Well known in his home town of Cleveland, C.J. is a living definition of the word hustler. His love of music, money and progression, not necessarily in that order, fueled his entrepreneurial spirit. By the time he graduated high school he was running 3 successful businesses and had established himself as a proven event's promoter through out the mid west and further extended himself to the east coast. With a swagger that easily matched that of the acts he was promoting at the time (Lil' Flip, Fabolous, and Beanie Segal to name a few.), C.J. was often mistaken for a rapper himself. Being young and focused on fast money, C.J. was unimpressed by the constant barrage of people asking for his autograph at events, or by the record executives that often approached him; he was on a paper chase his way, but his passion for music never subsided.

After a minor set back gave him the time he needed to focus, C.J.'s love of music fueled his ambition and he delivered his first mix tape release Get It and Go, Volume I, which generated over 15,000 sales and solidified himself on the Cleveland music scene. But making the move from underground to mainstream music, while maintaining street credibility, can be an impossible feat at best for most rappers. Only a chosen few have the ability to stay true to their roots and posses the business savvy to be a success with out "selling out". As one of the newest additions to this "big boy league", C.J., is making this transition seamlessly. In his debut singles "Party Pack" and "Paper Man" C.J. gives us a glimpse into the life of a true hustler. His trademark blend of street conscious lyrics and intricate rhyme scheme has quickly earned him respect through out the hip hop community.

Location: Cleveland, OH

Contact: Twitter | Facebook

Urban Steez: Tell everybody your name and what area you represent?

CJ reporting live from 216 that's Cleveland, OH for yall who don't know!

Urban Steez: So, How did you come up with your music name?

CJ: My name is a street name so i just kept it all the way natural.  Its represents who I am as a person so it can represent who I am as an artist, since its all me that I rap about.  From experiences to everyday life.

Urban Steez: How long have you been doing music and what made you get into music?

CJ: I've been doing music for around 10 years.  I started off in this industry though promoting shows and parties in my hometown of Cleveland.

Urban Steez: You got some years under your belt, so you must know the game very well… How would you describe your style and why? And what do you feel you can bring to the table as an artist?

CJ: My style is all the way street. That is where I come from.  I'm out here on some real music.  When it comes to what I bring to the table I feel like I bring energy & hunger along with consistency.  I work hard on consistency because in this business it seems like your only as good as your last record.  For me every record I put out has to be good so that my name becomes associated with good music. Because that's what I got, good music.

Urban Steez: If you had to pick which label to be signed to what would it be and why?

CJ: In this day and time its about witch label will support the artist.  I don't want to sign to some major label just to say that I'm signed.  I want to be somewhere that they believe in me as an artist and my project. So,  that's a decision ill have to make in the future, especially after this Zone Money picks up.

Urban Steez: Who would you want to collaborate with in the music industry and why?

CJ: I would have to say Young Jeezy.  That's something the streets are waiting on. I like his style and plus he raps about real stuff just like I do.  So, I know a record would come out hot.

Urban Steez: So how do you feel you rank against top music talents today?And why?

CJ: My position right now is great thanks to my grind and Hushmoney Management. For me, I look at competition as a way to make champions.  So, I am always ready to compete for the top spot.  If you cant compete or don't want to compete then this is the wrong industry for you.

Urban Steez: What are you working on now and when can fans expect to hear more from you?

CJ: The streets are going nuts from the midwest to the south with my new single Zone Money is my new single.  I got a couple remixes on the way coming from hot artist out of Atlanta, Texas and a number of other places. We plan on shooting that video this month.  Also the mixtape is coming soon and also a promo tour.

Urban Steez: Yea that “Zone Money” Is a definite club BANGER! Where do you see yourself a year from now?

CJ: I see myself being successful. But its important not to get ahead of myself, I know what I can offer I'm just waiting for the world to realize it.  Either way though I got to take it 1 day at a time and stay on my grind.

Urban Steez: Who and what are your influences?

CJ: I'm influenced by my son, my city, my rap family, my producer, and seeing other cultures.  I take in everything because I just know I must stay prepared and make my self ready to talk or spit about anything all while connecting it to my life. Other artist have an influence on me so I know I can have an influence on other artist too.

Urban Steez: That’s wassup! What do you think of the hip hop/ music world rightnow?

CJ: I think its going back to the 90's.  The game is now what you make it.  You have got to be visual and it's more personal.  Really, its almost like letting your fans into your world so they can relate and feel closer to you which is working for a lot of artist and allowing them to reach people and markets they wouldn't have before.

Urban Steez: I never looked at it that way, but its true… What music do you have playing in your sound system right now?

CJ: Of course I got the big homie Jeezy, some Rick Ross, and Fab to name a few but I'm always listening to new music and getting on whats hot.

Urban Steez: That's wassup! Who is your celebrity crush?

CJ: I just had one but then I found out she smokes cigarettes. So now I'll pass and have to probably find another one.

Urban Steez: LOL I feel ya! That's a major NO NO in my book!! How can business heads and fans contact you in the future (myspace, email, number, etc.)?

CJ: @CJ_HushMoney twitter, CJ HushMoney facebook,or my email nodazoff@gmail.

Urban Steez: Any shot outs?

CJ: YEAH THANX TO EVERY DJ SPINNING THE RECORD

CJ Platinum - Zone Money (Official Video)

CJ talks on "Zone Money"

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