Behind The Scenes

“Tha JUST” Talks about Up Coming Projects, Sense of Style and More

Tinker Talavera

Published on June 6, 2021

Tha JUST Talks about UpComing Projects, Sense of Style and More

How did you come by your stage name?

Friends used to call me Justify because I was proven true, righteous, and reasonable. People started calling me JUST for short. I was a big fan of wrestling. The Rock was my favorite as a kid. JUST would later become Tha JUST as a way to pay homage.

When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?

As a child, I was a poet. I would notice how my poems would make people feel. It would channel their emotions. That is when I realized the power of words. I was always a fan of music. As a fan of music, I understood the power of rhythm and words together. Then I started to realize, that music is just another form of poetry.

There is not only one style of poetry and there is not only one genre of music. From there, I became a songwriter and artist myself. Once I saw how so many great artists can now control their destiny from tools and resources online, I said the time is mine. My goal is to be one of the voices for the voiceless. With my success, I can help others learn from my mistakes, do it better than I did, and achieve their goals and dreams.

To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?

Great question. Everything from Wutang to Tupac, Nas to Jay Z, Digital Underground to DMX, Curtis Mayfield to Curtis Jackson, Eminem to E40, Michael Jackson to Prince, Nirvana to Bon Jovi, Doors to the Who, LL Cool J to Drake, Migos to Metallica, Selena to Seal to Soundgarden. And so many more. I have always listened to Everything. All of these great artists have played a role in my style, life, and passion for music.

On your current project, how did you come up with the concept?

Dj Pain1 came up with the concept, beat, and hook. He had connected with Ike and made a raw copy of the track and hook. He then posted it on his website. I was online searching for inspiration. I was having writer’s block. I forgot what I googled, but DJ Pain1’s site was the first site that came up. It just happened to be the first song that he had up as well. It was meant to be. As soon as I heard the beat/idea, I fell in love with the concept. I had been going thru a break up. So I was in that vibe.

I thought of my situation and any other couple that I knew that was trying to work things out thru troubling times. It just flowed. All feel, not much thought. I wrote it in about 30 mins. Perfected it in another hour or so. I really wanted to bless this wonderful track. So I reached out to Dj Pain1 and let him hear my ideas that were inspired by his. He liked what I was bringing to the table. We took care of the business and he sent me the track. Sent him the final recording for approval and the rest is history.

What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?

Staying focused is my biggest challenge. I am a Gemini, so I get easily distracted. I have 10 things that I am trying to accomplish, at once. Lol, My greatest attribute is I am a good listener. This is where I draw my greatest inspiration from. People. Real people. Good, bad, fun, stress, happiness, sorrow, or pain. I was raised on both coasts of the US. I grew up with many different people and cultures. This has allowed me to relate to just about any and everyone in some way.

Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?

I am humbly confident. I am the best at being me. No one else. I can try, maybe get by. But, if it ain’t JUST then, it is not Justify. I realize what made me and how I got here. From that, I have an even better understanding of where I am going.

What are your plans for the near future?

Record more. Not limit my vision or feel for music. Become more global. I may not be everyone’s favorite. But, I want to give them that favorite one.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?

I would like to thank all the fans, my family, mom, and dad, of course. All of my REAL and TRUE friends have supported me thru all of this. All that have inspired, motivated and made me. I would also like to thank a special Queen and Princess Monica and Giordanna Crinces, my blood brothers Diggz n Dari, my DNA brothers Scopic Sal N J Dizzle, my war brother Mario, and my Godbrothers 4 life SPACE, Celly, and the rest of anyone that was down with PFD and Darkside, and My brother in the Universe a.k.a Heaven Krilli Blaque (Rip) And THANK YOU to all the doubters, Liars, Haters, people that believed the lies instead of reaching out to me, and the ones that sleep on the little guy and the have nots. Thanks for the motivation and charging the battery pack in the back.

How can fans find you?

Like everyone else, I can be found on just about any major musical platform. From Soundcloud, Spotify, to Apple Music. Or you can google Tha JUST.

What suggestions do you have for other artist like yourself?

Do not treat it as a hobby. Enjoy it as a hobby, But, treat it as a job and as life. Never ever give up! Never quit! Never doubt yourself. Challenge yourself and step up to the challenges. Always believe. No matter what. Do not allow someone else’s limitations to become your own. Ask yourself what did I do today to better myself or someone else. We are energy and part of a greater purpose. We are one with the Universe. Here to help and serve it, not destroy it. This is an art, not a sport. Do not allow the “isms” to stop you.

Be it sexism, ageism, racism, or even heightism. Lol, Do not allow them to defy who you are or your goals. Common once said Nobody believed till I believed me. If you do not believe, then how can anyone else? Once you get past this and then realize that everything has its time and place, you will then learn your purpose in life, and from there you will learn how to touch one. One will become 100. 100 will become 1000, and so on. And you will look back and see that one that was negative and realize that they do not even matter. AND now that one is a fan too. Reach the people and the person will follow as well. Keeping it really is cool, But, always keep it JUST.

Trends come and go and come back, same with fans, and friends. Always make what you feel as long as YOU know that you are being real and true to who you are. Anyone can make it, if they are dedicated, willing to learn, humble, confident, respectful, and determined. It is hard work. But, you can. I am at the finish line cheering for you. Holding your trophy. Just waiting for you to catch up. This is your time to shine. Do not deny the people their right to experience, your Greatness. – JUST