HIP HOP VIP: J-Marq

J-MARQ: The Silent Force

For John Marroquin, aka J-Marq, all it took was a little Michael Jackson. Like many R&B artists in the game, one glimpse of the King of Pop and it was instant inspiration to pursue a similar avenue of entertainment. At 8-years-old, J-Marq stretched his vocal chords while also using Boyz II Men and Nsync as motivation and has been behind the mic ever since.

Real name: John Marroquin  

Hometown: Fairfield, Calif. (Now lives in Brownsville)

Years in Valley: 10 years

Listen to: "I Can't Get Enough" a rockin' synth ditty with plenty of pop and snappy hooks. You'll be singing this one for the rest of the day

How did you end up in the Valley?

My dad was in the Air Force and we used to move around a lot. When he finally got out we came down (to the Valley) We have family here.

Describe your musical style?

A mix of pop with hip hop. I want to bring back music to the genre. Get over the whole, singing about "girls being (expletive)" I want to reach the age group of anybody from 3 to 90. Tyring to get an overall population of people.

Describe the hip hop scene in the Valley?

I think it's still a little behind. Once they start opening up a little more. Noticing that a lot of people from down here wanting to make it. But there's no support for them. Until they do then they support. Right now you see a lot of rock bands get out a little bit. But they have a radio station that's able to help them. The Valley is a little more rock than it is hip hop.

Is hip-hop dead? Why or why not?

Hip hop is not dead. I think rap is dead. Which is something that really you get any type of beat. That whole Two step, getting a beat and rapping to it. Anybody can do that. There are so many self-proclaimed rappers. When in actuality it takes a lot more.

You get signed to a big deal tomorrow, what's the first thing you do with the money?

Help my family. I do all of this for them. I don't do it for me. 

Dream car?

I have so many. ‘67 Shelby Mustang, black, with red 

Essential threads and kicks?

Air Jordan's. Shop for Jordan's like girls shop for shoes. At least Jordan's we wear them more than once not like those heels they buy and they end up in the closet.

R&B idol?

As a singer, Brian McKnight; as an entertainer? Three way tie between Michael Jackson, Usher and Justin Timberlake 

Biggest beef past or present? In my backyard grill. I've had people talk stuff about me but I just let it go. I can't say I have one going on, that I carry on.

Note: On J-Marq's MySpace page it said GoLightly Killer on the music player but since then the two have squashed that beef....J-Marq's response: It was a childish thing going on. He started something with me and I was like ‘I guess.' To prove to him wrong I set that up. Should be squashed by now.

What's the biggest stereotype about rappers/ R&B artists?

That we all wear baggy clothes.

Most overrated artist?

 Tie between Omarion and Chris Brown

Brush with the law?

I'd rather not say. 

Ever wrecked a car?

Naw. 

Fight or walk away?

Depends on the situation. What am I fighting for? If someone is talking in my face I'd just let them talk. 

Strip club or Hooters?

Are you kidding now? Strip club. 

Best rumor you've heard about yourself?

There's so many. I guess from a musicians perspective, that I use Auto Tune (the robotic sound as heard on T-Pain). But it's all me. 

Guilty listening pleasure?

Chick rock (Flyleaf, Evanescence, Kittie) 

Who would you collab with outside of the genre?

Garth Brooks or Amy Lee (of Evanescence) 

When you walk into a room full of strangers, what song would you want playing?

"Celebration" by Kool and the Gang