Today we’d like to introduce you to Jarvis Young.
Hi Jarvis, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I always was inspired to make music and be involved in the music industry since an early teen growing up in Valdosta, GA. Being in from south Georgia you realize early on there isn’t much of a music scene so every chance I had to perform I would take advantage of from talent shows back in the high school as I was a part of a rap group formed with me & two other friends called “G-Team”. Performing being apart of the group helped me to become very confident on my own in addition to having one of our songs on the local radio station in Valdosta called “Team Gutta” really was fuel to the fire towards the dream & opening up for the Youngbloodz. At the height of things, we had different ideas and ended up parting ways but I still continued to pursue my career as a solo artist. I eventually moved to Panama City, Fla in 2005 once I got my first taste of spring break in 2003 it was hard to shake that feeling being back in south Georgia so I made that move. Every year during spring break, I would take advantage of the beach & spring break to release music in march, also promoting it like crazy to the spring breakers & locals.
Over the years this became a tradition & help me forge my identity in Panama City’s Music scene. I was able to secure shows at the largest nightclub in the world at time, Club La Vela would invite to perform as the opening act for headliners such as Sean Kingston, Ying Yang Twins & Mike Jones. Being a part of the action every year helped me get familiar with the locals then I started to travel to Atlanta to do open mic shows but quickly I noticed they were rigged so that really gave me a change of heart. Winning a few of them and placing in the top 3 we never got the prizes as promised so I kept performing in Panama City when there was an open mic plus being signed to a label “Silver Diamond Ent.” things never blossomed to its full potential, but never the less I still remained perfecting my craft. Watching how my CEO operated his label I always wanted to be different and eventually moving to Athens after Hurricane Micheal I still remained active. Before leaving Panama City, Fla I was able to secure 3 trophies from the Glenwood Red Velvet contest for my baking skills placing 3rd, 2nd, then 1st so that really motivated me to start my mobile catering business “Chef Cool’s Kitchen”. Music has always been my dream but with baking that put my mind at ease because I received recognition instantly, but with the music it took time.
Atlanta was the ultimate stop and I was able to make the move after six months being in Athens because that is where my support system was during the time of the natural disaster. Understanding how Atlanta operated it took time being there but I quickly became aware & was able to form my label “ITM Forever LLC” (while attending LearnMBE in early 2020 with the help of my mentor/teacher Sidney Eugene), adopted from some of my friends in Panama City we would all rap together so I wanted to create something we could all thrive from when they wanted to take the music more serious as well. Being that I done so much open mics early on and when I came back to Atlanta actually living there my perspective on them has changed. I have only been active online making music, organizing music videos & designing merchandise.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This road has never been smooth, there has been many bumps. Lack of support, troubles with finances just really balancing everything as a whole. Being able to do for my loved ones & not lose sight of the end goal while continuing to make progress has been really something I must say. My motto I have adopted years ago has been “Stay Consistent”, whenever I have any doubt or any fear, I refer back to that phrase & it makes me always view my overall progression to keep moving forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m mostly known for my music. Being a musician is what I specialize in, and my bodies of work that I released is what I’m most proud of. What sets me apart from others is my versatility & my consistency.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My personality & ability to separate business from pleasure is important also it’s never personal.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.inthemixforever.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thepurpleprince
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepurpleprince
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/thepurpleprince
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/jcooleastside
- SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/jcooleastside
Image Credits
ITM Forever LLC
