Facts or Fiction: Bringing Cinematic Storytelling to Hip-Hop with Raw Authenticity | Jay Royale

Interview Terrell “ReaLife” Black Photography @Ep_11

Hip-hop has always been about storytelling—capturing the essence of struggle, triumph, and the streets in a way that resonates with the people. Few artists embody that raw authenticity like Baltimore’s own Jay Royale. Known for his cinematic approach to lyricism and sharp pen game, Jay has consistently delivered projects that feel like classic street films set to beats. With his latest release, he continues to prove why he’s one of the most compelling voices in the underground scene, blending gritty narratives with intricate wordplay and timeless production.

In this interview, Jay Royale breaks down the inspiration behind his new project, the influence of New Jack City, and how real-life experiences shaped the music. He also speaks on staying true to the craft in an era driven by viral moments, the importance of building with like-minded artists, and his vision for the future. Whether it’s his reflections on hip-hop’s evolution or his thoughts on navigating the music business, Jay keeps it all the way real—just like his music.

VALIDATED: Since our 2019 interview, how do you think you’ve grown as an artist, both in your creativity and stage performance?

JAY ROYALE: Peace and lots of love! I’d say it’s been constant elevation since then. I’m always trying to outdo not only my past work but my past performances as well. I’ve been getting in better shape and mentally letting my imagination run wild when it comes to creative ideas. So yeah, I’d say the music and the pen have matured gracefully.

VALIDATED: Which era of hip-hop speaks to you the most, and which one has had the biggest impact on your style—whether it’s your flow, fashion, slang, or overall approach?

JAY ROYALE: Well, we all know that hip-hop is forever evolving in terms of the latest trends and the hottest act with a co-sign. But the impact of ’90s hip-hop will forever run through my veins. I think a lot of artists are still trying to find themselves and chasing something that isn’t there. I’m very comfortable with who I am and what I do. I’m an ’80s baby, so all these styles that are coming back now are what we were into when it wasn’t even cool. Staying sharp is my main aim.

VALIDATED: Your spin on the classic movie “New Jack City”, accompanied by snippets from the film, adds a cinematic element to “Jacked for the City”. What inspired you to incorporate that theme, and what message are you sending with this project?

JAY ROYALE: I try to make all my pieces cinematic and as cohesive as I can, honestly! New Jack City is one of those timeless pieces of art that sparks a lot of debates and different perspectives—what would change if this character did something different? I just wanted to shine a light on certain subjects like egos, disloyalty, and the overall switch-up that comes with the fast life and what people see as success.

VALIDATED: How does “Jacked for the City” differ from your previous projects in terms of sound, storytelling, and overall vision?

JAY ROYALE: Ummm… I can honestly say that while creating this project, I incorporated some of my own experiences dealing with disloyalty and the woes of being in the business. I compared it to the movie and how I processed things while navigating it. With this project, I feel I’ve matured a lot—letting the art imitate life, staying creative, and adding bits and pieces of my own life to the big screen. Sometimes, you just have to let your music speak to avoid the crash-out, you know?

VALIDATED: How does “Jacked for the City” represent Baltimore’s culture and history?

JAY ROYALE: Again, I feel like New Jack City has been etched in the culture long before my spin on it! I feel like there’s a Nino Brown in every city. There’s a loyal Duh Duh Man in every crew. Sometimes, greed and disloyalty supersede the bigger picture. We’ve all been in those situations, whether in Baltimore or a hood near you. It just made sense.

VALIDATED: Who handled the production on this album, and what kind of sound were you aiming for?

JAY ROYALE: On this one, I let Ray Sosa kinda spazz out—our chemistry really speaks for itself. But I also called a few friends to join, such as Pete Twist of the Grimelords. I wanted to shine a light on my man Anibal Beats from Connecticut! I believe he will be great, and we wanted to introduce his talents to the world.

VALIDATED: How did you approach the beat selection for this album?

JAY ROYALE: I think each scene of this movie has its own sound. I just wanted to rhyme over what we felt fit the bill.

VALIDATED: Did you experiment with any new styles or sounds on this project?

JAY ROYALE: Well, yeah, I did want to take a different approach to some of the song structures. I usually play around with cuts and certain soundbites to create hooks, but with this project, I played around with writing hooks more. I don’t know why—I just wanted to write more hooks! It’s funny you asked that.

VALIDATED: You’ve collaborated with some major names in the underground scene, including Big Noyd, Havoc of Mobb Deep, and Tek of Smif-N-Wessun on this project. What was your process for selecting these features, and what did each artist bring to the album?

JAY ROYALE: Yeah, well, I feel like each artist I’ve ever worked with has impacted my interest in being involved in hip-hop altogether. So no matter when we catch them, we try to make it make sense. We’ll even create based on just being in that moment. I feel like everyone involved in this project played their part well. I’m just humbled to be able to create with hip-hop giants that I hold in high regard.

