Javier Gooden This Young King Wears A Crown

Where did you grow up?

I’ve lived in Pennsylvania since I was 4, but my

family is from Brooklyn, New York. So, that is the state & culture that I identify with.

How was life growing up? 

Life for me grew harder as I got older. I grew

to know what fake people are. I experienced anxiety, depression, and

being different from the rest of my generation.

I learned the true meaning of the word solitude because of the

treatment I received from people I thought were my friends. 

But even with that, I had more time to better myself and develop my music.

I started to figure out where I wanted to be in my life and who I wanted to

be. I found out what it means to be my own person. 

So now I’m cool with just being me.

Did your parents make music or DJ? 

I would say I got my musical talent from both my parents. They both love music. 

My parents were also singers in the church they grew up in. So you can guess where I got it from.

My father has been a DJ since he was 16 and was involved in the music

industry by age 25. He taught me about different styles of Rap and R&B.

My mother is a great writer and taught me how to perform and find my

lane as an Artist.

What struggles have you dealt with? 

My struggles were mainly depression, anxiety, and suicide. 

In 2016 I started to have struggles fitting in. I wanted to please people, even if it meant letting them hurt me. 

But I didn’t know that at the time.

I felt sad, angry, and honestly afraid. I was suicidal from 2017 to

2019. In 2020 I started to use my music as a way to express my feelings

and understand them. I’m still healing. I have come a long way and have figured

out what I want in my life. The first thing I want is to live to see my dreams come true.

What is something that most people don’t know about you? 

Something that most people don’t know about me is that I don’t play basketball.

I’m usually more of a football or volleyball type of guy.

When did you become an artist? 

I’ve been an artist since I was four years old.

Do you write your music? 

Yes, I write my own music.

What is your songwriting process? 

For me, my music songwriting process is writing to a track. Most people write something and then apply it to a

track if it fits. I don’t know how to do that. I need to hear every beat, melody and chords to understand how I

want the lyrics to fit that particular mood. I will start with just gibberish, and I ramble to the beat. Once I get my flow, I just let the

ideas fly.

Why is music important? 

Music is important because it helps you feel not

alone. It connects to your feelings or even makes you cry.

What artists’ music do you enjoy? 

My artists would have to be Kendrick, Cole, Logic, Tyler the Creator, Jaden Smith, and Cordae on the rap side. 

Plus Steve Lacey, Billie Eilish, Alicia Keys, Adele, and Beyonce on the r&b side.

Who is your favorite artist, and why? 

Kendrick Lamar. 

From his visuals, artistic style, flow, and lyrics. He isn’t afraid to speak truths that

others are too afraid to. He is definitely on my top list.

How do you separate yourself from other artists? 

I am not like most of these modern-day trap rappers that talk recklessly. 

I speak my truth that connects with other people.

Who influences your style? 

I think Kendrick influenced me in my style, J. Cole in my lyricism, and Logic with my flow as well. 

On the vocal side, gospel artists such as John P. Kee and Kirk Franklin. 

With R&B, New Edition, Jazmine Sullivan, TLC, and Boys ll Men.

Who have you worked with? 

I haven’t worked with other artists, but I have collaborated with two producers that my Dad introduced me to – 

Steve-OH-Traxxx and Teknikal Diffikulty.

Who is your favorite DJ, and why? 

My favorite DJ is DirtyFingers. Guess why? (He’s my dad).

Who is your favorite music producer? 

I really do not have a favorite Producer, but I do like Hit-boy.

What is your go-to song? 

My go-to song would have to be “Momma” by Kendrick Lamar.

Tell us about your latest project. 

My latest project is my first official release called

Tell us about your latest project. 

My latest project is my first official release called #YoungKingsWearCrowns Vol 1. 

It is a compilation of music I’ve done from the years 2020 – 2022.

When you hear my project Young King Wear Crowns, you hear the

progression of my voice growing older along with the sharpening of my

skills.

How did you create your project? 

My father helped me with the concept for this project based on who I am and how I’m growing as a young king.

I carry myself as a young king who embraces his crown. Through my music, I encourage others to work hard.

How many tracks are on the project? 

Twelve tracks.

Where can people buy the project? 

People can stream YKWC v1 on Soundcloud, Audiomack, Bandcamp, and YouTube (via FUNKnation TV). 

I have two official singles out now from my project available on all platforms.

My first one is a mid-tempo ballad called “Why Do You Run From Me?”

which we released in January. The second one is my up-tempo rap song

that we made for the Hip-Hop dancers, called “SWAG”, which we released on

March 1st.

What do you want to do when you graduate high school? 

When I graduate, I will continue to pursue my passion as a performing artist. 

My goal is to attend Howard University.

Would you ever consider teaching music? 

I’m still learning so much about music. I could never see myself teaching it.

What projects have you done? 

I have recorded songs since 2019, but this is my first official project released.
It is on our family’s record label, FUNKnation Recordings. In March, I was cast in a short independent film called, “A Familiar Face.”
This was fun because not only do I sing and rap, but I also act.

Where can we hear you perform?
You can keep up with my performances on FUNKnation TV on YouTube, Tiktok at TheJavierGooden, my Instagram at
@iamthejaviergooden, Facebook @Javier Gooden, and at https://www.funknationradio.com/javier-gooden.html.

What other talents do you have?

I am an actor, dancer, designer, musician, and songwriter.

Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you Inspir3 radio, for this interview. 

I encourage your listeners to go to my website to get my latest YKWC merch, my new music, and to find out where I am performing next.

Currently we have shows coming up in Pennsylvania, New York, Washington D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia.

Come check me out. Get with it.