originality?
I feel Originality is a gift and important. It makes what you're contributing to the global audience NEW!
Is There Anything Else We Should Know About You Or That You Would Like to Add?
I really appreciate the opportunity to network with everyone on College Underground Radio, the hospitality and options available for artist globally to build and grow and share there poetry and story. Thank you very kindly.
