J.a.y. Young Reflects on Friendship and Growth With “Love.hate.”
Hip hop and storytelling go hand in hand, and J.a.y. Young stands as one of Houston’s finest narrators, a
Hip hop and storytelling go hand in hand, and J.a.y. Young stands as one of Houston’s finest narrators, a connoisseur of unapologetic, heartfelt rap who radiates tenacity and authenticity in everything he does. Since 2010, his raw sincere songcraft has explored the complexities of his lived experiences and the obstacles he has overcome, while indulging listeners in decadent soundscapes inspired by diverse rap styles from coast to coast. The strength in his compelling sound lies in his mindset. Before ever stepping behind the mic, he was a “student of hip hop,” learning from the greats who came before him. That deep respect for the genre, paired with his undeniable skill, has led to collaborations with some of Houston’s most renowned voices, including KeKe, Killa Kyleon, Big Mike, and one of his biggest inspirations, Scarface. Committed to changing his life for the better, he has taken the path grounded in growth and purpose. Today, he continues to push forward, balancing his academic, professional, and musical ambitions while striving to set the best possible example for his three children. Recharged and refocused, J.a.y. Young continues to push forward, creating music that reflects real life with honesty, creativity, and conviction.
The one thing that unites all of humanity is a desire for connection. As meaningful and special as friendships can be, they are not always built to last a lifetime. Over a speaker-rattling beat, the narrator in Young’s “Love.hate.” grapples with the reality of growing apart from a true brother, someone who was once his ride-or-die, and the coldness that settles in without him. “It was you and me,” he reflects, “now we’re all grown up.” Yet Young’s delivery resists the expected bitterness of betrayal. Instead, it feels as though he is speaking directly to that long-lost friend, wishing him well even as their paths diverge. A soaring, cinematic chorus underscores the emotional weight of this soul-stirring reflection, signaling a stylistic evolution that matches the depth of the story. In the end, “people come, and people go,” and it’s okay to feel conflicted, hold both love and loss at once, and even carry the connection forward even as life moves on.
It’s one thing to hear Young tell this deeply relatable story, his genuine emotion woven into every word, but it’s another to watch an older, wiser version of him narrate as it comes to life in his hometown. Directed by DJ Young Samm, the “Love.hate.” music video opens on two inseparable young boys shooting hoops at Milton Park, a snapshot of everyday life spent side by side, “chasing dreams” and embracing the invincibility of youth. As time passes, they inevitably grow and change, slowly fracturing the bond they once shared until it finally breaks. The grief that accompanies losing a friendship to time, growth, and pride is not easily carried. Still, the memories they built together remain untouched, a reminder that what they shared was real. Even as life pulls them in different directions, a lasting brotherhood remains. Who knows—if it’s meant to be, their paths may cross once again.
What inspired “Love.hate.”?
I made a song about fake friends in the past, and wanted to make another song about friendship, but this time about real friendship and the trials that sometimes come with it.
You’ve always been about real stories. Did this come from one specific friendship?
This song came from a couple of friendships that I once felt I had outgrown. I reunited with one of those people not too long ago, and it was like we never missed a beat.
The track feels reflective instead of bitter. Was that a conscious choice?
Absolutely a conscious choice. The last song I wrote about friendship had a more aggressive tone to it and I didn’t want any of that energy around me this go around, so yes, it was a conscious choice.
What drew you to that kind of hard-hitting but emotional beat?
Trying to expand my horizons musically. It doesn’t sound like anything I’ve done before, so I took it as a challenge to see what could become of it and here we are.
Being a student of hip hop, what lessons from the greats shaped how you told this story?
One of the best storytellers in Hip Hop (Scarface) just happens to be my favorite rapper and one of my biggest influences, so when I picked up the pen and pad and started writing rhymes, it was like the storytelling aspect of rap somehow already felt deeply rooted in me from listening to him and other emcees so much. It just felt natural to tell stories.
You’ve worked with Scarface, Big Mike, and others. How have they influenced your approach?
Both Face and Big Mike showed me that rappers from where I’m from can be lyrical too. What drew me to people like Face, Big Mike, K-rino, Bun-B, and others at the time was the fact that they were so lyrically inclined compared to others so once I started rapping and decided I wanted to be an elite emcee, these were some of the guys who set the precedent for me.
How does Houston show up in your music today?
Houston is all in how I talk, how I present myself; it’s the backdrop for a lot of the stories I tell. Without Houston, I wouldn’t be who I am.
The way you talk to that lost friend feels direct—did you write it like a real conversation?
I just wrote what was on my heart. At the time I wasn’t thinking about it being a conversation I just wrote it how it came to me.
How has your storytelling grown since you first started back in 2010?
I believe my writing keeps getting sharper with life experiences. At this point, rapping, however I do it, whether it be storytelling, introspective, or however else I rhyme, is just second nature.
What’s next for you, and anything else you want to share?
A whole bunch of music and videos on the way. I’m a couple of weeks out from my next release that features Mo3 and Jimi Nu. Be looking out for “Why I” on all streaming platforms, along with the video shot by DJ Young Samm.
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