Burmy: Hello and welcome back to Burmy's Industry Rehab, where yesteryear's rising stars get their voices heard again!  Joining us here tonight is a lady you might remember hearing sing on a couple club bangers back in the day as a member of the group MVP, but since their breakup is now focused on her family and the growth of a certain niche sport, but still finding time to cultivate her love for the music whenever she can.  Please welcome one of the Big Apple's best-kept secrets, Jasmine Ray!  It is a true pleasure to interview you.

 

Jasmine: Thank you so much for having me! I'm honored.

 

Burmy: I'm doing very good, thank you!  How has your life been lately?

 

Jasmine: Extremely busy and extremely blessed! I couldn't be happier!

 

Burmy: I'm equally happy to be interviewing you-I lovea lady who stays strong and has mastered so much!  While we will be covering a variety of your trades, this is a music site, so let's talk about the music first and foremost.  At what point in your life did you fall in love with the music and decide you wanted to try making a career of your singing?

 

Jasmine: Well I first fell in love with Mariah Carey and Selena. Those were my first two musical inspirations, however I'm one of those people who actually stumbled my way into the music industry. It wasn't something I actively pursued. A close friend of mine had me try out to sing on 106 and Park (BET) in an audition for "Wild Out Wednesdays." I won and was practically on air in about a week. From there a producer who worked with Stagga Lee asked me to sing on a hook. That was my actual first experience in the studio. From there the owner of the label heard me and immediately signed me and next thing I knew I was on a World Tour. The whole thing happened within a few short months. 

 

Burmy: In the words of Janet, ain't it funny how time flies when you're havin' fun!  Soon you linked up with Vice Verse, Rob Dinero and Stagga Lee to join their group MVP.  How would you describe your experiences as a member of that group? (What about you caught their attention and what kind of people were they to you)

 

Jasmine: Rob, Max Perez, Vice and Stag were like family to me. They still are. We fought like family, stuck together like family and enjoyed success like family. When on the road they were extremely protective over me which kept me out of trouble throughout my short career in music. It was such a blessing to be with them. We all keep in touch to this day (10 years later). For them I was told I had "the full package." Talented, young and a good head on her shoulders. I am as stubborn as they come, but once it's time to work I am dedicated and professional at all times. 

 

Burmy: Believe me, EVERY group needs one of these.  Of course, there are two hits which the group became known for which you lent your soothing voice to.  First, let's talk about "Roll Wit MVP (We Be Like)," which shows you singing an extremely catchy sample of Minnie Ripperton's chorus on "Lovin' You."  What all inspired what would be your breakout vocals?

 

Jasmine: I was very familiar with the song. I come from a household where music was and is always appreciated. My Dad is African-American and my Mom is Puerto Rican. I grew up listening to all types of artists such as Tom Petty to Marc Anthony. I loved the challenge of attempting to duplicate the vocals. Also, Robert Clivilles is a genius! He is one of the most difficult people in the world to work with, but that is because he is a perfectionist and expects nothing less from everyone he surrounds himself with. At the time I wanted to literally kill him for making me sing that tiny part over 100 times, but when he got what he wanted out of my voice I was happy I put in the time. He taught me a very valuable lesson in patience and the meaning of dedication and hard work. It is no wonder to me how he became so successful. Priceless experience!

 

Burmy: *sings* "La la la la la (We be like) La la la la la (They be like) la la la la la la la la la (and everybody's singin'..."  Sorry, I got a bit carried away here, but now all my readers will have it stuck in their head until May!  Now in the video (which, despite it being no more explicit than any standard hip-hop one, somehow became widely shown on BET Uncut), the ladies arrived via moving truck, which opened up the song portion.  Of course, you were just standin' out next to Stagga for all your scenes, so I think that further drove in my motto of "You can have the video vixens, just let me talk to the hook singer!"

 

Jasmine: *Laughs out loud* Yaassss! Well, Stag and I had great chemistry because we were such good friends off camera. It was like hanging out with my friend on a hot summer day. No real work involved in that video. 

 

Burmy: I certainly got that vibe, it was so laid back and just a fun hip-hop song!  Eventually, you and the group got a deal with Tommy Mottola (former Sony Music boss/Mariah Carey husband)'s revival of Casablanca Records.  So tell me, how true did ol' Industry Rule #4080 turn out to be?

