THIS week, Timeout went down Hip Hop star J Me’s office for a look. J Me shared with us his childhood experiences and his opinions on Hip Hop and the force it is.

What was your childhood like?
Nothing special. Just like any normal child. I was a big kid though, bigger than my mates.

Any memories stand out from that time?
In kindergarten, I got seriously injured. There were big doors at our pre school and one of them fell down on me and a friend. A teacher broke her hand saving us and we also cut our heads open. If she wasn’t there we would have died.

What did you want to become in your childhood dreams?
In my childhood, I thought it would be cool to become a detective or scientist. But then the magician David Copperfield became popular and that was where I wanted to head.

So becoming a MC wasn’t on the cards?
Maybe it’s genetic. My mom and dad are musicians. I listened to all kinds of music since I was ten. Hip Hop stood out to me because of the rhymes. It seemed difficult to sing and I really wanted to know why. Since then, I studied the art and gradually fell in love.

Why don’t you have the same taste of music with your father, director and rocker Aung Ko Latt?
He did what was hot at their age and that is where I am at now. When I was about fourteen, Hip Hop was hottest thing at that time. Acid, the first well known Hip Hop group in Myanmar, released their first album then. They make this music professionally and not for fun. And I could find that there are some singers who can perform the music I like.

Have you been supported by your dad?
Of course, a lot. Especially when looking at style and design — like a director.

Do you think its important to have family support as an artist?
Every one has to struggle in life. It is much easier if they can get help from their family.

How do you define the word ‘family’?
Every one must be equal and care for each other. This kind of love is matchless.
But family is not only by blood. People who have the same feelings and work together to get success, well we can call them ‘family’ too.

Asides the tunes, what do you like about Hip Hop?
The artists style of life, the chicks and DJ equipment. Even if I don’t own turntables, it will influence me forever.

Inspirations?
In making music, I like Eric-B, Flava-Flav, Wu Tang Clan (RZA) and Naughty by Nature. In singers, my favourite are Bone Thug, 2 PAC and BUN-B.

Where do you see the culture heading in Myanmar?
It always comes down to people’s own taste. Some like Hip Hop and some don’t. And it will be like this forever.

Do you feel power or some responsibility when you step behind the microphone?
I don’t know how powerful I am. There will be a day when people don’t like me anymore, but I feel that I am responsible for the music I produce.

To bring Myanmar Hip Hop to the level what needs to happen?
There are a lot of needs. People should listen what is new in other countries and try to taste international creations. It isn’t enough to just listen to Myanmar Hip Hop. It would be better if we can get the latest albums here as soon as they are released.

Are you working on it?
As a singer and a member of Myanmar Hip Hop Association, it is easy to bring exposure to the music. But to develop it further, there are many difficulties. We can’t force people to accept Hip Hop.

What do you recommend to those new to the culture?
We adapt the music from the people we like into something our own. We are not copying. So, I want them to create their own in the same way.

What’s next for you?
I’m trying to release my second solo album. But I’m not sure when it will be done because I need time.