We recently had the chance to connect with Jeopardy J From the 252 and have shared our conversation below.
Jeopardy J, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What battle are you avoiding?
Honestly, my biggest battle is overthinking. I catch myself tryna control every move I make instead of just letting it flow. And trust… that’s tough for me. When you’ve been crossed too many times, it’s hard to let people in. But I’m learning to move smart without letting the pain make me cold. Every day I’m working on that balance.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name’s Jeopardy J, I’m from the 252 — Elizabeth City, North Carolina. It’s a small city, not too many opportunities, but it’s my home. I grew up with both parents until around 10 when my pops left, and after that my mom had to hold it down on her own. That’s when life started getting real for me and life transitioned. I was NEVER in the streets, but I seen a lot of things a kid shouldn’t have to see, and it shaped me. My biggest goal with my brand and my music is to let the younger Kids and people in the struggle know they’re not alone. I’m telling the story of a lost kid from Elizabeth City who refused to give up and dedicated himself to making it. What makes me unique is I don’t chase trends — I create my own lane. My lyrics, my demeanor, my whole approach is about authentic and building something that lasts in the long run.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
: Honestly, I would my grandfather. When I was younger, I didn’t understand it — I’d watch him load up scrap metal and drive from North Carolina to VA, and in my head I’m like, “Why he doing all this?” But as I got older and now developed. I realized he was showing me what it means to grind and survive by any means. He wasn’t perfect, and yeah, he got on me at times, but he’s the true definition of a hustler and his intentions were pure. I seen him cut grass sweaty and look like he dying from a heat stroke, pick up soda cans, do whatever it took just to make ends meet. That stuck with me. He showed me that real work ain’t always pretty, but it’s about doing what you gotta do to keep going. And that’s why I grind so hard because of granddaddy Charlie !
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Some of the biggest wounds in my life came from family situations. Like moving from NC to VA, falling out with my mom at an early age to the point where I’d be staying at relatives’ houses just to get away. I went through arguments, fights, even times where the cops had to come find me after running off. On top of that, my pops leaving the house , and heartbreak at a young age from giving my trust to the wrong people just added to it. To be real, I can’t say I’m fully healed — I’d be lying if I said that. But I’m on a journey. Right now, I’m in an optimistic space where I’m focused on growing and becoming better. And recently, my little brother’s been going through some things. I won’t get too deep into it, but if he sees this, I just want him to know I love him to the end.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
I’d say entrepreneurship. I’ll debate that with anybody. To me, there’s no reason you shouldn’t want to be your own boss. I just got this mindset like — if another man can become a millionaire or billionaire, why can’t I? He a man, I’m a man. The difference is discipline and grind. A lot of people say, “That’s too much work,” but to me that just sound like an excuse. Nothing worth having comes easy. So yeah, entrepreneurship and betting on yourself — that’s something I’ll stand on, even if people don’t always see it the way I do.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
Honestly, in my home studio and in the gym. My studio is where I get to vent — it’s like therapy for me. Every beat, every bar, I’m letting go of what I carry inside and my microphone never judge me. And the gym? That’s where I transform. It pushes me past my limits, turns me into a monster in the best way. Both places give me that release and that drive to keep going and be better.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Jeopardy_J_
- Facebook: Jeopardy J
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jeopardyjfromthe252?si=gfL4qcybRIw5xmev
- Soundcloud: Jeopardy J
