Trying to make it in rap isn’t a task for the unfocused or easily defeated. With literally thousands upon thousands of signed and unsigned MCs trying to get on, originality is a must and a key factor for succeeding. Fortunately for Maryland rapper J. Mill a/k/a Jamaal Makin It Livin Large, he had a unique plan.

Like so many greats before him, he knew he had to do something to stand out from the crowd. Where Hip Hop impresarios like Russell Simmons and Master P made their marks by carving out niches through clothes, poetry, hood movies and Nickelodeon, J-Mill stepped up and came up with his own unique entryway – teaching others how to rap.

Already confident in his own ability to master rapping, he knew that he could take his own techniques and use them as a tool to not only distinguish himself as an entrepreneur but also share his gift doing what he loves to do.

“I’ve always felt a connection to the world through music,” J-Mill says of his longstanding passion. That connection lead him to take on music in any form he could, whether it was in his room at home writing rhymes, hitting the studio or performing in front of live audiences at talent shows and more. He thrived in the art form and relished the chance to be heard, no matter the arena.

Upon graduating high school, J-Mill decided to focus entirely on his music and began his ongoing ascent in the game. Despite his best intentions, his path wasn’t without roadblocks.

In 2001 he signed to an independent label in Baltimore with dreams of music as a full-time career. Unfortunately a combination of business complications and poor management caused the deal to fall through. Despite the disillusion that came with the unsuccessful deal and a brief hiatus, J-Mill took it as a tough lesson and returned to rap even more determined to create his own brand. This time he wasn’t looking to only break through as an artist, but also as an author and CEO.

With the publishing of his book “The Official How To Rap Manual” and a website to accompany it (www.How2Rap.com), as well as his own Streetz Certified Records label, he expanded his talents across the board.

Fresh off the great reviews for his book and his own rise as a rapper, J-Mill has been working harder than ever to keep climbing to new heights, even if it means he has to carry most of the load himself.

“Usually when I say I do everything myself people look at me like they don’t believe me,” he says. “I literally recorded my CD, paid for studio time and a graphic designer, arranged things with the manufacturer, took the photos, approved the cover and font for the text, independently released my own EP “Certified Hu$tle.” Then I booked my own shows, made appearances, hit radio, open mics and showcases and networked my a** off all by myself with out no help from celebrity sponsors.”

On top of his rap manual’s growing achievements and notoriety, he’s also continued to release music that’s featured on iTunes, Rhapsody, Emusic and a variety of other online music retailers. One of his most notable recent accomplishments was the placement of his music on the next Midnight Club LA racing game from video game heavyweight Rockstar Games Inc.

Even as his work gains him new fans and he promotes his “Certified Hu$tle” project, he’s firm in his belief that humility and perseverance are values he won’t forget.

“When you do everything by yourself it makes you appreciate the little things that much more,” he says. “Like all the positive feedback and love you receive for your hard work.”

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