VALIDATED: What was the most challenging part of putting this album together?

JAY ROYALE: At this point in my music career, I think the only challenges I face are following the guidelines to get the music out properly. With AI and streaming, we only get so much money, and even then, it’s like ice skating uphill with sample clearing and everything that comes with that. I still love being as creative as I can and making dope, cohesive projects that people love listening to.

VALIDATED: Which track from the project is your favorite at the moment, and what makes it stand out to you?

JAY ROYALE: I absolutely love Requirements of the Soul with Havoc just because it’s such a potent song. But shooting the video for The Pookie Belt Buckle was so much fun—working with Tek as well. But the Jay & DeHaven joint is my favorite because it’s so close to my story, and it’s a solo track, so I really got to talk my shit.

VALIDATED: If a listener could only hear one track from “Jacked for the City”, which one would you play for them, and why?

JAY ROYALE: THE POOKIE BELT BUCKLE… HANDS DOWN! It’s just a fun joint that is everything a hip-hop head would want in a dope-ass song! Crazy head-nod production, fire lyrics, catchy hook, hip-hop legends, and cuts! It’s one of them ones. Salute Tek!

VALIDATED: What do you hope listeners take away from this album?

JAY ROYALE: This is just another offering from Jay Royale. Honestly, I just hope that my projects stand the test of time! There are a lot of guys rhyming who have everything they need working in their favor—the co-signs, the connections with power players, and crazy fabricated numbers behind views and Instagram. But still, nobody is dropping impactful music that lasts. So hopefully, we can keep using what little we have to prove we are different from the rest.

VALIDATED: How do you balance making music for yourself versus what fans want?

JAY ROYALE: I kind of still feel like I’m the ultimate hip-hop fan. Honestly, I don’t do what I do for the people—I do what I do for me. The people just see that I understand the assignment. Each time I level up with this rhyming shit, they know where it began and can relate to the glow-up. We are all one and the same, so they support what’s authentic.

VALIDATED: Your lyricism is always sharp and cinematic—what was your writing process like for this project?

JAY ROYALE: This project actually came from just a lot of shit talk! I’m always using a movie quote or referring to movie scenes to explain what I’m trying to say, and this was no different. I always say how Nino stole a lot of G Money’s ideas in New Jack City, and I just put things in perspective and ran with it. Honestly, it was a lot of fun using the movie as a metaphor. I just hope the streets take to it.

VALIDATED: Do you feel like storytelling in hip-hop is a lost art, and how do you keep that tradition alive?

JAY ROYALE: I don’t feel like it’s a lost art. I just feel like the emcees pushed to the forefront can’t do it as well as others, so it’s put on the back burner. It’s definitely a requirement for a dope emcee. I mean, who else is gonna create cinematic adventures lyrically? I just let the imagination wander, bro. Like I said, I’m still one of hip-hop’s biggest fans, so dreaming is what I do. Plus, I’m a Pisces.

VALIDATED: Baltimore hip-hop often flies under the radar—do you feel the city is finally starting to receive the recognition it deserves?

JAY ROYALE: Not by a long shot. But it’s a two-sided thing. I think hip-hop is always looking for the new movement, and artists here need to think in that direction! It can’t just be a bunch of indie, one-man armies—we all gotta form like Voltron and be the movement they’re looking for! Until that happens, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made. We’ve always had some of the dopest emcees—they just wanted the co-sign. Now that everyone is independent, where does one go to acquire that? Still, we will prevail.

VALIDATED: What challenges do Baltimore artists face in the industry, and how do you see your role in pushing Baltimore’s sound forward?

JAY ROYALE: I really can’t speak for other artists and how they do things. But as for me, I’ve been a student since day one, and all I’ve ever done is learn from their mistakes. For every Calvin, there’s an Ace who learns firsthand what not to do in that position. It seems like I’m doing something right, but I think success is ultimately how you measure it. If you’re okay with being the guy who sold a couple of records, that’s cool too. Everyone is a king in their own right. I just want more out of this thing I’ve invested so much into. Even though I’ve made it this far, we still have a long way to go.

VALIDATED: Now that “Jacked for the City” is out, what’s next for Jay Royale? Any upcoming shows, tours, or special releases fans should look out for?

JAY ROYALE: Oh yeah, man! I’m actually waiting for emails confirming a huge tour with a big-name artist as we speak. Just dropping project after project and creating looks—it’s a slow grind, but with the right connections, it can be a major grind! I’m happy with where I am as a brand and as an artist. No matter what, the show must go on! Just keep looking out for the next Jay Royale drop! 

VALIDATED: Where can people go to support the project and all things Jay Royale?

JAY ROYALE: You can follow the Jay Royale movement everywhere - Instagram, FaceBook, Spotify and YouTube @jayroyale and JayRoyale.BandCamp.com.