With over 100 million streams combined, Jay has proven himself an elite contender among the rap’s new class. However, his Atlantic Records debut album, Compton Globetrotter, shows that he can not only carry the ball; he can slam-dunk it. Gridiron talent kept Jay disciplined—qualities that he uses almost a decade later in his major-label music career. “Sports built my character and motivated me,” Jay recalls. As 1takejay’s football dreams were in question, he discovered talent elsewhere. Hanging with friends 1takequan and 1taketeezy during the summer of 2013 eventually led to him hopping on a song. Songs like 2018’s “Arco,” 2019’s “No F*cks” and 2020’s “Proud Of U” proved that Jay is here to stay, with millions tuned in, across work with DJ Mustard, Blueface, AzChike, and his label-mates Shoreline Mafia. “I have gotten better with confidence and believing in myself, musically,” Jay says. The rapper tore down stages, including the Bay’s Rolling Loud festival as well as Day N Vegas. “I enjoy performing more than making the actual music,” he shares. “I think I brought a new element to the type of music that I make. Artists that make party music and ratchet music— you don’t see them performing like I do. I get in the crowd and party with my fans, as you see in trap music.” Compton Globetrotter finds 1takejay reaching more listeners. The former athlete says he’s on a mission. “It’s my turn to ball.”