JYou and KON's "The Boombox EP" is a project that stands out among the plethora of music releases in the hip-hop genre. The EP features a unique blend of old-school rap roots and modern hip-hop influences, resulting in a sound that is both creative and highly listenable. This collaborative effort between JYou and KON showcases their exceptional songwriting abilities and their talents as producers.

Among the standout tracks on the album, "Mia" is a track that stands out with its catchy beat and infectious lyrics. It's a song that's sure to have listeners moving and grooving to the rhythm. "Prondoe" featuring ArtBully is another standout track on the album, showcasing the seamless collaboration between JYou, KON, and ArtBully. The track features a unique soundscape that blends together different genres, resulting in a truly innovative sound.

"Leisure" is yet another track that deserves special mention, with its authentic style that perfectly captures the essence of JYou and KON's unique creative vision. The track is produced by AB Eastwood and showcases the duo's ability to create a sound that's both fresh and nostalgic. It's a track that's sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners and stands as a testament to the duo's exceptional songwriting abilities.

Overall, "The Boombox EP" is an exceptional project that showcases the power of collaboration and the importance of having creative partnerships that bring out the best in each other. With standout tracks like "Mia", "Prondoe" featuring ArtBully, and "Leisure", this album is a must-listen for anyone who loves hip-hop and wants to experience something new and exciting.

Can you tell us about the moment or experience that made you want to collaborate with each other on "The Boombox EP"? What was it about each other's work that drew you together? Did you have a clear idea of what you wanted to create together before you started working on the album?

Jyou & Kon: We had originally began doing music together from the very start. ‘The Rough Draft’ was both of our first bodies of work. We’ve made music together ever since then. We decided earlier in the year we would drop a collaborative project and got to work. We’ve grown together and have gotten to experience the growth in each other’s artistry from on the stage to in a recording session.

What specific steps did you take to bring your creative vision to life on this album? Did you encounter any unexpected challenges during the process, and how did you overcome them? Were there any outside factors that influenced the creative direction of the album, such as current events, personal experiences, or other music you were listening to at the time?

Kon: Honestly a lot of these verses were written in the moment. So whatever I was currently dealing with at the moment was what reflected into most of these verses. There were influences such as project pat and even lil uzi that played a role in creating the soundscape of each song .

Jyou: As far as lyrics go, it wasn’t too much over thinking them. Just letting words flow in the moment, and creating a pocket that fit the feeling. I kinda knew what direction we should go with the sound, sent Kon the references and he’s a beast at recreating the vibe.

The Boombox EP" is a unique and memorable title - can you share a bit about how you decided on this name and what it represents to you? Is there a specific message or theme that you wanted to convey through this title and the overall concept of the album?

Jyou& Kon: The Boombox was something jyou came up with to play off of the theme of the boondocks. Also a boombox is a staple part of hip-hop, and we felt like we went into this mix of old rap roots and our own style with this one.

"Hips", "Frondoe", and "Leisure" are three standout tracks on the album - can you take us through the writing and recording process for each song, and the inspiration behind them? How did you approach crafting the lyrics and melodies for each track, and how did you collaborate to bring these songs to life?

Kon: Honestly the process is typically the same. jyou has an overall kind of vibe and trusts me to get us there. That was at least the case for frondoe and hips. I kind of have two separate hats that I can’t wear at the same time. Once I take my producer hat off it takes me a bit to get the feel of writing and getting a verse together. Sometimes I even have to wait until the next day so I can hear the best with fresh ears.

Jyou: ‘Hips’ and ‘Frondoe’ came about because of the dance vibe these past couple years I like music is shifting too. Really wanted to make a song folks could jig too. ‘Leisure’ is a track produced by AB Eastwood and I really love that one because I feel like that’s an authentic style me and Kon have really created/perfected. Sounds like that one and Brokeboi sound like a breathe of fresh air . As listeners engage with "The Boombox EP", what themes or emotions do you hope they will connect with or take away from the experience? Are there any specific messages or ideas that you wanted to communicate through this music?

