411Music Interview with Juvie-D

Posted by Greg Bruno on 04.06.2009

One of Philadelphia's most up and coming hip-hop artists, Juvie-D, spends some time with 411!

One of Philadelphia's most up and coming hop-hop artists is Juvie-D. He's from the Kensington area of Philadelphia, an area that most people have forgotten. But to Juvie-D, it's his pride. 411Mania has the first 2009 interview with Juvie-D.

First and foremost, thanks for spending some time with 411 Mania

Juvie-D:
No thank you, I'm very happy that we were able to set this up! I would especially like to thank Greg Bruno, the man with the plan. Like I said before this is my first [official] interview of 2009, and I wouldn't have it with anyone else but 411Mania!



411Mania: So, tell us a little about yourself. Who is Juvie-D?

Juvie-D:
That's a good question, in matter of fact it took me a little time to fully understand who Juvie-D is because as time goes on my mind gets stronger and I mature and change as an artist. But as of right now I think a solid and honest answer would be, Juvie-D is a refugee of a bad situation, a musician, a father, a husband, a sibling, and an all around well balanced guy (most of the time). Juvie-D is one of the VERY FEW believers of the elements of hip hop and I think that's part of the reason I get so much respect worldwide, Juvie-D is known to speak his mind even if it may get him in trouble, Juvie-D is a REAL hip hop artist from the Kensington area of Philadelphia ( and flaunts it with pride), Juvie-D is a musician who still believes in meaningful music, you see I'm not about the club scene ( don't get me wrong I love clubs, but I don't feel the need to make a song out of it), my music is reality. I am not a rapper I am an emcee, to sum it up I am the total opposite of let's say souljah boy.

411Mania: What makes you stand out in the world of hip-hop?

Juvie-D:
I think what makes me stand out is my pride I have for my city and my crew, although I show love to everyone around the globe, to me Philly is my heart, I'd rather be home in Philly than anywhere else in the world. Also I think I keep it real at all times... I feel I'm hated by many for that, but I am what I am. A lot of people... or should I say haters say that all the popularity I have received so far is because I am white, but I feel that there are so many white hip hop musicians out there, Eminem, vanilla ice, Bubba Sparxxx, and the list can go on forever, that the whole white rapper thing is played out. I'm not saying that the names I just stated aren't good musicians ( they are all great ), I'm just saying that my skin pigment has NOTHING to do with the love I receive. In matter of fact if you go on my MySpace (www.myspace.com/repmuhcity ) you will see my default picture doesn't even have me on it so a lot of people don't even know that I am white when they hear my music.

411Mania: Can you describe your style for us?

Juvie-D:
My Style varies and I think that's another reason I am different from other artist, you may listen to one track and hear the angry Juvie, another may be a happy chill track that makes you just want to kick it, some may just even hold a special place in your heart. My major goal is to have something for everyone when it comes to my music, but still be myself and always be creative. My style as of the way I look is just simply Grimy and Gritty, a true, tattooed up, foul mouth, crazy ass, Philadelphian.

411Mania: What is your motivation? What other artists have inspired you?

Juvie-D:
I have routine ways to motivate myself, Depends on what the track is about, if I am about to record I NEED to get in the mind state of the track so if it's an angry track I might just think about the fucked up shit I've seen in my life, whether it be prostitutes and drug dealers trying to feed their kids because the Government & society won't give them a chance, or maybe even the police & how they often abuse their authority, those things will make me angry and when I record you won't just hear it you'll feel it. The same goes with a positive track, I might think of my son and wife and how blessed I am, or even something as simple as how my Phillies took it home last year! You will feel the emotion and reality of each track I make.

As for influences I have 1000s, Bone Thugs (I wouldn't of got into music if I never heard a Bone record), Souls of Mischief (a style that nobody can touch), My producer Money Murks (he been through so much but yet he is always ahead of the game, definitely the most talented cat I know in the industry and probably the most down to earth, I am truly blessed to have him as my producer), Tupac (need I say more?), Freeway (put Philly on the map), Hussein Fatal (he will fuck up ANYONE'S favorite emcee), Bizzy Bone as a solo artist (despite the bullshit he still made great records), Sublime (RIP Brad), Wu Tang Clan (They held it down for the whole east coast!), Kurtis Blow (a personal friend and mentor), Fred Durst (if Fred would put out a hip hop solo album, I'd be the first in line), DJ Kev-Ski of Dr. Luv and Kev-Ski (he is WAY too modest, he needs to recognize the impact he made), Twiztid(can't be imitated), DJ Lethal (This guy had 3 full careers), V-Ice (I love the way he continues to do his thing even though he is Player Hated), Jay-Z (the Michael Jordan of rap), G-Child (G really helped me out in so many ways, true friend for life), Count Coolout (one of my real friends), Mars (he gave me so much advice), V Sinizter (V's going to blow up real soon AGAIN!), Khia (Rawest and realest female emcee), Tommy Lee (Tommy is the definition of a musician), Beanie Sigel (a legend in Philly), Cassidy ( the king of freestyin'), Xzibit (makes the most solid songs in hip hop), The Game (one of the few real emcees left), and many more that's just the tip of the iceberg. I also get inspired from music I hate; industry-made BITCHES make me want to rip it up even harder!

