In an Austin Chronicle 2022 cover story, J Soulja didn’t hesitate expressing his gratitude in an interview with Derek Udensi. For the Austin-based hip-hop artist, having struggled to make ends meet in his life, understanding the importance of lifting others around him felt like a revelation. And from helping others comes a fulfillment, an empowerment far outreaching his own success. “I done put my 10,000 hours in,” he explained to Udensi. “I don’t mind you rap better, get farther, whatever. I don’t give a f–k. I want to see you win! Let’s open these doors up, that way [people] can walk through them because there’s n—-s out here who don’t rap anywhere close to me but are surpassing things a lot more than what I may have ever been able to touch…”

The reality for J Soulja is about empowering the community at large. From media coverage to performing at festivals, to getting statewide and national attention, he continues utilizing his platform to uplift his peers in the industry. Organizing shows like the Smoke Out, representing during SXSW, preserving the African American cultural legacy as Director of Cultural and Artistic Liberation for Austin’s Six Square, all of it contributes to this goal.

J Soulja’s next show immediately follows the Get Busy Or Die Tour show going down tonight, Friday May 12, at Stubb’s on Red River. After you catch $NOT, Night Lovell, EEM Triplin, DC the Don and Micro, head on over to J Soulja’s set at Stubb’s indoor venue. Doors at 10:30 p.m.

-Special thanks to Fresh Knight for his assistance with today’s AMM.