I first heard about LJ the Angel at Interzone’s first all-hip-hop show. I was pleasantly surprised during his performance, and he became one of my favorite performers of the night. Fortunately, I captured the evening in a recap video. Watching the footage again, I was once more in awe of LJ’s artistry. His ability to paint a vivid picture through introspective wordplay and instrumentals prompted me to reach out and learn more about the eclectic artist behind the name. In today’s interview, we will delve into the persona that evokes images of the cosmos and existential curiosity and get to know him and his perspective on the hip-hop scene.
LJ the Angel: Music and Identity Behind the Local Artist
Describing himself as a “learner,” LJ the Angel is perpetually on a quest to explore his identity and the broader universe. His stage name reflects this cosmic curiosity and a sense of detachment from the conventional human experience. “The name comes from a love of the stars, a feeling that I don’t understand how humans work, and an inability to fit in or communicate well with others,” he shares. This sense of alienation translates into his music, which he describes as “chill hip-hop for the thinkers and lyric lovers,” providing a sanctuary for those who appreciate thoughtful, introspective rap.
From Roselle to Rhythms
Hailing from Roselle, NJ—affectionately known as “The Gorgeous”—LJ’s musical journey began in 2017. The spark for his music career was ignited by a seemingly ordinary conversation with a college friend. When his friend noted that LJ seemed like a music major due to his constant presence with headphones, it was a turning point for him. “After that day, something clicked, and I started writing from that day on,” he recalls. This chance encounter marked the beginning of a path that would see him develop into a distinct voice in hip-hop.
Navigating Artistic Challenges
Like many local artists, LJ has faced his share of challenges. One major hurdle has been the pressure to create work that resonates on a larger scale. “A challenge that all artists face is wanting to create something that has an impact or a meaning that people can grasp,” he notes. His struggle has been learning to create for himself rather than being swayed by external opinions. This journey toward artistic self-assurance has shaped his unique sound and vision.
Current Hip-Hop Landscape: LJ’s Perspective
Reflecting on hip-hop today, LJ critically views the genre’s current trends. “There is too much of a focus on going viral or producing things for shock value,” he observes. While he acknowledges that every trend has merits and drawbacks, he prefers to immerse himself in his creations. “Other than my playlist of favorite songs, I rarely listen to music I haven’t made myself,” he admits, emphasizing his commitment to personal authenticity over fleeting trends.
Local Artists and Collaborators
In the vibrant local music scene, LJ has found inspiration and camaraderie among several artists. He lists Zoloft Zombie, Savvy the Savior, the band IV, and Super Jack as favorites. His experiences collaborating with these artists have been rewarding, and he looks forward to future projects with even more talented musicians. “I’ve loved collaborating with every artist and look forward to even more with some other extremely talented artists,” he says.
Highlighting “Eyes Closed”
For those new to LJ the Angel’s music, he recommends checking out “Eyes Closed” (my personal favorite) and “Chuck Norris.” These tracks embody his introspective style and lyrical depth. They offer a glimpse into the thoughtful and reflective world he creates through his music. As great as these tracks are, nothing beats seeing him perform live. And really getting sucked into the worlds he creates and the emotions his lyrics stir up. Check out his Spotify and our Interzone Show Recap for more from LJ.
LJ the Angel’s approach to hip-hop is a refreshing blend of cosmic curiosity and lyrical depth. As he continues to explore and push the boundaries of his craft, his music remains a testament to the power of self-discovery and artistic integrity. For fans and newcomers alike, his work provides a meaningful and contemplative listening experience that stands out in the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop. See his Instagram and website for more!
For more great local artists, check out our interviews with locals like the Interzone’s Super Jack and Kaiser Unique. Read more about South Jersey local legends like RichieXO, Cashcors, or RnB’s own Gianna. And if you haven’t already, check out our Year One of Lucid Media Blog Recap for all the best moments over the past year. As always…
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