Unveiling the Rise of Westside's Baller of the Year: An Exclusive Interview
When a new artist emerges on the scene they normally go on a heavy press run, giving their fans and listeners content before leading up to their debut single or project. But thats not the case for WestsideJC the 26-year-old has given fans not one, but five new projects in just 11 months.
“If I [have] ten eggs ima [place] them [in] 6 [or] 7 baskets. I don’t bank on putting my eggs all in one basket -I got that mindset that if this one don’t work the next one will,” Says the Crenshaw district native when asked where his work ethic comes from. He doesn’t only dabble into music on his off days you might catch him on the court giving out free throws or spot him eating at Archies before he stops by his favorite spot, Bob’s Liquor Store.
Westside sensation JC has undoubtedly taken the music scene by storm, earning the coveted title of "Baller of the Year" in his very first year in the industry. In 2023, JC not only opened up for renowned artists Smoke DZA and Jimmy Waters but also released three successful projects. Keeping the momentum alive, he recently treated his fans to the latest single, "Baller of The Year," and teased an exciting collaboration with the MDTC clothing brand. In this exclusive interview, we dive into JC's journey, his inspirations, and what the future holds for this rising star.
You released merchandise with Bob’s Liquor Store for the upcoming project how did that come about? I [always] buy stuff from [Bob's] one day I was in front of Circuit Liquor and Bob pulled up we just chopped it up and since then we have just been locked in since 2019. He always shows love. When 4rmPlaya2Coach rolled around, I just hit him up and was like it would be an honor to do a collab with you and he brought the vision to life.
You’re fairly new to the music scene but you’re making major strives where does your work ethic come from? Listening to my favorite rappers and knowing how hard they work. Like Spitta put out a 100 tapes look at all the money he’s making back off that. N*ggas be like I'm going to wait five years to release projects; that might work. Now with me, I’m going to give you 20 [projects] within those five years and get me a million. I have that mindset that if this one doesn’t work the next one will I don’t bank on putting my eggs all in one basket if I have ten eggs ima spread them out. 6 or 7 baskets with that.
Releasing 5 projects and 3 eps in your first year is impressive. Can you walk us through the creative process and themes that tie these projects together or set them apart? I don't have one, I make sure [I] put an hour into my craft every day. I have a notepad if I'm out and about doing fly shit I'll write it down and then I may get home smoke a joint and play some beats, and get to work.
You are always talking about basketball, is it safe to say if you weren’t making music you would be a coach? Probably, I mean we are all coaches in our way- you got people who are life coaches, music coaches for artist development whatever you want to name it - but if you have a good game and know how to apply it, you’re a coach then.
Looking ahead, what aspirations and goals do you have for the future, both musically and in terms of collaborations or ventures outside of music? More fashion [collaborations]- more everything. I'm trying to scratch things off my bucket list like working with Hitboy and Mikey & Keys. I'm having fun this year too. Remember you can do what you want when you are the baller of the year.