Life & Work with Jarell Bell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jarell (Junnie B.) Bell.

Hi Jarell, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started pursuing music as a hobby at 16-18. Motivated by the craft and music, my brother and peers, and a few greats, I didn’t start taking it seriously until 20 years old. 2012 I began to develop who I was becoming as an artist before I knew I wanted to pursue a career. Along the way, I learned how to market, promote, and brand myself as an artist and a collective.

Recording in the basement, closet, or garage, taught me the basics, maybe even more; in 2012, I formed a music group amongst my collective and peers by the name of “bread gang music group” (BGMG), unaware of the of potential talent. Throughout the years, I’ve released and performed music under the stage name (BGMG Paydro), which stands for ‘bread gang music group (BGMG) “(Pray. All. Your. Dreams. Reveal. Opportunity)”. For at least ten years straight, I branded and put myself in a position to reach the masses.

Over the years, I self-taught myself how to “structure and build” an independent record label without capital. 2016 I pressed pause on everything to learn more about “the business” side of things; knowing “the business” side of things allowed me to move forward more effectively and efficiently.

During the growth of my career, I faced certain obstacles that would prevent me from moving forward, such as “copyright infringement” due to a second party having the same idea already in motion; everything had to be put on the back burner because things could’ve potentially caused a lawsuit.

I initially started to pursue a rap career solely because I believed that my brother and my peers had what it takes. I believed in them so much! I was an artist. My passion was drawing, but the moment I found out and started to learn all “art forms” as “a whole!” I began to take my craft and the ability to create more seriously.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I can’t say “smooth”. I can’t say “rough”. But I’m learning to take everything a day at a time. So much has happened during the process of my growth I cannot define it. I leave the outcome up to god and continue on the path I set out on.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
When you mention the term “Art” I literally practice every form. I started out sketching then drawing, then painting, then sculpting, then writing, then poetry (not sure if that goes hand and hand with writing); then acting, then dance.

I’ve always been inclined toward the “art of expression” and “The Art of Storytelling”. I feel the most comfortable when I can express myself in “Art Form”.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like best about the city of Memphis is that all potential entrepreneurs have the determination and drive to succeed in any field of work they pursue.

No matter what avenue it is, they find a way to make it happen! The same as other cities; They are more determined to reach the end goal and see it through. Even through adversity! That’s what’s needed within our culture. Each side of memphis contributes to the culture by shedding light on what the average young black male faces every day they go out and try to make something happen.

There are so many other cities that are alike, but Memphis is one of the places that gets overlooked because of the “Crabs in a bucket. Mentality.”

Pricing:

• $1,500/shows
• $500/features

Contact Info:

• Email: cobbcartelmusicgroup@gmail.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/datboyjunnie
• Facebook: Favebook.com/1cobbcartel
• Twitter: @1cobbcartel
• Youtube: YouTube.com/1cobbcartel
• SoundCloud: SoundCloud.com/1cobbcartel

Image Credits
@datboyjunnie, @1cobbcartel, @3ccmg, @ome, @organizedmindzent, @bgmg, @baggang, and @breadgangmusicgroup