Westleaf Staff
What's up Leafers? Welcome to the latest edition of On the Rise where we interview upcoming hip hop talent. Today's guest is rap artist, JT Cinco. Cinco is straight out of Broward County, Florida. Cinco made his breakthrough in late 2019 with the viral track "What Happened". With its upbeat tempo, high energy, and a gimmicky intro the track garnered thousands of streams and hundreds of video shares on TikTok and Instagram.
JT Cinco got into music around the age of 12 while having a passion for basketball. In high school Cinco would link up with local producer and long time friend, N808 ThePlug, and freestyle with friends. At first he didn't have the intentions of starting a music career, but with encouragement from his friends he gave it a shot. Since then Cinco has formed a music group called "No Remorse Gang" that releases hip hop music collectively. Cinco's charisma and vibe will definitely land him on major festival stages such as Rolling Loud and Coachella. Cinco's been making waves in his city so we had to tap in. Check out the interview below.
Westleaf Staff: What's up, Cinco? Your sound is dope. When did you start making music?
JT CINCO: I started making music in 2018, it was just for fun at first. Then around summer 2019 is when I started taking music seriously.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope! What city do you represent?
JT CINCO: I from Margate Florida but I'm representing BROWARD County Florida!!!
Westleaf Staff: Shout out to Broward! Y'all have some crazy talent over there! So how did you create your stage name?
JT CINCO: I was creating another Instagram account in high school for like the third time and I needed a name that stuck. Everybody at school was calling me JT anyways and my first jersey number was #5 so boom JT Cinco.
Westleaf Staff: Nice. That's a fly name and it's cool that it came naturally. So how did your early life shape your interest in music?
JT CINCO: My brother used to work at a radio station down in South Florida called 99Jamz so I really listened to everything that was mainstream, and with that I would try my best to memorize all the lyrics to my favorite songs.
Westleaf Staff: Thats's dope to hear that you were around music at such an early age. So who is your biggest Musical influence?
JT CINCO: Honestly I take a lot of inspiration from Lil Wayne, Jay Z, and Drake. There's definitely more people I could say but those three really shaped my thought process in music.
Westleaf Staff: Those are some legends! Next question! What's been the defining moment in your music career thus far?
JT CINCO: So far it was when I got selected for two placements for the NBA and Overtime this year. These placements definitely gave me more confidence and the push to keep going. It was like a sign telling me I'm doing something right.
Westleaf Staff: Wow! That's dope. Congrats on the placements!
What makes you a unique artist?
JT CINCO: I think the way I approach my music is different, coming from South Florida especially. Growing up I listened to a lot of artist around the world, so my inspiration comes from all over rather than just from my city. My music doesn't have the same tone or cadence as most southern rap artist.
Westleaf Staff: I love that answer. I can see the international influence in your music! So what does art mean to you?
JT CINCO: Art to me is anything you create. Everybody thinks differently and that's what art is-- just being different from the next person.
Westleaf Staff: True! That's deep! Where do you see your music career going over the next few years?
JT CINCO: I see my career being bigger than ever before I'm talking my music will be in movies, TV commercials, and played on the biggest stages around the world.
Westleaf Staff: Dope! I wish you much success! Before we go, describe music in three words.
JT CINCO: Effortless, harmonious, and timeless.
Follow JT CINCO:
@officialjtcinco on all socials.