Kon & Jyou: We want to make music that’s fun. That was the overall theme to this project. Have a good time and enjoy our music in the background. Maybe even dance a little. We have the ability to get off some high level thoughts in our rhymes but this project was about using our aged craft to just have a good time.

Can you tell us more about your collective, Inner Circle, and how it influences your work as individual artists and as a collaborative team? How does being part of this creative community impact your approach to music and your overall artistic vision?

Jyou and Kon: Inner Circle specializes in digital media, live events, and production. Inner Circle right now is comprised of people who we grew up with. It’s allowed to us to dive deeper into our specific roles and play towards everyone’s strengths to start and complete ideas that we all have. Our ultimate goal is to expand and be a lighthouse for creatives to not feel lost in this ocean that is the music industry.

How did each of your individual strengths and styles complement each other during the recording and production process? Were there any surprises in terms of how your collaboration brought out new aspects of your sound or approach to music?

Kon & Jyou: We’re all very creative in similar ways but also in unique ways. From coming up with ideas to organization everyone has there strengths that help keep the start to finish process manageable.

Can you talk about some of the musical influences that inspired this album, and how you incorporated them into your own unique sound? Were there any specific artists or genres that you drew inspiration from during the creation of this project?

Kon & Jyou: Every song has its own unique soundscape. We wanted to tap into the ability to be flexible with different sounds and our ability to showcase the progression in our craft. So we drew influences from all facets of hip hop.

What is one particularly memorable moment from the recording process that stands out to you? Was there a particular breakthrough or milestone that you reached during the making of the album that you're especially proud of?

*Kon & Jyou:*All the people that were apart of the process. To producers, engineers, vocalist, it all seemed so divine and everything lined up how it was supposed to. One of the best memories was when we got back to the crib from a video shoot for the project, we recorded the women crowd vocals that same night. Folks was putting in that work!

When you collaborate on a project like this, how do you approach writing and composing together? What does your creative process look like, and how do you balance each other's ideas and perspectives?

Jyou: We grew up together, we’ve known each other for probably over a decade now, so at this point we know each other pretty well. It translates over when we create, it’s super natural to make a song because we always seem to be either on the same page or chapter.

Are there any Easter eggs or hidden meanings within the lyrics or production of the album that listeners might not catch at first listen? How did you approach crafting the layers and details of the music to create a rich and nuanced listening experience?

Jyou: Nothing hidden but there is layers to the lyrics. Although it’s a hype project, all our verses is a mini story within itself. Our pen game has really elevated and that’s one of the things we’re most proud about for this project.

In your opinion, how does "The Boombox EP" fit into the larger context of contemporary music? What unique elements does it bring to the table, and how does it stand out from other releases in the genre or scene?

Jyou: I feel like it’s hard, especially now a days, to find party music with substance. You either get a great beat with subpar outlandish lyrics or you some great lyrics on a chill beat. This EP is the best of both worlds.

Were there any surprises or unexpected turns that the project took during its development? How did you adapt to changes or new ideas as they arose, and did these moments ultimately shape the final product in any significant way?

Kon & Jyou: With any project, you always have to be prepared to pivot and a change depending how the cards fall. We did a great job with being flexible as obstacles came up.

What advice would you offer to aspiring musicians who are interested in collaborating with other artists? Based on your experience working together on "The Boombox EP", what are some of the key ingredients for a successful musical collaboration?

Jyou: Let it come naturally! Kon and I are family in real life, so coming together to collaborate in music is easier. Have some type of relationship with that person, I believe it makes for better music.

Looking ahead, what's next for JYou and KON as individual artists and as a collaborative team? Do you have any upcoming projects or plans that you're excited about sharing with your fans? How do you see your creative partnership evolving in the future, and what goals do you have for your music moving forward?

Kon & Jyou: Right Now we are on TOUR! 5 cities and more to be added. Check out our page @inn.circle to find out if we will be in a city near you! Pull up on us <3