After the arrival in the university of rapper Wale on Oct. 27th for his concert, one can’t help but wonder whether Robert Morris University (RMU) stores other future rappers on campus.
James Jermany, a senior majoring in Software Engineering, is a student who enjoys the art of rapping very much.
“Rapping is a way for me to express my feelings and emotions,” said Jermany. However, while Jermany enjoys to rap, he only sees it as an activity.
“I don’t consider myself to be a rapper,” said Jermany. “I just do it as a hobby.
With no intention on turning this hobby into a career, Jermany does not reject the possibility of joining the rap industry in the future.
“… I don’t plan on making a career out of it, [but] if it happens it happens,” he said.
Rapping for Jermany started in middle school with friends.
“You see, like old sitcoms, people in the corner rapping having a good time?” asked Jermany. “It was like that.”
Jermany did a small performance for Paul Spradley, RMU’s former director of Multicultural Student Services, last spring.
“People seemed to love it,” he explained. However, he never judged himself on his rap skill. In the meantime, Jermany does have his input on the rappers in the industry.
Like every industries, the rap industry has been opening up to new artists. Two new artists that Jermany perceives as leaders in the future of rap are Drake, a popular rapper signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Records, and J. Cole, an evolving rapper signed with Jay-z’s Roc Nation.
“Rap is different from what it used to be,” said Jermany on the way the new generation of rappers is bringing a new style. “I don’t know where it’s going to go, but it’s going somewhere different.”
Tyler, The Creator who has made headlines for his unpopular songs toward gay and women rights activists, and has gained fame for his surprising win at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, is the most controversial rapper of this year to Jermany.
“Everyone goes crazy for this guy,” explained Jermany. “I’m not a huge fan, but I respect what he’s doing. I think he’s creepy, but cool at the same time because he’s different”.
“He’s done a lot and has come very far,” said Jermany regarding his favorite rapper, Jay-z.
Like many students, Jermany was excited to welcome Wale for his concert this past October, and he strongly encouraged the university to host more concerts, with different genres of music, on campus.
“I like all music,” Jermany said.
Jermany believes passion is what will push people far into a competitive industry, including the rap industry. Dedication and hard work are the keys for people to reach their goals.
“Just be passionate,” Jermany advised to aspired rappers. “if you get your heart into it, it will take you wherever you want to go.”
