Soulja Boy

By Souleo. World meet: Ja-Bar, the protégé to pop sensation Soulja Boy.  Ja-Bar is the first artist to be released on Soulja Boy's SOD Money Gang label.  The 19 year-old Atlanta hip-hopper is currently riding high on the waves of his fast-rising single, "Daze," ft. Soulja Boy from his spring untitled release.

Ja-Bar who honed his skills opening for Soulja Boy on his tour for two years noted that the two have a deep connection forged by their mutual love for hard work and determination to succeed.

"We both work hard so that's one of the reasons he likes me so much and kept me around.  I'm always in the studio or on the computer and so is he.  We are both go-getters," Ja-Bar said.

With that go-getter mentality Soulja Boy is setting Ja-Bar up for the big time, but as Soulja's experience shows the big time is not without its challenges.  Soulja Boy who has faced beef with Ice-T, made controversial Twitter rants and been a gossip target has prepared Ja-Bar for the industry's challenges.

"I think controversy and hate you got to handle that yourself.  You can't let others tell you what you can't do.  People always said I wouldn't make it but now I have hits.  So never listen to what people tell you," he said.

Ja-Bar remembers one particular night when Soulja Boy's support inspired him to keep going until his dreams come true.

"One year ago in the club at Grammy Party there was Paris Hilton, Jimmy Iovine and Timbaland.  Soulja Boy told me, 'One day all these people gonna know you and be here to see you and all this will be yours, but it takes hard work and dedication.'  So I know it's not a game and it's real business," he recalled.

With that understanding the two are focused on taking over the industry and giving other deriving artists a chance to shine.

"I'm gonna put out different talent and show the world all the different styles we got.  Ja-Bar wants to get into movies and his own label too.  We trying to be icons in the music industry," Soulja Boy said.

With their common goals, industry insight and sense of brotherhood, it seems that there are no heights these two won't be able to reach.

By Souleo.

At the age of 22, R&B singer, Sammie, is already an industry veteran.  By age 12, he was signed to Atlanta producer/songwriter Dallas Austin’s Freeworld Entertainment label under the Capitol Records umbrella.  His debut album produced two hits, “I Like It” and “Crazy Things I Do.”

Then Sammie did the unthinkable and stepped away from the scene to focus on having a “normal life,” just as he was reaching the heights of success.  It was a risky but brave decision and in the long run it seems to have paid off since Sammie comes across as one of the more grounded and humble artists on the scene.  After a successful comeback in 2006, he is now fully back with another wide open window of opportunity to shoot into the stratosphere of success.  His smooth vocals helped catapult Soulja Boy’s hit single, “Kiss Me Thru the Phone,” to #1 status in the country in 2009.  As Sammie prepares for his forthcoming album release Coming of Age, he spoke with JimmyJazz.com about growing up in the hood, taking on the responsibility of being a man of the house, learning to take control of his own destiny, and more.

JimmyJazz.com: You come from a single parent household and with your success at age 12 you helped support the family.  So how did it feel to be the man of the house at such a young age?

Sammie: It’s nothing negative, it was all positive.  I was around the world making thousands of dollars at 12 and contributing to getting the house fixed and new trucks.  So at that time I didn’t realize that was me.  I didn’t understand I was providing for my family and that Christmas gifts were things Sammie contributed to.  So it’s funny, now at 22 I can look back and say I was the man of the house since 12.

JimmyJazz.com: Is it the same situation now or are your siblings old enough to contribute as well?

Sammie: My mom is still working and my sister is about to get her first job, but as the oldest child I want to help my mom and little siblings as much as possible.  I was raised in a family oriented home and that’s my job—to contribute as much as I can to make their lives as comfortable as possible.

JimmyJazz.com: Often the responsibility of being the man of the house is one that the father takes on.  So was your dad ever insecure of the fact that you at 12, were helping to support your family?

Sammie: My father was very supportive.  Parents always wish for their child to be the best at whatever they do and that was him.  So to my knowledge he never once in his life showed any insecurity or animosity on his behalf of me being a star and providing for my family.  I’m still a reflection of my pops so I’m his baby boy and he will never look at me negatively ‘cause I’m living my dream and making money doing it.

JimmyJazz.com: The new album is called Coming of Age, which is a big maturation period in one’s life.  So what is your state of mind now as you are becoming a man?

