After initially debuting with three standout selections [“Deep,” “Tear It Off” and the posse cut “Skanless”] on friend and mentor DJ Quik’s now platinum-plus debut, Quik Is The Name, Jason ‘AMG’ Lewis would later go on to sign his very own recording contract with Select Records in 1991.
That same year, the Inglewood, CA, rapper released his premiere outing, Bitch Betta Have My Money, which featured a string of mega-popular offerings; its monstrous title track, “Jiggable Pie,” “Vertical Joyride” and “I Wanna Be Yo Ho.”
In late 2007, AMG and Da Quiksta also formed a short lived musical collective, The Fixxers.
First things first, last year (August 11th to be exact) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
For me, it’s amazing to witness the growth of a genre and eventually pursue a dream of competing in (it) professionally. As a teenager, nothing inspired me more than the latest Hip Hop hit; the music guided and exposed many of us to ideas / efforts that we would carry for a lifetime. Hip Hop allowed the dreamers to dream bigger.
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
Yes. Hip Hop is the most influential genre in the history of modern entertainment. Period!
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
I have plenty over the last 35 years, but the fondest memory is being at The Palladium in Hollywood and witnessing the crowd party to my first record, “BBHM$.” I knew then I was going on a crazy ass ride!
[Ed. Note: Performance video below is NOT The Palladium show referenced.]
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond?
Health and Wellness. Truly.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Lol, good times only…
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
MJ. Been a J5 fan for life!
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Rio de Janeiro. A million people on the beach, c’mon man! 👙
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
My era will always be dear to me; it’s not for me to criticize the new generation and the trials they face. I hope peace weaves its way into the culture and we can take care of our own as the business grows.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Inspiration. Creative arts are freedom enough for me; I need to be inspired and as I’ve grown older the things that once moved me have changed.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Always. But I like to keep those dreams to myself.
What’s an average day like for you?
Work, family, food.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
Graciously. I started as a fan, I try to be careful not to spoil the connection.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
I love it all. Studio, travel, etcetera. PR is robotic at times, but I try to keep it positive.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t. You don’t want these shoes! Make your own way, that’s how you will be able to appreciate the journey.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Boat floating and sucka duckin’!
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
I’m very appreciative to everyone that likes what I do and gave me a chance when nobody gave AF.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
Hit it, don’t babysit it…
