In the most recent issue of Industry Digest Magazine, JERIQ—often lovingly referred to as “Jeriqthehussla” by his devoted fan base—takes centre stage. The Nigerian rapper discusses his upbringing, artistic career, and ambitious goals to write music that honours his Igbo ancestry in an exclusive interview with TurnTable Charts.

JERIQ’s music career began in 2015, but he wasn’t recognised as a talent until 2020 when he finally broke through. When his EP, “Hood Boy Dream” was released, it marked a turning point. “Hood Boy Dream” revealed the world to his extraordinary skill like finding a priceless diamond.

JERIQ released his debut album, “Billion Dollar Dream,” in May 2022 and it was well received by his committed fan base and quickly rose to the top of the Apple Music Albums Chart. This accomplishment helped to establish his musical talent and made it possible for the album’s deluxe edition to be released in 2023. JERIQ stands out for his masterful integration of his Igbo ancestry into his craft, which has helped to create a distinctive and recognisable sound. In this way, he emulates legendary rappers like Mc Loph, Mr. Raw, Phyno, and Zoro who helped bring Igbo rap to a wider audience.

.@jeriqthehussla is the latest feature on the Industry Digest Magazine

In this interview with TurnTable, Jeriq talks about his background, artistry, and future plans to make more music that represents his Igbo heritagehttps://t.co/skvMx3rVlK

— TurnTable Charts (@TurntableCharts) October 4, 2023

JERIQ has amassed an amazing list of professional heavyweights with whom he has collaborated in a relatively short period of time, including Phyno, Dremo, Kofi Jamar, and DJ Neptune. Each new song he publishes is evidence of his quickly developing musical skills, demonstrating his readiness to get the respect he merits.

JERIQ’s accomplishments were recognised in 2023 with two nominations for Headies Awards: Best Rap Single for “My Bro” featuring Phyno and Best Rap Album for “Billion Dollar Dream.” He is also a brand ambassador of Hero Lager.

JERIQ shares his background, artistic journey, and the motivations behind his music-making process in an enlightening interview with Turntable Charts, giving fans and music enthusiasts a greater knowledge of the emerging star’s incredible career in the music business.

Some of the Extracts of the Interview with Turn Table Charts include:

TTC: Can you tell us about yourself?

Jeriq: I was born and brought up in Onitsha, Anambra state, I’m the first in a family of 5. I moved to Enugu for my secondary school education and that was when I first started dabbling into music. I started music officially in 2015.

TTC: You infuse your culture and where you’re from you’re your music, how important is that for you when you rap and sing?

Jeriq: I was brought up in Onitsha, which gave me the ability to connect with the things happening in the street. I never wanted to lose that part of me which is why I always want to represent where I’m from. Infusing my culture into my art is fulfilling my obligation and is very important to me.

TTC: The ‘Billion Dollar Dream’ Deluxe version was released early this year, what was put into consideration when you were releasing this following the release of the first version in 2022?

Jeriq: First of all, there wasn’t supposed to be a deluxe version when I was planning to drop the album, but when I dropped the album, I posted online that “if my fans take the album to No. 1, I’d drop a deluxe version for the album” and that was it. The album got to No.1 and I felt I had to keep my promise, and that was why I dropped a deluxe version.

TTC: Is there any song that resonates with you that you connect with, that you added either in the original version or in the deluxe?

Jeriq: I wouldn’t say I have a particular favourite because different songs have different stories and different experiences attached to them, all the tracks do it for me to be honest.

TTC: Do you think the Deluxe was received well by the fans?

Jeriq: Yes, it was received well because the deluxe peaked at No. 2 and the reason why it didn’t get the No.1 spot was because Wizkid got it.

TTC: Should we be expecting anything else from Jeriq the rapper this year?

Jeriq: Yeah, I just dropped a song, ‘11:11’ and then the video has been released. I also have an EP dropping later this year. It was supposed to be another album but I don’t want to drop another album this year. The idea behind the EP is to create commercial tracks that will be used to celebrate the festive period so I am thinking five Igbo celebratory songs would do for the EP.

TTC: That sounds nice, can’t wait.

Get more entertainment updates here.