Life isn’t always fair, but it’s manageable.
When it comes to the story of Jung Coasta, St.Louis‘ melodic rap star, this narrative hits home in more than one way. With over 10 years of experience in pocket to help champion his claim to fame in music, the “Over & Over” songwriter had to witness the come up first-hand before it was finally his turn.
The Midwest has been known for highlighting a number of artists that have impacted the music industry in more than one way. Nelly, Chingy and even Smino are a few names that initially come to mind, but even then there isn’t a specific aesthetic attached to the The Lou’s ranging soundscape, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing — that leaves room for artists like Coasta to set the new standard. “St.Louis gone be on top one day bro and I stand on that,” he avows in confidence.
Sonically, Coasta sways between a raw, unfiltered sound that’s both emotive and edgy all at once. It’s almost like you have to identify with realness in order to understand his ethos as an artist. Interestingly enough, Coasta isn’t sad or crying out for understanding, he’s penning his life on beats in hopes that listeners connect with the message.
A conversationalist at heart, Coasta’s grind is all about results. It also doesn’t hurt to have a Grammy-award winning emcee as council when it comes to weaving your way through the lawless rap game. Sometimes it’s best to lead by example, and it tends to hit different when the whole team wins, that’s how you pay it forward. 10 years later, the vision is finally starting to come together. A man of integrity, our conversation follows below.
With you being a native of St.Louis, what was life like growing up?
My cousin was actually signed to Nelly back in the day. When I was young, I watched them boys go on tour and everything; that in itself was amazing. It made me want this (a musical career) even more. I started recording music about 10 years ago. I got all the way serious with it and knew I always had something.
How often does the past inspire what you talk about in song?
All the time. Whenever I go to the studio, I revisit my past. That’s kind of how I do my records. My uncle has this saying where he goes, “aye man, get mad”. That’s our game plan, when he wants a hit out of me, he wants me to go off. It’s weird, but it works (haha). Seeing certain things that I’ve seen throughout my life; the different things that I’ve done in my life, the trials and tribulations. Watching my peers and watching my elders. Everything that I speak about is real, I’ve either seen it or I’ve been through it.
At this stage in your career as an artist, what do you feel like has been the toughest part about your come up?
Losing my father to a federal penitentiary. My father was going through a situation, but my uncle wanted me to finish my dream. My uncle picked up where he had left off with joining in on my musical journey. Rapping ain’t never been hard for me; to me, it’s natural.
What do you feel like is that hidden barrier that’s hindering Midwest artists from crossing over into mainstream media?
I feel like it’s not enough support from each other. I’m going to be the one to change it. Some artists don’t want to work with other artists and I respect that. It’s a lot that goes on here (St. Louis). A lot of these cats aren’t faking, they really in the streets. That’s why a lot of people are getting killed before they can really make it, because of the position they are in. Artists like Nelly are doing the best they can to bring the city together. St.Louis gone be on top one day bro and I stand on that.
How do you stay motivated despite everything that you’ve been through?
I’m a winner. One thing that my OG’s and big homies taught me is you just win. Even if you do lose, at least you know you went your hardest. Y’all ain’t heard nothing yet, bro I got albums done (haha). I can’t wait until fans can engage with this new music. It’s something that they’ve been waiting on for a while now. I’m building a team now that’s working for me. You gotta find out what works for you and who wants to work for you and build a team. I’ve been building the team I’m with now for 10 years. With me, it’s forever, this (rap) is something that I’m always going to do.
When it’s all said and done, what impact do you hope to have on the music industry?
I wanna be a legend, I deserve to shine. I will be remembered as one of the greats.