 

Jasmine: Not sure I understand the question ;)

 

Burmy: It's a reference to A Tribe Called Quest's "Check The Rhime" ("Industry Rule #4080/Record company people are shady").  But that'll come up later.  Right now, I gotta share a true story-I went to high school with two of your old Casablanca labelmates-Hanukkah and Karla (the latter of whom I will soon interview on this site), two of the NSS16 quartet, were my classmates at Park High School in Racine.  Being labelmates and all that, how often did the MVP and NSS16 crews get to interact or collaborate? (And also, any stories you can share about that time?)

 

Jasmine: We did absolutely no collaborations. To this day I am still a bit confused on the entire situation at Casablanca. There were so many politics involved and at some point I became irritated with being in the dark about my own career. I never even met Tommy Mottola in person. How about that!?!?!?!

 

Burmy: I know, right?  But now comes the really big hit.  Amidst a dancehall revival on the music charts (as evidenced by such acts as Sean Paul and Lumidee among others), the group's breakout single "Rock Ya Body (Mic Check 1, 2)" stood out, peaking at the top of the dance charts and the radio stations!  Over this rockin' beat, we got perhaps the biggest mainstream showcasing of your hypnotic singing voice yet; tell me how that magic happened to come about?

 

Jasmine: That was such a dope song! To this day it still is relevant. We were basically The Black Eyed Peas before they took off. The magic happened in a studio on 13th st. between 5th & 6th ave. It was like a 2nd home to us and if I remember correctly, the song was done in a couple of hours. That's what typically happens with hit records. For example, I was just with one of my closest friends Chingy over the weekend and he was telling me how his breakout hit "Right Thurr" was written when he was 16 and released when he was 23. He only spent a few hours recording and mixing the record which turned out to be his biggest hit. That's the trouble with the industry in my humble opinion. Labels don't allow the authenticity of the artist to be expressed anymore. After Chingy had his hit record he had a million people telling him what he should be doing instead of what comes naturally. The same happened with us. 

 

Burmy: Sadly, my city doesn't really have any clubs anymore...but if they ever open one back up, it'll STILL get everybody crowded to the floor!  Now, unlike the prior video, you were nowhere to be seen for this one (which, admittedly was a bit more racy than the last one).  Was that a conscious decision you made, or just a scheduling conflict?

 

Jasmine: There were actually 3 cuts of that video. I was in the original. As I said earlier in this interview I became so irritated with not having control of my own career. I was kept in the dark about a lot of decisions. So, I decided to walk away. I think that is when they decided to cut me out. And, to this day I do not regret my decision. I was told a few years later by members of the group that things basically fell apart once I left. They attempted to replace me but no one could. 

 

Burmy: Believe me, you truly do come across as somebody irreplacable!  How amicable would you say your departure was (And do you still keep in touch with any of your former groupmates)?

 

Jasmine: Parting ways is never easy especially when it's with people you genuinely care about. Yes, we do keep in touch. I still love them all and see them on occasion. 

 

Burmy: So happy to see that it's all love!  Moving along now, let's talk about your '08 solo breakout "For Life."  It was a smooth guitar ballad, displaying how your vocals had matured to do justice to this love song, and Bud Ramsey's verse wasn't bad either.  What was your mindset going into this song?

 

Jasmine: I heard the song when it was recorded by Bud. I was in love! I begged him to let me sing it and he agreed. Sometimes you just know when something is right and I went with my gut. 

 

Burmy: I've learned that in my years covering this music thing!  Now here's where everything came to a halt.  As all your associates know, your brother Johnny's tragic death in 2009 was the biggest turning point in your life.  Your bio talks about how, because of your natural introversion, no one knew about your deep inner grief, leading to anxiety and panic attacks.  What helped you overcome them after this time?

 

Jasmine: Yes. Everything stopped cold. I went to grief therapy. That was about the most important decision I could have made at the time. I manifested my grief in many different ways other than crying. Therapy, running and a solid group of mentors helped me through this period. I am surrounded by some amazing, accomplished and successful people who kept me on track. 

 

Burmy: Thanks to these people, after your recovery, suddenly everything became clear to you.  As such, you decided to have your firstborn son to keep his spirit and memory alive.  Now, I saw you describe on your blog how, in spite of your job troubles and the kid's father cheating on you multiple times, carrying him brought you peace in all these problems.  All in all, what kind of blessings has your motherhood brought you? (And how's lil' Jayden-Jonathan right now?)

