This dude is G.O.O.D...I Promise!

Determined to break down musical barriers and live outside of Society's box, he rises up with skill and confidence that is incomparable. Simply doing what he was destined to do , he makes music that makes a difference....and that's a Promise.

HipHopInformant: How did you get involved with Hip-Hop?

Promise: I started out as just a writer/poet in school then picked up rap having fun wit my longtime schoolmate Prestege. In the caf one day an older dude heard us rhyming and told me what I had to say was inspiring and that I should take it more seriously. So I did.

HipHopInformant: How long have you been involved with Hip-Hop?

Promise: I've been involved in hip-hop for approx 9yrs now.

HipHopInformant: Talib Kweli called your work “fly…mad heartfelt and inspirational how did that feel coming from a prominent name in the game?

Promise: It felt amazing to know that he even took the time to check my stuff out. Although we didn't work together I got mad respect for anyone who gives someone their time.

HipHopInformant: Where are you from and does that influence your music?

Promise: I'm from Canada. Doesn't neccessarily influence my music. My parents hail from Barbados (dad) and Jamaica (mom). My dad's mom (grandma) was born in Brazil, my mom's dad (grandpa) in Jamaica but has cuban in him lol someone else is part trini. As you get further down the line you see my roots intertwined with west indian flavor. So I appreciate the music of each culture but being born and living 20+ years in Canada I am not heavily influenced by it. Although, I do appreciate conscious reggae a great deal I actually have a few songs that I may release in the years to come look out for that.

HipHopInformant: Are there any artists that influence you and your music?


Promise: Any artist who is positive and/or has skill such as Lupe, Common, Kanye, Lauryn Hill, eLZhi, even my boy Shad.

HipHopInformant: The HipHopInformant has got the “Kanye West presents Promise” Volumes. Did you work with Kanyeezy and how was it?

Promise: The only G.O.O.D. Music artist I've worked directly with thus far is Really Doe. Ye's been maaad busy doin' his stuff :( but I'm patiently waiting on his call. That series startes from a bunch of dubs I had layin around that ppl were buggin me for. As soon as djs got the 1st they demanded a 2nd volume. And so on and so forth.

HipHopInformant: What are your views on the Hip-Hop world at this moment?

Promise: It still sucks content wise but with all the things in the world changing it can only follow the motions. I think its reached that point again where new, fresh music has its opening to get aboard the hiphop subway again.

HipHopInformant: On your album “More Than Music” you worked with Rhymefest and Elzhi of the acclaimed Slum Village how did it feel to work with those guys?

Promise: I spent the whole day wit Rhymefest & Mikkey Halsted they good peoples man. To have 'Fest ask my opinion on parts of his verse showed a level of respect for my craft I was like WoW. They gave me mad advice, showed me around the city, etc. I love the Chi! I couldn't wait to go back so I hooked up wit Malik Yusef later on to complete that track "Brotherhood". Working wit eLZhi was a dream come true! One of my all time favorite lyricist if not thee one. It was weird cuz he's soo humble I expected him to be cocky or sumthin but having him ask me how to say this or how to end that I was dumbfounded like "uhhh me!?". These guys are rap icons in my eyes yet they realized my talent and I guess real recognize real. Dang, wow. Lol.

HipHopInformant: How would you describe your style and would you compare it to any other artist?

Promise: Hmmm. if Common had a baby with Lauryn Hill, Kanye was his crazy uncle (who wasn't really his uncle just a close family friend), Lupe & Phonte were his older brothers (making him Phonte's little brother, how ironic lol), and Crooked I & Wordsworth were his grandfathers from each side. That's me in a nutshell lol.

HipHopInformant: Is there a big difference in rappers from Canada or any where else in the world to rappers in the U.S?

Promise: Sometimes when its pure but the american culture is soo dense across the globe it heavily influences the world in every area from music to politics. You got people in Canada who don't even know who runs things where they live but they going to the US to watch Obama take over lol. We thrive off of US media so every kid grows up thinking they're born in NY or ATL lol. Every young canadian rapper thinks they gunslingin' gangsta rappers or tatted up crack pushers. Everyone gotta say "easy" or "ya dig?" Before/after they rap. You'll find that the few that "make it" from up North are DIFFERENT. And I hope I'm one of them.

HipHopInformant: How did the name Promise come about?

Promise: It's my name lol. Promise Jason Jamal Shepherd. Its biblical. God gave His people many promises. Example, the promise of His Holy Spirit and His son, Jesus, that whosoever believe in Him would have everlasting life.

HipHopInformant: Finally, what does the future hold for Promise?

Promise: A lot of GOOD music! Get@me. Myspace. com/promisemusic if ya wana hear the hottest music!