Sammie: My thoughts are whatever choices you make in life—being able to deal with the circumstances and repercussions of those decisions.  In this business being your own boss is important.  When I say that it is not an ego behind that statement it is really just knowing your business, knowing your paper work, and having a relationship with your attorney.  If things don’t go right this time around put the blame on Sammie ‘cause now I am the source of my situation.  I am the glue to my foundation so only I can mess myself up.  So growing up you go through things you can’t control or don’t understand but you have to make a decision.  My decision is to be more responsible and involved in every aspect of my life.

JimmyJazz.com: What are you still struggling to understand about life?

Sammie: I’m not a foul person and I am very giving.  So when bad things come your way you sometimes ask, ‘Why me? I didn’t do anything to deserve this bad thing.’ That statement may very well be true but I look at things now as a test and a testimony to Sammie’s story.  So everything I go through good or bad I welcome with open arms ‘cause you can’t control it.  So I don’t dwell on things anymore.  I am so carefree and about having fun and smiling and still finding joy.  I learned at 22 that anybody can be happy but it is situational.  If I go platinum then I’m happy.  If I got millions of dollars then I’m happy.  But if I don't does that mean I'm not happy?  So you can find joy in any place if you're rich, broke, or whatever.  So I’m finding joy in all aspects of my life.

The holidays are officially here! What better way to shop than online? If your sensitive on time and want to avoid the holiday rush in the streets, log-on to JimmyJazz.com and shop for some of the latest styles in urban fashion, including one of our best sellers.... Blac Label, which has been worn from a ton of popular figures, such as Jeremy Shocky (New Orleans Saints), Charlie Murphy (Comedian/ Actor), John Legend (Singer/ Songwriter), Soulja Boy (Rapper/ Producer), Flo Rida (Rapper) and bunch of others.

Aside from being a progressive urban contemporary brand, Blac Label is a proud participant of BIG SHOPPING program, a worthy and very promotion that will help benefit VH1's Save The Music. BIG SHOPPING will link shoppers with In-demand products, such as Blac Label. The online store will be active starting today (Black Friday) till the 31st of December. Purchases made from BIG SHOPPING will help further the gift of music education to children in our nation's public schools.

Young Jeezy, Lebron James and Soulja Boy posing for the camera. Soulja Boy chucks the deuce in a Blac Label tee.

Reggie Bush is hugged up by Kim Kardashian in a Blac Label top.

It has been confirmed by numerous News outlets that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson has passed away. Jackson, who was born in Gary, Indiana, suffered a cardiac arrest in Los Angeles, CA on Thursday, June 25th. He was 50 years. The musical genius is survived by 3 children.

Since the fatal news of Jackson's sudden death broke on the internet, a ton of celebs have poured out their emotions on their twitter accounts.

Here are some tweets from celebs who have been inspired by Michael Jackson and the legacy he leaves behind.

Diddy: "Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life!! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!"

Drake: "Blew the dust off my Moonwalker tape...and just set it right on the dresser...Long Live the King."

Keri Hilson: "MJ's the only idol I've ever had...never got the chance to tell him how much he & his music mean to me. man oh man."

Usher: "Again.. my heart goes out to the King of Pop and his family."

Cassie: "There are no words.... Sending all of my love and prayers out to the Jackson family."

Soulja Boy: "R.I.P. MJ."

Solonge Knowles: "Thank you Michael Jackson for being my FIRST of many! My mother took me to my FIRST concert, I was only two years old." I fell in love."

Trey Songz: "Speechless."

Snoop Dogg: "billie jean is not my son!!! mike went hard on this one.."

Kid Cudi:  "if ur a musician and u didnt acknowledge michaels passing today on ya page, ur a douche."

Rev Run: "Rip MJ! Dream as if u'll live 4ever, Live as if u'll die 2day. U only live once, but if u do it right dats all u need! U did it Big MJ!!"

Wale: " i can only hope people dont take cheap shots at his legacy for laughs...God Bless MJ."

Mariah Carey: "No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever." - Mariah

Lauren London: "There are no words.....my prayers to the Jackson Family."

Busta Rhymes: "GOD BLESS THE JACKSON FAMILY...BE STRONG AND OUR PRAYERS AND BEST WISHES GO OUT 2 THE JACKSON FAMILY!!!!!TO THE MAXIMUM LEVELS!!!"

If Michael Jackson inspired you, feel free to express your thoughts in our comments section. 

R.I.P. Michael Joseph Jackson

August 29, 1958 to June 25, 2009