J. RUSCH: THE FUTURE OF HIP HOP
Producer strives to become a household name from the forgotten part of New York.

      New York holds a powerful position within the Hip Hop community as being the birthplace of the music and the culture, the biggest trend-setters, and the most talented and respected artists. But when people talk about the New York Hip Hop scene, artists from Long Island are rarely mentioned. Producer J. Rusch, a Riverhead resident, is determined for that to not go on any longer.

      “Being as far out from NYC as we are all your dreams are possible if you turn your faith to God and just go hard” he says of his acquaintance with the Island. He attributes his faith, goals, motivation and determination to make J. Rusch a household name to what keeps these music dreams alive.

      J. Rusch has been producing songs for ten years, and boasts a prolific resume which includes work with artists such as Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, Cormega, Havoc (of Mobb Deep), Tragedy Khadafi, Killah Priest, and so many more.

      His resume does not stop at working directly with artists. Cable television shows such as MTV’s Punk’d and Making the Video, and networks such as Fox Sports, ESPN, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet have all featured his instrumentals within their programs.

      Never one to stray from his Eastern Long Island roots, J. Rusch still works with local artists today. “Local artists always keep me grounded” he said. “Without local artists I would have never cultivated my talent to this level.”

      Chris “Chilo” Cijigas, a poet and emcee from Long Island has worked with J. Rusch since 2000, and has collaborated with him on his album, Experience is Truth, as well as on a project from the 21 Poetz, of which he is a member. Cijigas is particularly fond of the studio environment working with J. Rusch. “One thing I like about working with Rusch is there is usually a certain degree of comedy and humor in the air” he said. “Not that he doesn’t know how to get serious when it’s time for business, but that humor leads to a comfortable setting and atmosphere when recording.”

      To stay involved with the Long Island Hip Hop scene, mainly the eastern end, he and partner, well-known deejay and member of the Riverhead community “Bigg Premiere,” are opening a recording studio open to the public. “I won’t be in there to engineer myself but every once in a blue” he said, “but it should be enough to keep me in tune with the talent at home.” The recording studio will be located in Riverhead, and should be in operation early this year.

      J. Rusch is a very charismatic individual and his passion for his work is obvious. His drive and determination give him what it takes to become that household name he longs to be, from Long Island to homes worldwide.

      To listen to his music, as well as view current and upcoming projects, click here.

Written by Peter Verry