JasonMartin
Martin in December 2013
Martin in December 2013
Background information
Birth nameJason L. Martin
Also known asChachi,[1] Problem[2]
Born (1987-05-08) May 8, 1987
Würzburg, West Germany
OriginCompton, California, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active2006–present
Labels

Jason L. Martin (born May 8, 1987; stylized as JasonMartin), formerly known by his stage name Problem, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer from Compton, California. His debut extended play (EP), Understand Me was released in December 2013. He is best known for his 2013 single "Like Whaaat" (featuring Bad Lucc), as well as his guest appearances on E-40's 2012 single "Function," and Childish Gambino's 2013 single "Sweatpants."

Early life

Martin was born in Würzburg, West Germany and grew up in Compton, California.[4] He entered the industry by writing a verse for producer Terrace Martin for his song "Be Thankful", featured on Snoop Dogg's compilation album The Big Squeeze.[5] The track garnered praise from notable artists including Nas and Talib Kweli.[4] Martin then began recording records with various West Coast artists such as Daz Dillinger, Kurupt, Snoop Dogg, and DJ Quik.

Career

Martin served as a ghostwriter for other artists as well. He was credited on the 2008 single "Head of My Class" by rapper Scooter Smiff featuring Chris Brown, made his first mainstream appearance on Snoop Dogg's Malice N Wonderland (2008) album, and launched his independent record label, Diamond Lane Music Group that same year.[4] With further intent on a recording career, he signed with Universal Republic Records to release his 2008 debut commercial singles, "I'm Toe Up" and "Whereva U Like." Failing to chart in any known territory, he was promptly dropped from the label.[6] However, his mainstream breakthrough came with his guest appearance alongside YG and Iamsu! on E-40's 2012 single "Function." Since then, Martin has worked with numerous artists such as Jamie Foxx, Game, Kendrick Lamar, Bobby V, 9th Wonder, Chris Brown, Wiz Khalifa, Nipsey Hussle, Warren G, Childish Gambino, Pharrell Williams, Jim Jones, Travis Barker, and John Legend, among others.[7] On February 13, 2013, Martin released a collaborative mixtape with Iamsu! titled Million Dollar Afro with guest appearances from Juvenile, Too Short and Omarion. A song from the mixtape, "Do it Big" featuring Bad Lucc and Sage the Gemini was featured in the 2013 video game Grand Theft Auto V by Rockstar Games on its radio station Radio Los Santos.[8]

On June 13, 2013, he released the mixtape titled The Separation with guest appearances from Wale, T.I., Snoop Dogg, Game, Chris Brown, Tank, Tyga and Wiz Khalifa, among others.[9] His 2013 song "Like Whaaat," featuring Bad Lucc, peaked at number 20 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 singles chart, becoming his most successful song. On July 23, 2013, he released "Say That Then," featuring Glasses Malone.[10]

In November 2013, Martin announced that he would release his debut album independently through his Diamond Lane label. He revealed that he would be primarily producing the album along with League of Starz.[11] On December 10, 2013, Martin released a retail extended play titled Understand Me, which included "Like Whaaat", "Say That Then" and "Understand Me".[12] Martin appeared in a branded music video alongside Neil Patrick Harris for the drink product Neuro in February 2014.[13]

Martin partnered with the Los Angeles Rams to create the team's theme song, "My Squad," for the 2016-17 NFL season.[14] The release included an official music video that was shot to look like Snapchat. After gaining regional success on the mixtape circuit, Problem released his debut album, Selfish, in November 2017.[15] The project showcases some of his most personal work yet. He followed up with his second album, S2 on November 30, 2018.

On April 4, 2020, Martin released a short film titled A Compton Story. The short film is narrated by comedian Mike Epps and contains appearances from Snoop Dogg, Slink Johnson, and Jackie Long. Terrence "Punch" Henderson is credited as the executive producer on the project.[16][17] In May 2023, Martin released his album I Owe Myself.[18] In November 2023, Martin released the companion soundtrack to "A Compton Story".[19][2]

Influences

His musical influences are Eminem, N.W.A, the Isley Brothers, Prince, Aaliyah, R. Kelly, Baby Bash, Lil Wayne, the Temptations, DJ Quik, the Jacksons, and the group DeBarge.[4]

Discography

  • Understand Me (2013)
  • Rosecrans EP (with DJ Quik) (2016)
  • Selfish (2017)
  • S2 (2018)
  • Coffee & Kush, Vol. 1 (2020)
  • Coffee & Kush Vol. 2 (2020)
  • I Owe Myself (2023)
  • A Compton Story (2023)

References

  1. ↑ "Problem's Chachiville Mixtape is a New Direction for the Diamond Lane Music Boss | L.A. Weekly". Archived from the original on 2019-05-05. Retrieved 2019-05-05.
  2. 1 2 Major, Michael. "JasonMartin (FKA Problem) Releases Final Installment Of 'A Compton Story' Ft Schoolboy Q, Terrace Martin, Wiz Khalifa & More". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 2023-11-18.
  3. ↑ "DJ Quik and Problem on Making Timeless Rap".
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Problem Talks 'Welcome To Mollywood,' Getting Started in Rap and More". Vibe. 2012-05-22. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  5. ↑ "Snoop Dogg Presents The Big Squeeze: Snoop Dogg: Music". Amazon. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  6. ↑ "Problem — 25 New Rappers to Watch Out For". Complex. Retrieved 2013-08-29.
  7. ↑ "Interview: Problem « The FADER". Thefader.com. 2013-04-17. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  8. ↑ JoJo Kool says (2013-02-15). "Download Problem and IamSu!'s Million Dollar Afro Mixtape « The FADER". Thefader.com. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  9. ↑ DiAmante' Astillero (2013-06-13). "Problem "The Separation" Mixtape Tracklist, Cover Art | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  10. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Say That Then (feat. Glasses Malone) - Single by Problem". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-07-23. Retrieved 2013-08-29.
  11. ↑ Jackson, Dan (2013-11-07). "Problem Keeps It Independent With His Next Album - XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved 2014-08-10.
  12. ↑ "Understand Me - EP Problem". iTunes Preview. Apple Inc. 10 December 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  13. ↑ "Morning Update: Neil Patrick Harris in branded music video for Neuro; Mini kicks off global creative review; Cadbury can boogie in new ad". Mumbrella. Focal Attractions. 14 February 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  14. ↑ "Problem Links With Los Angeles Rams For Team Anthem, "My Squad"". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2018-04-10.
  15. ↑ Hernandez, Victoria (8 November 2017). "Compton-raised artist Problem looks inward on 'Selfish'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2018-04-10.
  16. ↑ Rumford, Laetitia (2020-04-05). "Problem Explains The Making of His Short Film "A Compton Story"". Vibe.com. Retrieved 2020-07-17.
  17. ↑ "A Compton Story on Tidal". listen.tidal.com. 2020-04-04. Retrieved 2020-07-16.
  18. ↑ "JasonMartin (FKA Problem) Unveils New Project "I Owe Myself"". HotNewHipHop. 2023-05-12. Retrieved 2023-11-18.
  19. ↑ Saponara, Michael (2023-11-04). "Diddy, ScHoolboy Q, Childish Gambino & More Join Jason Martin On 'A Compton Story Pt.1'". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2023-11-18.
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