UB Interview: R&B Newcomer CJ Hilton Talks New Mixtape & More

CJ Hilton recently released the single “I Luv It” via Sony Music Entertainment. “I Luv It” is produced and written by CJ Hilton and is steadily generating buzz. The son of a gospel vocalist, Baltimore, Maryland native CJ Hilton comes by his talent naturally. Growing up, the singer honed his enormous talent singing in church.

His Sextape mixtape dropping January 21st at 12:01am via www.Livemixtapes.com; will be CJ Hilton’s first release since his Cold Summer EP in 2012 and is produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Bangladesh and Grammy nominated producer Salaam Remi. Also, it will include appearances by Juicy J and YG. The mixtape will be part of a concept series that will culminate into a full-length album titled, Threesome. Fresh off of working with Salaam Remi on the single “You’re My Angel,” for Remi’s new compilation album, One: In The Chamber, CJ Hilton is also the featured artist on DJ and producer Chris Malinchak’s #1 song, “So Good To Me.”

His talent, often described as prodigious, earned him a meeting with now mentor, Raphael Saadiq. They went on to collaborate on the 2009 Grammy-nominated single “Never Give You Up” which included a harmonica solo by Stevie Wonder. CJ Hilton’s first EP, Cold Summer (2012) generated great reviews and considerable airplay thanks to the success of songs such as “So Hard” featuring Tyga and Fat Joe, “So Fresh” featuring Nas and “It Ain’t Easy.”

CJ spoke to UrbanBridgez.com recently about his new up-coming mixtape “Sextape,” the plan leading up to his debut album, what separates him from other young R&B artists, his goals for 2014 and more!

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UrbanBridgez.com: What inspired the Marvin Gaye influence in your current single “I Luv It?”
CJ Hilton: I’m a fan of Marvin Gaye, my dad used to play all of his music when I was a kid growing up. I like to say that his influence definitely grew on me.

UrbanBridgez.com: You’re currently finishing up your new mixtape dropping this year, what kind of vibe can we expect once we press play?
CJ Hilton: Sexy and fun! In this mixtape, I am showing the sexy side of CJ Hilton. It should take you deep into your thoughts when you listen to it.

UrbanBridgez.com: What producers are you working with for the mixtape and are there anymore appearances outside of Juicy J and YG?
CJ Hilton: I’m working with Bangladesh and Salaam Remi. Bangladesh and I are actually very good friends and I had fun going down to Atlanta to record with him. Salaam is like a big brother to me, we always just vibe and connect and make good music. He’ll be out at my show at SOBs supporting me, I’m excited about that!

UrbanBridgez.com: Explain your strategy you guys are doing starting with your up-coming mixtape leading up to the album release?
CJ Hilton: It’s going to be a three-part project, mixtape, EP, and album. I definitely feel that it is about time that I start releasing all of these records that I have. I want these projects to be an evolution. Our goal is to pick-up where I left off after releasing Cold Summer and continue the growth.

UrbanBridgez.com: When can fans expect the mixtape?
CJ Hilton: The mixtape will drop on January 21st, 12:01am via www.Livemixtapes.com. I want fans to let me know once they’ve downloaded it by tweeting me (@iamCJofficial) and using the hashtag #CJiluvit. I love being able to interact with my fans.

UrbanBridgez.com: What can you tell us about your debut full-length Sony release “Threesome?”
CJ Hilton: We’re looking forward to working with the label and making this album timeless. We’ve discussed the album, but we are taking it one step at a time by releasing the mixtape this month then moving on to the EP. We haven’t fully went that far ahead yet though, but you guys at UrbanBridgez will definitely get insight on our progress. You guys have been very supportive of me.

UrbanBridgez.com: What would you say separates you from the current crop of younger R&B kats?
CJ Hilton: Well, I play 12 instruments. I wont get into all of them because I don’t want to bore anyone but just to name a few, I play the keyboard, drums, bass, guitar and saxophone. Also, I write and produce about 75% of the music in my projects.

UrbanBridgez.com: How did you get your first big break in the music industry?
CJ Hilton: That came when I got a chance to work with Raphael Saddiq and Stevie Wonder on a song called, “Never Give You Up” which was Grammy nominated.

UrbanBridgez.com: You’ve already worked with a impressive list of talent in recent years, who’s someone on your wish list to work with in the future and why them?
CJ Hilton: Definitely Jay Z, Kanye West, because he’s out of the box with his lyrics and production and never does the same thing twice. And last but not least, Gotye he is super talented.

UrbanBridgez.com: What goals have you set for yourself and career for 2014?
CJ Hilton: My biggest goal is to release all of this music that I’ve been working on for the past year and a half. My down point was sitting on these records and not putting them out to be heard. I also want the CJ Hilton brand to kick off by establishing myself as a force in the R&B genre. Also, I definitely want to put on more shows and build a stronger relationship with my fans.