Memphis Music Feature: Jus Bentley

Our Interview with Jus Bentley:

How long have you been performing and how did you get started? 

I have been performing since about 8 or 9. I got my start doing plays and talent shows at church and then that progressed into writing and recording my own music. By age 12, I had released my first song and after that I really gained a love and passion for music. 

How would you describe your style of music? 

My current style of music I would categorize it as motivational, uplifting yet not “preachy” type music. My core is hip hop but my message is positive.

Is there a song of yours that is especially special to you and why? 

I have a couple songs that’s are special to me. My first one would be my song “BU$Y” because it’s my most streamed song along with my first national sync placement on the show P-Valley from the Starz network. My second favorite would be “Want It” ft Don Trip because that was the first song we ever did together and it helped me land a spot on his 2017 album “Christopher:Season 1”. My other one is a song called “Ride” ft Snootie Wild. Snootie Wild was one of the first artist to gravitate to my sound in the early part of my career and although he was about to be signed to CMG at the time, he blessed my song just because he liked it.

What about Memphis inspires you creatively? 

I come from a long line of hard working, disciplined and entrepreneurial people whom have instilled in me from birth that Memphis is home. We have such a rich culture of arts and creativity that just riding downtown and seeing the murals on the wall gives you ideas. Walking down Beale street and seeing the performers gives you inspiration. Entering into the FedEx forum and seeing all the Memphis pride pushes you to find the good in the city. Everything about Memphis is creative.

Do you have a story that changed you as an artist, a moment in time that moved the needle for you?

The moment that changed me as an artist is when I entered the educational field. I’m way more conscious of what I say and what I want to project because I know one day, at some point, my students will hear it. I’ve done all the “riff raff” stuff, now I’m focused on leaving a legacy and message behind in my music. In 2022, I released a song called “Discipline” and that really propelled me into this new direction I’m headed in.

What do you love about the current Memphis music scene? 

What I love most is the opportunities given. When I was coming up, female rap/artist were simmering but we had not reached our break yet. We were fed broken promises and only called upon to even the status quo. Now, I see a light on female rappers and it warms my heart because the talent has been here all along, we just needed someone to echo our voice in the right way! 

In addition to music, you're also super funny on social media. Does that influence your music at all or what role does comedy play for you? 

Actually, when it comes to my music I’m super serious. I’m focusing on what I have to say and how I want to say it for the listeners. But in my real life, oh I’m the funniest person you’ll meet! I love to laugh, joke and play with my friends and family. 

What is the most unexpected music interest you have? 

I enjoy soft jazz. My mom use to listen to it all the time and I would say that’s old people music but now I understand how important peace and calmness is.

Where can we hear you? 

I am easily found on all platforms, just type “Jus Bentley” in your search bar. Same for streaming sites and YouTube. 

What are you working on currently or any recent projects?

I have just been chosen to help spearhead the 901Day artist stage concert in September.  This is my first time working with the City of Memphis and I couldn’t be more excited to be apart of this historical event! 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Brittney King • Official Jus Bentley (@jusbentley)