Behind The Lens: Madison Jay (Part Dix-Sept)

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What can fans expect from you this year? Any new music, projects, or milestones you're aiming for?

In 2026 I'm merely adding on to the legacy of greatness. More projects, more awards, more self awareness. The fans can look forward to my first project Still No Matter What, completely produced by Mr. Milly fka Chris Millz. The people heard Milly on my projects like These Carolina Nights, Trapped In The 90's II, and Rap's Like Wrestling 2: The Album but never as a producer so people can expect that January 2026!

You’re creating a song in a brand-new genre—what’s the name of it, and how would you describe the sound?

My genre would be like some 'retro futuristic' type flavor. Looking at people like George Clinton, RZA, Sly Stone, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Kool Keith. People who were ahead of the curve not afraid to really push the envelope. When people were looking at them sideways for their musical taste and outward looks. A genre built on eccentricity and roots built out of the concrete. 

Which of your songs best amplifies the feelings of love, freedom, or pure joy?

Play my song My Day 2 Come for a graduation, passing an exam or a test, getting hired for a job, winning a sports game, hitting a parlay lol. That song literally just gives you that sense of achievement. Makes you feel like "yeah, I did that!"

Which song in your catalog best expresses heartbreak, sorrow, or a time of loss?

That would probably be the track J.A.B.O. off my "These Carolina Nights" album. That particular track was dedicated to one of my closest childhood friends who was killed in 2010. I never wrote a dedication track to any of my loved ones who passed away but something compelled my spirit to do that track. I was talking to him on that track in a way I've never done before. It took me 12-13 years to get that pain and sorrow out. My bro Sam Perez produced that one and he had the beat in a folder since the Return Of The Gap days if I'm not mistaken so the timing was perfect. I wish my bro was still here.

If a new biopic dropped today, whose life story in music would you want to see and why?

I wouldn't mind seeing a Larry Pickett biopic or documentary. Larry was a huge pivotal piece of my state's musical history. He was our Big Tigger, Donnie Simpson, Arsenio Hall all rolled in one dude. He really gave a platform to a lot of us in the music community early in the game. He left the area and went up north to D.C. to take it to the next level. I think his story deserves to be told in some capacity.

What’s a book, podcast, TV show, or movie you’d recommend right now and what drew you to it?

Tap in with FoundFlix on Youtube. Homie breaks down movies. After I watch a movie I'll usually watch a breakdown of the  movie on his page and a few others as well but that's the main spot I go to. 

What’s been the hardest life lesson you’ve had to learn and how did it shape your growth?

Biggest life lesson I've learned is to always do your best with what you have but don't be up in arms about the things that we can't control when it doesn't go our way. 

Which family member gives you the most inspiration and what about them fuels your passion?

The family member that gives me that extra fuel would probably be those kids. Just to keep going to show them anything is possible out here. 

Where do you go, physically or mentally, when it’s time to create?

I just need to mainly be in a space that's quiet. Solitude is also very key. I don't need distractions, loud random ass noises, nothing distracting me from locking in and focusing on constructing the best song possible.

What’s a call to action for fans and where can fans connect with you to follow the journey?

I make it pretty easy so follow me on social media at @themadisonjay  and support the music for real by purchasing through my Bandcamp page. Bandcamp just makes it more direct and easy for me as an artist to feed my fans and make a buck. The streaming helps me feed the fans but it hurts because I'm not knowledgeable enough on the numerical breakdown on payouts from those other guys. Please support the Bandcamp site! Big thank you to all the fans keeping me alive and active and looking forward to some special things in 2026!