About DaRealBigJay

A conversation with DaRealBigJay is like strolling down the self-help aisle at Barnes & Noble. His words literally jump of the pages of personal development books:

· “Positive thoughts, you put them out into the open, they come about.”

· “You got to be slow to speak, quick to listen.”

· “If you sacrifice going out every weekend for a year straight, watch how much money you save.”

The words seem too wise for a 26-year-old rapper and singer just a few years removed from his days at Northwest High School in Opelousas, La. But his grandfather, longtime karate instructor Leroy Jackson, is a big voice in his cheering section. Big Jay has been listening for years.

“It’s never a dull moment with him,” said Big Jay, aka Javin Landry of Lafayette, La. “I’ll go up to him, “What’s up Pa paw?’ That’ll lead to a conversation to make you think in ways that you didn’t think before.

“As I’m getting older, I’m starting to see what he was telling me, So now I’m putting it into play.”

Inspiring words and soulful vibes can be found throughout “Me vs. Me,” DaRealBigJay’s debut album on Cha Cha Records. With all original songs, the album is a collection of rap, R&B, zydeco and southern soul that has guided his music career.

The title reflects his continuing evolution with genres that have shaped his sound. Songs like “Tunnel Vision” share his ‘eyes on the prize” vision.

“Ouuwee” needs no self-help lesson. The focus is straight-up, southern soul swing out.

“The song makes me think of having a good time, spending it with your people at a party,” said Big Jay. “Even like a field day or family reunion, I feel like that song could be played for that.”

DaRealBigJay remains grateful to producer Naylan Williams of Cha Cha Records for motivation to complete the project.

“Working with Naylan is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in the studio and one of the best in the music industry – period. He sees the minimum and maximum standards in anything he does.

“I feel if Naylan wouldn’t work with me, my music wouldn’t be what it is. As we’re in the studio, he listens to seminars that speak positivity. They drop jewels on you. They give you pointers in life to make you have longevity.”

As DaRealBigJay aims for longevity in music, he’s not looking to be the biggest name of all time.

“I feel that’s Micheal Jackson and nobody will ever amount to that. But – you can come close.

“I see myself leaving a mark on the music industry, as far as southern soul, zydeco, southern rap. I do see myself putting Louisiana and Lafayette in a place where it’s never been, to open different venues.”

Herman Fuselier is a writer, broadcaster and tourism director living in Opelousas, La. His “Zydeco Stomp” show airs at noon Central time Saturdays on KRVS 88.7 FM.