With the release of their highly anticipated collaboration, Elujay and J.Robb have shown that they are the duo to watch in 2021. The reception from long-time fans and new listeners a like have been overwhelmingly positive. J.Robb saying that “I wasn’t expecting all the streams to come as quickly as they did. I’ve been getting DMs about what people’s favorite songs are and just congrats overall.”
A play on the phrase “diamond in the rough”, Elujay says that the title of the EP comes from a more black context. “Gems in the cornerstore”, he says, is a more relatable idiom. While the phrase was created randomly through a freestyle, it perfectly captures the feel of the EP as a whole. “Every song [on Gems in the Cornerstore] is different, that’s a gem in itself. Making this project was unexpected. It’s all just vibes that you wouldn’t really expect.”
What’s important to note is that this project flourished through multiple Zoom calls. Having three song ideas already under their belt, it was through their conversations on the video calling app that helped bring this EP to life.
“We had a few instances where we’d be on Zoom and I would start making a beat. And then we’d go back and forth, and then he’ll come back with a baseline and then I’ll take that and add keys, and then he’ll go and record lyrics. For “WASTING MY TIME”, that one started in between sessions we were having. Between going back and forth on projects I started a beat. And Elujay added the bass. And then, you know, we got the overall idea of the song. That all happened in like a 30-40 minute call which is crazy. I think that’s just how magic happens.”
As the new year rings in, Elujay and J.Robb are hopeful that they can play their new music in front of a live audience. These times have not discouraged them from creating such an incredible collection of work.
“If you are an artist, no matter what kind of artist you are, I think it’s super important that you prioritize what you want out of art. Some people have different priorities in why they make art but as long as you go after what you want, magic can happen. This project, for example, is a great testament to that.
Just because it wasn’t too planned out or it wasn’t too forced, it was just kind of, you know, you kind of just go with the flow. You set out your intention for what you want, and then you’re able to knock things out and get magic and then you know, the road feels it clearly. Because I think everyone loves it so far. So I think just stick to your guns, don’t compromise. And stay confident in what you do. You never know when your big thing is coming.”
Elujay
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J.Robb
Listen to Gems in the Cornerstore
