Written by | Ray Cornelius
RC recently caught up with Birmingham, Alabama’s upcoming rap phenom Jabo (pronounced jah-bow). The 26-year-old, one-time broadcasting major is the hottest thing to come out of the “Steel City” in a long time. His current mix tape, Anatomy of a Street Genius, has been causing a lot of buzz on the southern hip-hop circuit due to his standout collaborations on tracks “What I’m About” featuring Jadakiss and Slim Thug and “Drop” with Memphis King Yo Gotti.
I chatted briefly with Jabo while he was doing media rounds in “The A” to promote his current project. We chopped it up about everything from his musical influences to his mean chess game to his favorite childhood hero.
Check out the conversation below:
Who are you rocking in your iPod?
I’m playing my stuff, I’m playing a lot of Dizzy Wright. You ever heard of Dizzy Wright from Las Vegas? Of course I’m playing T.I., Jay Z’s Holy Grail is in there. Kendrick Lamar’s album is still in there. I picked up Oxymoron, Schoolboy Q’s album the other day. Old Nas like God’s Son, Illmatic and Stillmatic. I also listen to my Pandora station too. I have my own station so I think I’m cool. Yeah, that’s how we rocking.
Schoolboy Q’s Oxymoron/Photo Credit: nahright.com
What’s your favorite city to visit?
Houston! It’s just a real soulful city. They have an appreciation for real good music. They have good food…good weed. Everything is good there. I love Houston.
Houston, Texas Skyline/Photo Credit: premiumlistingservices.com
Who is your favorite old school rapper?
My favorite old school rapper? How old are we talking here? (LOL) because my favorite old school rapper is Nas even though some may not consider him old school.
Ok then, who is your favorite rapper from the 80’s?
Oh, that’s easy. Big Daddy Kane!
Vintage Big Daddy Kane/Photo Credit: Pintrest
What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?
My hats.
What is one thing about you that most people wouldn’t know about you?
People wouldn’t know that I play chess. You bring a chess board in here I might open up with a Queen gambit or a King gambit. See, I know what I’m talking about when it comes to the game of chess.
Chessboard/Photo Credit: wallpaperswide.com
Who is your favorite comic book superhero?
Oh, this is probably gonna sound crazy but I like Robin, from Batman & Robin. See, Robin was not the man but he was the one Batman always needed when he was in trouble. It sounds crazy because most people would choose the big ones like Superman but I like Robin because he was the call guy.
ROBIN/Photo Credit: wikia.com
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Of course, I would want to meet my mother again but if you’re talking about a celebrity, it would be Malcolm X. I’ve always wanted to ask him did he know that he was going to be assassinated. I mean, from the movie’s perspective you get that feeling that he knew it was going to happen. I also always wanted to know what he was feeling when he gave his final speech.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
“I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. Fa sho!