Jacob Es, full-time student and rapper at UVM, is unlike anything you’ve ever heard. This rapper takes his beats to the next level, with a mix of the Boston and Burlington sound. Take a look at this new and upcoming artist to see what he’s all about!
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Here is our interview with Jacob Es:
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself (personally) and what you’re all about to get started?
I’m a 21 year old Junior from outside of Boston and I like to just chill and make music. I’m studying English here at UVM and transferred here last year from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN where I was playing college baseball before I blew out my arm.
At what moment did you discover your talent for making hip hop and writing your own raps?
I started writing lyrics about a year and a half ago after baseball was over for me and I was in need of an outlet. At that point I had no producers, no thoughts of ever being in a studio, or having really anyone listen to my stuff, and it was purely for the love and release it gave me. I first stepped into a studio 6 months ago and started recording a few tracks including my biggest song to date “Pumped Up Kicks.” When that track dropped and got played the way it did I started thinking…ok maybe I really could do this.
How would you describe your own music?
I think what I would be most likely to describe my music as is alternative hip hop. A lot of people might see me and think, this kid is probably another frat rapper that just talks about getting with girls and getting drunk but thats definitely not my style. Its peace and love; nothing above.
What are your inspirations for your music?
I draw inspiration from a lot of different artists for my music. As far as other rappers that I really admire I would have to say lyrically guys like J. Cole, Macklemore, and Kendrick Lamar are really those new school rhymers that come correct. My favorite rapper growing up was Lil Wayne because of his unparalleled creative process and ability to make words that don’t rhyme seem to fit perfectly.
What do you find to be the most difficult aspects of writing your own songs and how do you overcome them?
I would say the writing process in itself is meant to be difficult if you want to come up with anything substantial. For me, writing is a huge stress reliever so while some of the content may be difficult to confront at times, its worth it in the long run.
What do you see in your music that you feel is different from other aspiring rappers?
A lot of other rappers seem to feel the need to be really demeaning to women, obsess over the material world, and are more focused on making a “banger” than making sense…and I’m just not that dude.
Do you/have you worked in collaboration with any other artists in the past? Please explain.
I have worked with fellow UVM students DJ Whole-Z, Joey Gags, the infamous Baby J, and local Burlington artist Vader the Villin on an unreleased remix of Loud Pipes by Ratatat.
How have you promoting your music within the UVM & Burlington community?
I have been lucky to have some really dope people be supporting me right here at UVM, a lot of the best promotion I get is word of mouth so big love to everyone that listens to my stuff and tells other people from their hometowns.
Any upcoming events that we should know about?
I am opening up for Mac Miller and The White Panda September 23 at UVM’s Fall Fest ’11 and am stoked.
Do your future endeavors involve your music?
I am in the process of getting booked for a lot of different shows at different colleges so I would say definitely yes. I started chasing this dream after I lost the love of my life in baseball, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
Outside of your music, what do you enjoy doing the most?
I’m a big Boston sports fan so keeping up with my teams and just chillin with my friends listening to music. I spend the majority of my free time working on music though whether its being in the studio, plugging in my mic on my computer and running through shit, or writing new stuff its really a constant process.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received that keeps you going?
Before my grandfather passed away he told me that I would be alright in life because when I loved someone they really felt it. He was the most dedicated and honorable man I have ever known and to hear that from him really changed my mindset. I try to make people feel love through my music and realize that everyday the sun rises.
Sometimes a little hope is enough to change someone’s whole life, and if anyone reading this takes anything away it should be the power of one. Everyday you can make an impact for someone whether it be holding a door or just offering a smile, believe that and you will start to see a lighter side of life.
Want to nominate the next campus celebrity?
Email the Campus Correspondent, Marissa Villegas, with your nomination at
marissavillegas@hercampus.com