Jay 305 Reflects on His Journey, Nipsey Hussle, and What’s Next on Back On Figg Podcast

West Coast rapper Jay 305 recently pulled up to the Back On Figg podcast, offering fans an unfiltered glimpse into his life, career, and relationships with L.A. legends like Nipsey Hussle and Dom Kennedy. Known for his charismatic presence and street-rooted authenticity, Jay 305 opened up about his hiatus from music, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his plans for the future.

Taking a Step Back: Jay 305 on His Musical Hiatus

Jay 305 revealed that his break from releasing music wasn’t a result of a lack of passion but rather a strategic move to recalibrate his career and brand. “I mean, you know, you got to get your creative bag kind of figured out,” he explained. “I was helping a lot of [expletive], I was writing for a lot of [expletive], and doing a lot of background [expletive].”

During this time, Jay 305 wasn’t idle. He worked behind the scenes, refining his sound and working with other artists. He also recognized the need to reshape his public image to open up more opportunities. “Nike came at me and was like, ‘He’s too street,’ and I was just like, damn. Not saying I’m never going to leave the streets, but I had to clean up the brand overall.”

It’s clear Jay 305 values authenticity but understands the importance of balancing his roots with broader appeal. The break allowed him to re-enter the game with clarity and intention.

Brotherhood with Nipsey Hussle and Dom Kennedy

When reflecting on his close relationships with Nipsey Hussle and Dom Kennedy, Jay 305’s tone shifted to one of deep respect and admiration. He spoke about how these two figures played integral roles in his life and career.

On Nipsey, Jay recalled moments of brotherhood and mutual support. Though the transcript didn’t capture specific Nipsey anecdotes, the weight of their connection was palpable.

As for Dom Kennedy, Jay described their bond as one forged in mutual respect and shared vision. “Dom is a legend, man. For real. I’ve been on nine tours with Dom. In the beginning, I was just following protocol, watching how he moved, and learning.”

Their conversations weren’t always business-focused but rather rooted in trust and a shared love for their city and craft. “Sometimes you need those conversations, but most of the time, it was just unspoken understanding. Leaders can lead leaders.”

Lessons from the Industry and Navigating Independence

Jay 305 also opened up about the struggles of navigating the music industry post-Interscope. Leaving a major label often means losing built-in support systems, but Jay embraced the challenge head-on.

“You gotta figure it out. Ain’t no more label budgets, ain’t no more people doing the work for you. It’s just you and your team,” he said. “But at the end of the day, you gotta do you. Ain’t nobody gonna do it for you.”

His reflections highlighted not only the realities of the industry but also his resilience and ability to adapt in a cutthroat environment.

The Music: What’s Next for Jay 305?

For fans eagerly awaiting new music, Jay 305 confirmed that fresh sounds are on the way. “I’ve got a song out called ‘Update That Resume’ with Killer from Baby Stone Gorillas,” he shared.

He teased even more music on the horizon, hinting at both solo projects and collaborations. Jay remains dedicated to his craft and committed to delivering music that resonates with his community.

A Healthier Lifestyle and Growth

Surprisingly, Jay 305 also shared his dedication to a healthier lifestyle. He’s been vegan for over a decade, prioritizing his physical health while maintaining his hustle. “I’ve been vegan for 11 years, bro. That’s why my skin looks like this,” he joked.

This focus on well-being reflects his broader evolution—not just as an artist, but as a person navigating life’s ups and downs.