The expression “hit the ground running” doesn’t seem like the appropriate lead-in for a success story. After all, if you hit the ground (regardless of how it happened), it is safe to assume you’d have to pick yourself up; an indication that implies at one time you were down. So, lets go with “Got off on the right foot.” (Even though that is just as argumentatively flawed).
At 23 years old, Decature, Atlanta, native Blak Jak has gotten off on the right foot (ahh the tie-in). Knowing that most artists (who sign major label deals), end up having their debut projects shelved for months, Blak Jak took his time before looking to play chess with the big boys. Universal Republic came knocking on the door of his independent company, Vintage Sound. Instead of budging, Blak Jak sat patiently and waited, knowing his response must be timely.
The end to the negotiating standoff came less than six months later. The independently released single, Ride & Swerve, started a Blak Jak craze on local radio throughout Georgia. Soon there after, the single spread to several dozen markets throughout the Southwest and thus created the biggest bargaining chip known to man. Instead of showing a promise of success to Universal, Blak Jak could let them both see and hear it. And it worked.
Now, Blak Jak is patiently awaiting the arrival of his debut album, Place Your Bets, in stores December 5th. Production credits on the album include DJ Toomp, Don Cannon, T-Pain and the Nimrods and boasts the current hit, Bobbin My Head.
During his interview with DJBooth.net’s DJ “Z,” Blak Jak explains what he offers (both similar, yet different) from ATL natives T.I. & Young Jeezy, why The Game will outsell Jay-Z in first week sales and where he would throw his money if he had to put it all on the line for a winner takes all bet.
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