First off, what's good?

Everything is wonderful right now, I just finished recording with my band Downrising. We went into the studio and recorded 7 tracks that should be finished soon.
My solo project is in the works right now I have about 7 more tracks to finish also the website www.omikronrecords.com is complete now.

It's interesting how I found you bumping around on the 'net and finding the Omikron site...that was like two years ago...what's changed since then?

Well a lot has changed. First off Downrising is a hip hop/rock band and we've been together for 5 years now playing shows all over Hollywood. We are doing very well right now with recording and performing; we actually have a show coming up May 7th at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood. We have put a lot of time into the band because we are very talented and have been working hard to build the fan base that we have now.
Last year we signed Habit to the label as an addition to our production team. As you know I am acting as the Artist and Producer on the label and we needed someone else that was hot with the beats. So Habit laced me with my new track "Sunshine" as well as a few others that will be on my album. What I like most about Habit is that he has a unique style and sound that helps him stand out from other producers, which is something that every producer needs to have. He hears the music differently. Also he just did a track for KRS-ONE for his new album coming out this year. Look out for him to make a huge impact in the game.
If you didn't know I shot a video last year for the song "The Game" which is on the website and we are currently working on getting the video out, so be on the look out for that.
Tell everyone who J.O. is... To sum it up J.O. is a diverse individual. I love all music and I don't want to be limited to just one style or genre of music.

How would you describe your style?

Diverse

What music did you grow up listening to?

Everything. Hip Hop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Alternative, Funk, Metal, Jungle… all of it.

"What's Your Favorite Style" was dope...put everyone up on that....

That album was something I threw together to display my many styles, which is something that I love to do. I don't think I can ever stick to one style or genre of music. It wasn't perfected, but my new music will be ten times better because I'm taking more time on it.

What new projects are you working with?

Well the Downrising Project is almost finished. My new album that is currently untitled and some other independent projects that I will be working on which should be finished early next year.

What's good with Will and Omikron Records?

Will is doing lovely, as always he is on the grind pushing the label. That is my right hand man and without him Omikron wouldn't be where it is today.
With Omikron we are always looking for artist to join the family. Right now I would like to produce a female R&B singer. Someone along the lines of Jill Scott and Beyonce, that mix is weird but imagine the sound. We are trying to cover all avenues of music with Omikron just be on the lookout for new artist.

Who else are you working with now?

Just Habit right now and Downrising that is it, those 2 occupy my time.

I understand you had a group in high school that had a nice buzz, can you talk about that?

We had a group named I.O.N.S (In One Nation Synchronized) that I put together with a few of my boys (Big up to Triune for Uno Entertainment watch out for him.) We were kind of like Wu-Tang, but after we graduated we decided to go our separate ways.

What's the biggest obstacle you've faced being independent?

Really the money, you know having enough money to start production on everything. Luckily we have a lot of connections, which makes everything a lot easier. Also the footwork that we put in can be strenuous.

What labels would you consider signing with?

Interscope, Aftermath, Universal, really a label that will support my ideas and realize that we know what we are doing on how to attract listeners.

What would a perfect label have to have for you?

Faith, Good marketing and honesty.

What DJ's have supported you so far?

DJ 730, Coco Brotha from Hot 107.9 in Atlanta and DJ Irie out of Florida.

What producers have you worked with so far?

Habit and myself that is funny but it's true we are all in house.

What producers would you like to work with?

Just Blaze and the Neptunes is my top 2. Kanye West, Dre, Premier, El-P, Ninth Wonder, Timberland, Alchemist.

What do you look for in a beat?

Originality and they have to have that knock to it.

How do you know when you've made a good song?

When Will tells me it's hot which is usually all the time he is very honest.

There's a lot of biting in Hip Hop, as a new artist, how do you make sure that you don't sound like anyone else?

I just make what I like and I never listen to someone else's tracks before I make mine.

What do you think is the best thing in Hip Hop today?

Right now it seems like every coast is getting the shine they deserve, and a lot of artist that are making it are gutta which is something I like.

What about the worst?

A lot of artist sound the same, they are scared of being original.

How can producers get at you with beats?

Just email (jozonous@msn.com) me and send me some beats and if I like it we can discuss the logistics of me rhyming over it.

Finally, when people hear J.O., what do you want them to think?

He can flip any style also he is not Hip Hop or Rap he covers every sound of music and he is original.

Shout Outs:

Omikron Staff, Downrising, Triune, all the fans, Matt Bieler for doing an excellent job on the Video. DVOOA, and everyone who is original and true to themselves.