411Mania: Are there any bands or artists you'd like to work with?

Juvie-D:
There are so many artists who I dreamed of working with. Pretty much the whole list above me ( if I didn't already work with them). A lot of managers and artist don't hit me back up because they never heard any major releases from me, hopefully that will change after I release my mix tape and album. But if I were to choose one person it would of been Ol' Dirty Bastard, I loved his music growing up, he is the perfect artist, he brings drama, comedy, anger, triumph and everything else to the table. I remember when I heard of his passing, I actually teared up a little bit, I never knew him personally but I really wish I would have. REST IN PEACE ODB!

411Mania: What's been your best performance so far?

Juvie-D:
So far my best performance wasn't even a concert, it was over the phone with Count Coolout, I had just wrote a song called "Strugglin" ( which will be on my album, "RepMuhCity") and he said he wants me to read it off to him, so I did my thing and after I read it he said "Man, Juvie that song got me hooked after the first few bars, the intro alone made me want to hear what's coming next". Those simple words meant so much to me, especially coming from a legend like Count. I'm not even sure if he knows what the comment has done for me.


411Mania: If you could perform in any venue, where would it be and why??

Juvie-D:
I always dreamed of playing at Love Park in Philly, I want to set up a stage right in front of the infamous "Love" statue and perform right in front of it. The reason being is because at the end of the day that's what it's about, love for hip hop, love for the people, and love for the city. Also a fantasy of mine since I was young was to perform during halftime at a 76ers game, even if it's not a major game, I am such a huge Sixers fan it would be incredible. Who knows maybe I will be able to fulfill both of them dreams in the future, it's all about what the people want.

411Mania: Can you tell us where the name of your debut album "RepMuhCity" came from?

Juvie-D:
The title "RepMuhCity" (pronounced Rep My City) is the title that I had in mind since I was about 12 years old, I'm known for the love I have for Philly and that pretty much shows it, along with the "2-1-5", "Kensington", and "RepMuhCity" tattoos that I put on my body. Now that I have found Money Murks and Backroom Ent. Productions it's even better because like me he is from Philly and it is a Philly label so we are all on the same boat as in regards to the sound we are looking for. It will be a FULL album with 20 all new tracks on it. There are SO many A-List guest on the album, including Cappadonna, Caprise Classic, Mars, and so many more... I don't want to ruin the surprise yet. Just believe me when I say that it's going to be one of the most star-studded albums in hip hop history! Be sure to check out the album coming out late 2009 or early 2010... More info at www.Juvie-D.com & www.myspace.com/RepMuhCity.



411Mania: We hear you've got a mix tape coming out this summer. That's great news! Tell us about it?

Juvie-D:
Yes the mix tape, I don't yet have a title for it simply because we want to get the vibes after it's all said and done and then think of the name. The mix tape is hopefully going to turn some people on to Juvie-D and get them ready for the album, It will have 13 tracks on it and will be one of the best mix tapes out this year! We are having a special guest host on it but I am not telling anyone yet, just note that he is a world renowned DJ and I really think it's going to drop some jaws! I would also really like to thank Nick Luzzi from New Jersey, he has been helping me out so much with this project that I don't think it'd be possible without him.

411Mania: What's been your greatest accomplishment so far?

Juvie-D:
Personally my greatest accomplishment is the family that I have created, I know I am one of the luckiest mother fuckers alive to have such a loving caring family, their support and love is really what gets me through. Musically, I think my greatest accomplishment is joining Money Murks and Backroom productions Ent. Murks always looked out for me even before I joined with him; I feel it was destined to be. I can honestly sit here and say that I feel Murks is the best producer in the game, I'm not just saying that because he is my producer but because I heard what he can do, if you are a hip hop artist and you're looking for the best beats at a modest price go to www.myspace.com/repmuhcity and find Money Murks on my top friends and he'll make it happen with any budget. I know these next few months are going to be crazy but no matter the sales or popularity this album gets I know with Murks in my corner I will be satisfied.

Once again, I'd like to thank Juvie-D for spending some time with 411Mania. Be on the lookout for the mix tape this summer and the full album release of "RepMuhCity" early next year. For more information, check out www.myspace.com/repmuhcity and at www.Juvie-D.com.