Jimmy Carlisle’s music career started in Decatur Georgia in 1994 when Jimmy (Popa Doc) and three friends created the group Down By Loyalty (DBL). DBL was featured on the 2001 Truly Amazing (Tazz) album “Hated with Respect”. Summer of 2006 Jimmy began working with the vocal quartet Jagged Edge and signed to 581 Muzik Group. He recorded a mixtape entitled "Decatur Niggaz".
Following that, 2Tymes released his debut, "Get Low", featuring Bun B and Decatur Black. His next single, "I Grind", was the focus of the summer 2007. Check out what he had to say to Danielle about his latest situation.
Tell us about Jimmy 2 Tymes, the artists, person and your background info?
Jimmy 2Tymes first and foremost is a father and stand up guy. Coming out of East Atlanta I have seen a lot and been through a lot. Having a loving mother and father and one sibling, (my big sister) I've always put family first. Jimmy 2Tymes the artist is a realist. I mean I give my audience exactly what I see, what I've been through, and what my people have been through. The ups along with the Downs. I give you the good, the flashy life, money and cars. I also give you the bad; the lovedones we lost. At the end of the day I love good music so that's what I bring to the table "GOOD MUSIC".
You have opened up for Akon in the past yeah? Wat was that like for you?
Yeah… It has been very motivating. Opening up for Akon was quite an experience. I mean to sit back and watch a sea of people enjoying your craft. Something you work so hard to perfect is like WOW. And it be all different nationalities and coming from the hood that broke down barriers for me. But at the same time, I’m like man I need to step my game up.
Was music something that you always wanted to become involved with?
Yes I can remember as a kid being into music. It started out loving how certain songs made me feel even if I didn't understand the words. I felt different emotions from different songs and the delivery of certain people. Then it went to being interested in how those songs were created. My mom and sister being a pianist amazed me. I mean to sit down at an instrument that I made so bad and make it sound so good blew my mind. As I got older I found out I was good at putting words together and since then this has been my dream.
What projects are you currently working on at present?
I just got done with my mixtape. Its called the Entree and its hosted by DJ Bobby Black. It has 17 hot songs with features by Bun B, Jagged Edge, Akon, Young Dro, Gucci Mane and more. It’s available on iTunes, Amazon, Napster, Rhapsody and eMusic. I released it under my own label (Boss Fam Records). Now I'm working on my album called "Cashen Out".
Of all your releases to date whether as a guest appearance or your own track, which for you on a personal level has been the most successful and why?
Well… I've been blessed to work with a lot of talented artists like Raekwon, Bun B, Petey Pablo, Young Dro, and more. To me my new single Last Call ft. Jagged Edge has been the biggest one to date. It’s got me the most recognition by people in the industry along with the public. Its got me the most radio play and it also impressed Akon enough to let me open up for him at all the shows that I can make it to.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
In ten years I see myself still working on my music along with helping others with their careers.
Any major collaborations in the works? I know you recently finished a track with Jagged Edge yeah? What was that like for you?
I’m always going to collaborate with major artists, because I love being around creative people. But as far as my single with Jagged Edge they my big homies. We from the same hood (Decatur) and one of my close partners who I grew up with is his older brother grew up with the twins so I've always known them. So it was more like being in the studios with my big brothers. I actually was signed to their label (581 Music Group) for a year. They were trying to get their label deal. After being released I started working on my own label. Boss Fam Records.
If you were'nt doing music what other job could you see yourself doing?
I really don't know all my life if I wasn't working on music. I was in the streets. So I guess hustling.
Where can our readers get more info on yourself?
Check my myspace.com/2tymes2tymes, facebook is" Jimmy twotymes" or twitter@jimmy2tymesboss. You can also check YouTube for performances of me opening up for Akon in different cites.
Any Shout's?
Shout out to my team the whole Boss Fam, 581 family, Konvict Music, Uncle P Funk, Ron Byrd, DLo and the whole East Atlanta.
By: Danielle
Interview for British Hip Hop courtesy of Underground Promotion UK.