 

Jasmine: Jayden-Jonathan is just like my Brother! Athletic, funny, smart, wise and brave! He sees no limitations and that's exactly how I see life. I don't know how this may sound to the reader and I hope I'm not judged to hard by this answer, but the biggest blessing I found in having Jayden is seeing my family happy again. I did it for them and sometimes I sit back and watch them interact with Jay from a distance and think, "yes, you made the right choice." 

 

Burmy: I know he's proud of his mama too!  Of course, this led to your other passion-the handball spinoff known as "Wallball."  For those who might not be familiar with the game, could you explain how it works? (Also, what about the game appealed to you even way back then?)

 

Jasmine: Handball is a lot like tennis. You have perimeters, a ball and a wall. You go back and forth hitting the ball against the wall and the goal is to hit it in a way so that your opponent can not retrieve it. It's a lot like playing chess but physical. I have so much appreciation for this sport because of its accessibility. It's extremely low cost, and has all the positive qualities and excitement as just about every other sport out there, if not more!  

 

Burmy: Natural appeal if I ever saw one!  Well, that led to you becoming by far the "face of the game," establishing the United States Wallball Association and its annual Johnny Ray Memorial Wallball Tournament, and even launching the Wallball World, LLC group, providing a one-stop shop for those who love the taste they acquired and seek to constantly improve their skill.  How does it feel to be in such a position of power, leading the charge for the sport's future rise to the mainstream?
 

Jasmine: I have to say the road has not by any means been easy. I was practically attacked by the community in the beginning because they didn't like the idea of bringing structure and rules to the game. People by nature don't accept change easily. As time went on they saw what I was attempting to do and through my consistency (and stubbornness) I slowly began to earn their respect. Being in a position of power is not always easy because you have to listen to your gut when everyone is telling you to go the other way. And in that, you have to learn to shut some people out and eventually it becomes a bit lonely. However, the pleasure by far out-weighs the pain. You have the opportunity to make real change in people's lives. That is so rewarding in itself. I get my satisfaction from just seeing the growth of my people. And when I say "my people" I mean minorities. We don't have a ton of positive influences out there and I plan to change that.

 

Burmy: I imagine by 2020, we'll see it get major network coverage and possibly even have a major league!  With all the busy work you keep yourself doing, I see that you occasionally manage to release some new music every now and then, most recently with the video for "Lost Without a Trace" as well as the previously-unreleased remix to "Giving Your Love to Me".  How would you say your mindset as an artist has changed nowadays from back when you were getting started?

 

Jasmine: Wow! You really do your research lol. Yes, we are already working towards a league and opening our first of many indoor recreation facilities. We are also in talks with a few networks. As far as music, I do it at my leisure and whenever I feel inspired. I prefer it that way and do not want to pursue a career in the biz. I feel I have a higher, more definitive purpose now and I plan to fulfill it! 

 

Burmy: Exactly...and I'm proud to see how big it's gotten already!  Any new projects on the horizon for which we should be looking out for from you?

 

Jasmine: All roads point to Wall Ball. We are working towards NYC's first ever International tournament which takes place at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 2 - June 6th & 7th. Before that I head to China, then Egypt to promote the game. In December I'm scheduled for West Africa. In the meantime my team heads to Calgary Canada in August, then in September we open our first of 3 indoor facilities in Brownsville Brooklyn, October is our 5th annual Johnny Ray Memorial which is scheduled to take place in the Bronx, November is the 5th Annual CUNY Championships.....I can keep going forever. I love this game! 

 

Burmy: Well, I'll just post this interview and then get to spreadin' the word!  Finally, what is your message to your fellow women who've been in your old position, not only with the music industry but also with the family and business side, wallball or otherwise?

 

Jasmine: Listen to your gut, be consistent and have respect for yourself. Also, if you find yourself in a situation you are uncomfortable with it is more than ok to just WALK AWAY. Oh, and please stop twerking ;) 

 

Burmy: Excellent.  Now before we go, could you give us a Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or any other social networking sites where the fans can keep in touch of what's been new with you?

 

Jasmine:  Well, my personal Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/jasmine.ray.wallball. Everything else I got online is related to this Wall Ball game; our website is www.wallballworld.com, our Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/wallballus, our Twitter is https://twitter.com/WallballWorld, and our IG is https://instagram.com/wallballworld/.

 

 

Burmy: Once again, thank you SO much for taking the time to talk with us at Burmy's Industry Rehab, and I wish you nothing but the best in everything you're doing.  I might even see how to get a wallball group started in my hometown...as much of a sports-lover as I am, this could finally be one which I'm good at!

Jasmine: Thank you for having me Burmy! It's been my absolute pleasure!!!!