FSD Feature: Catching Up With Bump J
Words by Andrew Barber (@FakeShoreDrive)
I last interviewed Bump J a little over a year ago, while he was serving out a portion of his sentence in a federal penitentiary in Big Springs, TX. Despite his dismal situation, Bump remained optimistic and maintained a positive outlook on life — the past, present and future. The contagious confidence he displayed in his rise to the top of Chicago’s hip-hop food chain was still alive and well. In the short-term, he hoped to be transferred to a facility closer to his family in the Midwest. A year and change later and he’s still stuck in the middle of Texas. Despite being thousands of miles away from his family, and spending the majority of his day in a cell, Bump remains in good spirits. He’s as optimistic and resilient as the last time I interviewed him.
While I still speak to Bump on a regular basis, I figured it was time to update the readers and fans on his current situation. We chat off the record the majority of the time, but I wanted him to open up publicly on everything from prison, to writing, to the rumored release of a new mixtape.
As always, the outspoken emcee has plenty to say, and serves up his empowering food for thought. We also get a look at some new photos of Bump from behind the walls. Hit the jump to catch up with the Chief of Chicago…
KC f/ Broski – Lick
Produced by Hollywood J.
The last time we heard something from KC, he was alongside Broski who happens to be Bump J.’s younger brother. Well, the two are back with a new joint and they’re looking to hit a lick. This one goes.
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Video: Bump J’s First Interview After Signing To Atlantic [Unreleased]
Courtesy of Will Gates
Wow, this is a gem. Acclaimed Chicago director and documentarian, Will Gates, dug up this unreleased interview of Bump J, just days after inking his deal with Atlantic Records in 2004. This footage was filmed seven days prior to Bump flying to Los Angeles to break ground on his debut with Kanye West.
Bump talks about receiving a million dollars flat from the label, and tells the story of how Lyor Cohen and Craig Kallman came to his house in Chicago. He also takes a few shots at comedian DeRay Davis, and introduces us to the Goon Squad (“We at least 300-400 deep, and only four of us rap”). The Squad was unstoppable at that point.
Mixtape: Bump J x DJ V-Dub – How I Got Signed (No Payola Version)
A special NYE gift from DJ V-Dub & the Chief Bump J.
V-Dub was one of the first DJ’s in Chicago to embrace Bump and the Goon Squad during their triumphant journey to the top in the mid-aughts. During this time, V-Dub spun an astonishing amount of Bump freestyles and exclusives–many of which were never released–that he’s compiled for this mixtape.
20 new tracks and exclusives. A must download for any Bump fan. Download and stream below, plus check out some new pics of Bump behind the walls. All hail the Chief!
FSD Gift: DJ Mechanically Incline – The Union Vol. 5
Happy Holidays (whatever you may celebrate) from the FSD family. Today, we’ve reunited with frequent contributor Jaycee to bring you DJ Mechanically Incline’s The Union Vol. 5 mixtape, which is a classic street set from 2003-04. The project features rare, unheard and somewhat unreleased music from the early-aughts.
Back in 03-04, Kanye was about to blow, Lupe was beginning to bubble, and a young MC by the name of Bump J was running the streets–and DJ Mechanically Incline was able to impeccably capture this era on this project.
Released in various stores around the city, The Union Vol. 5 featured music from Bump J (including a rare diss to Kanye and Cap-1–both beefs were quickly deaded, obviously), Kanye West (with Ye producing for relatively unknown artists, Da Truth), Sly Polaroid, Lupe Fiasco (before the mixtape surge), Count of L.E.P. Bogus Boys, Parkay, Cap-1 and a very young Skooda Chose. Trust when I say this is a rarity.
In the new year, Jaycee and FSD plan to bring you classic and out of print Chicago mixtapes and albums, that haven’t yet found life here on the internets. We’ve got a lot of heat in the chamber, so stay tuned in 2012.
Today, we bring you this gift. Enjoy.
Video: Bo Deal & Co-Still feat. Bump J – Goodfellas
Directed by Da Visionaryz.
After dropping the MP3 yesterday, we give you the video (sans Marvo and Jakk Frost) today. Free Bump!
Bo Deal & Co-Still feat. Jakk Frost, Marvo & Bump J – Goodfellas
Apparently, Bo & Still are linking for a collaborative project and this 110% Pure-produced joint is the first official joint we get to hear from it. This is pretty tough.
Expect the video, directed by Da Visionaryz, to drop soon.
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Bump J – Chief of Chiefs
No DJ
V-Dub and WBMZ liberate the tagless version of this unreleased Bumpy banger. He’s still the Chief. Who has more joints in the stash than Johnson?
Download We Affiliated 3 now.
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Cover Art: Lupe Fiasco x Bump J – The Wordplay & The Gunplay
A DJ MoonDawg Production. Presented by FSD.
A compilation of unreleased music from Lupe Fiasco and Bumpy Johnson.
Dropping on Halloween.
Bump J x Skitzo – Get Em In [No DJ]
Produced by Tapez
A tagged version of this unreleased Bump record appeared on V-Dub’s We Affiliated mixtape, which dropped last week (download it here if you missed it).
I spoke with Bump last week, and he relayed that his live-from-the-pen mixtape is on deck. I’m not allowed to share the title yet, but you know where to look when I can.
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Shouts to WBMZ Radio
