JAY-WILL

In today’s music industry where computer driven technology seems to be the norm in any musical composition, the title “artist” is being embodied by anyone who can click a mouse or tap a computer keyboard. It seems that the daunting task of actually being able to play an instrument or read music is becoming a thing of the past.



That is not the case for 21-year-old Jonathan Wilson, better known as Jay-Will. This young man is truly the epitome of an “artist”. This Long Island, NY, native was considered by some to be a child prodigy. He was picking out melodies on the piano at the mere age of three and by the time he entered kindergarten, he was playing complete songs with both hands.



As a result of being raised in a household where both his parents were accomplished musicians, Jay-Will was immersed in a bevy of various musical styles which included Gospel, R and B, and Reggae; however he was especially influenced by the piano performances of Ray Charles, Billy Joel and Stevie Wonder.



As a teenager, while enhancing his prowess on the piano, Jay-Will was introduced to hip-hop and the art of being an emcee. Just like many of today’s great rappers, he started honing his skills as a rapper by battling the best in his school and in his neighborhood. Already instilled with the love of music, Jay-Will was determined to become the best emcee in his area. Feverishly writing rhyme after rhyme, line after line until he reached his goals.



Although Rap had a positive influence on Jay’s life, his choice of comrades and his surroundings did not, even though he was engulfed in the heavy influences of the gang and drug culture, he never allowed his passion for music to diminish.



This is where Jay became a prime example of life imitating music. On June 13, 2002, he was arrested and charged with robbery in the first degree. Incarcerated at the tender age of 16 and being tried as an adult, Jay had two long, arduous years to think about the path he had chosen and what he had to do to get his life back on the right track.



Upon completing his sentence, he enrolled in the Recording Engineer Institute and received certification as an audio engineer. With his life heading in the right direction and the love of music in his soul, Jay is determined to become a force to be reckoned with in the industry.



Now signed to Starr Media Group, he has taken on the role of “Loyalty” within the group Trillogy, Jay-Will is destined to make an immediate impact on the music industry by combining his hard hitting music production, which incorporates live instruments with his soulful singing or his thought provoking, raspy rap vocals. Look out for Jay-Will to soon establish himself to the world as a true “artist”.