About Me
Dedicated, determined, persistent. These are just a few words that can be used to describe Jux. Born and raised in the, birthplace of hip-hop Bronx, New York. Jonathan "Jux" Maldonado has seen both, the good, and the bad, of growing up in the gritty streets of the BX. Known for his clever wordplay, catchy hooks, and original punchlines, Jux isn't just about the money and fame. "To be in this business you have to love what you do, because that passion will always keep you striving to do better than your last, and working harder on each project. All the money, cars and clothes are just compensation for all your hard work at the end of the day. I'm trying to take hip-hop into a new direction. While everybody is doing their thing on the left, I'm in another lane doing something completely different. Like I always said, It's better to be hated for what you are, then to be loved for what you're not."
This same drive is what sets Jux apart from other artists in the industry. "People think that being a musician is easy. They assume that you just write a few songs, perform for the crowd, and call it day. That's why some artists get into the industry and break down. There's so much more to it. There's always pressure around you. There's the pressure of having to be able to top your last hit, last show, last interview, last everything. I've been pressured all my life, from dropping out, to selling drugs. I've always been able to hold my own." And being able to record over 50 songs before the age of 16 certainly gave Jux a head start. "When I first started rapping I used to record on my boy's stereo and got it all on tape. To get a whole song done we would have to do it in one take. But being that me and my boy were always ready, and focused, that wasn't really a problem. We used to go out and buy the new Sickamore or J. Armz tapes and lay songs down on the same day." But Jux really stepped his game up when he took his songs from his friend's house to the internet. "I remember when I first started posting my tracks on the net. I would recieve both good and bad criticism. The good feedback made me realize its not just me who thinks I'm hot. It showed me that people around the world are feeling me too. The bad criticism made me want to listen to my tracks over and over to figure out what they were talking about. And as time went by, I started taking the bad criticism as a way to get better and work on my mistakes. By the time I turned 16, my flow was already crisp and on point. Only thing I was missing was my own producer."
Hooking up with the infinitely talented Street Baller/Music Producer Infamy "The Chosen One", of Secret Service, back in 2004 is one of the main reasons why Jux already has several albums written. "It's always good to have your own producer. The songs come out better. Both understand the concepts and the direction each song need to be taken right from the start. That's why I've become a better song writer. Always having new original beats to write to, and structure yourself, helps you learn, and try out new things that you wouldn't be able to on a industry beat."
So what can you say about this young and gifted 18 year old? Ghostwritting for up and coming artists like himself, has already given him the confidence every rapper should have before coming into the industry. "When an artist approaches you and asks you to write him/her a song, hook, verse etc. it's the biggest compliment to me. It tells me my material is good enough for someone to go out their way and pay for the same material I'm providing myself, for free. Its a hustle." And with mixtape DJ's and certain radio stations knocking down his door for new songs and freestyles every week, the future is looking bright for Jux. "As long as I can make my mark in hip-hop, and provide the people with what they want to hear I'll be satisfied." And with talent like this, one can only imagine how bright this young star will shine.
RIGHT - click Poster, then LEFT - click " Save Image As... "
