Da Real J-Rocc / Members

Da Real J-Rocc

Artist Bio: Born in 1976, Da Real J-Rocc, also known as James Bruton, grew up in the 1980’s in the pre-gentrified ghetto streets of Northeast Portland, Oregon. In those days, Portland’s inner-city was no different than most mid-sized cities in America at the time. Abject poverty, limited opportunities, and endemic violence spurred by a migratory influx of Crips, Bloods, and crack cocaine had the 1980’s and 1990’s-era Portland wilder than it would ever be at any other period of time in its history. Da Real J-Rocc is a product of that environment that grew up alongside rap music, and the same as rap evolved into harder, sharper content and substance, so too did J-Rocc. Around the same time “gangsta rap” was becoming known as such, J-Rocc had joined a gang and evolved into a battle-ready soldier of the streets. J-Rocc always had a lyrical talent and has been rapping for most of his life, recording songs since the early 1990’s to the present. Like many young gang members of his time, J-Rocc found himself in prison on occasion and hindered mainly by his own self-destructive-ness. Negative circumstances never stopped J-Rocc from pursuing his love of making music, however, and whenever he wasn’t withheld from that pursuit, he’s made song after song, releasing several solo and collaborative albums and mix-tapes throughout his career. Da Real J-Rocc’s rapping style, delivery and content, has evolved along with the times and his lyrics reflect a relevance that is often lacking in younger, less-experienced artists. Over a career that has spanned more than two decades, Da Real J-Rocc has worked with rap artists from all over the country, including recording songs with E-A Ski, San Quinn, Spice 1, and The Mechanics. J-Rocc has also performed as an opening act at live concerts with E-40, Andre Nickatina, The Delinquents, Keak Da Sneak, Yukmouth, C-Bo, Master P, Luni Coleone, Yung Dro, J. Stalin, RBL Posse, Messy Marv, Kutt Calhoun, and hip-hop pioneer Slick Rick. In 2013, Da Real J-Rocc founded Criminal Faculty Music and elevated himself to managing and co-producing music as well as continuing to press music of his own. Da Real J-Rocc is currently working on a number of independent projects, including his upcoming album titled, Dead or Alive