Jon Stojan
Image credit: J.R.Clark
For most aspiring musicians, signing to a record label is the end goal that establishes they’re finally successful. For J.R.Clark though, labels are a superfluous step in his career — one that he doesn’t need to let the world know what he’s at the top of his game.
J.R.Clark is a Virginia-born rapper with a commanding and braggadocious tone. It’s refreshing to hear his confidence about whatever his subject matter is for a track — often cycling between stories of what he’s experienced to how he’s living now.
On “Independent Flex,” a new single from his recently released album All Business, No Luv, J.R.Clark directs his sights at record labels and the artists who are signing to them, rapping, “how you ni**as signed but your jewelry still fake?” It’s a serious question that begets a larger discussion about whether artists are making enough money or not — but, thankfully, J.R.Clark doesn’t make the rest of the track about this complex situation.
Instead, he uses the space provided by the head-bopping beat to flaunt what he’s able to afford while being independent. Each line brings a new flex — he’s bought something new from Dapper Dan, he has a new Rolex watch on his wrist, and so forth. Though he’s bragging, it’s like he’s in the boxing ring throwing quick, to the point jabs that set him up for a knockout.
By the time the song ends, you understand he’s all about what he’s rapping. He’s on top of his game. He’s got more than enough money without needing to be signed. And even if he does lock in an impressive contract, he wouldn’t be tied to the record label system.
It’s impressive, and brave. As record labels fold all around us this year, J.R.Clark has become one of the first people to speak out and suggest they’re not as powerful as they seem.
That makes this a listen that you’ll think about as you bop to it. Points to J.R.Clark for finding this delicate balance.
Listen to “Independent Flex” below.