Mars Jackson photographed by Chancelor Humphrey of Keep Pittsburgh Dope
A hip-hop head is someone knowledgeable about hip-hop. True heads know the originators of styles and sounds aligned to geographic regions across the country. Hip-hop heads are aware of the underground, rising talent. Overall, a hip-hop head is well-researched.
Mars Jackson has been around Pittsburgh's music scene long enough, and he has the credentials to be considered a hip-hop don. The 30-year-old rapper has put on 50 live shows throughout the city, and he has created a culture with legends like Boaz while pop-icons Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller grew out of The 'Burgh to head for national attention.
Listeners of Mars understand the respect that he has for hip-hop artistry as a whole. He works with skillful musicians who have experience. Mars and local talent Nice Rec masterfully produced the album "I'm Just Being Nice." Nice Rec, a producer, has credits to rappers like Curren$y and Domo Genesis.
Mars' latest song carries a West Coast flavor. Instead of capturing a California sound in Western Pennsylvania, Mars went straight to the source for his track "Sorry Not Sorry." Larry Jayy, a Los Angeles beat-maker linked to DJ Mustard and Y.G., produces the music. Who Mars works with and what he talks about appreciates hip-hop culture.
Authenticity features in Mars Jackson's newest song which people can listen to below. Also, be on the lookout for Mars' debut album coming soon, and a live open mic night at Spirit bar where don Mars will share some performance knowledge or lend an ear to acts.