New name, who dis… In life, your name is your brand. It’s the connective tissue that gives you and those around you a sense of who you are, and your place in the world. As an artist, the overarching goal is to cultivate a trusted name and brand that symbolizes cultural value and significance to the masses. Over the last decade, the artist FKA as Problem has achieved that and then some. The multi-hyphenate has reached great heights as an artist, producer, film director, business owner (Dubbs Coffee Shop in Hollywood), entrepreneur (his Coffee & Kush Brand), and as a fledging actor (he recently appeared in the White Men Can’t Jump Reboot).
But as the old adage goes “there is nothing permanent except change,” and change can be healthy. As we grow it spurs new thoughts, new ideas, and new directions. When you reach that ideological crossroads as a branded artist, you are faced with two choices; stay the course or reinvention. Some take the road less traveled, and pave their own path; exit Problem, welcome JasonMartin.
“It was time. Your name is everything when it comes to this business. Calling myself Problem at this stage of my life just felt irresponsible and counterproductive; especially when my whole existence has been built off creating solutions for others” JasonMartin affirms. “I also felt that continuing my career using the name my parents gave me was bigger for the extension of my family tree.”
To coincide with the name change, JasonMartin released his new album, I Owe Myself, which is now available. “I Owe Myself is by far my most international piece of work” JasonMartin asserts. “Every word, every message, every instrument was on purpose. Nothing about this project reeks of randomness.” TDE’s Punch is just as enthusiastic with his praise of I Owe Myself ““I had the opportunity to listen to this album the other night. Phenomenal music. Problem has always been an elite MC, but the growth and truth in this body of work is truly inspiring. Great work champion.”
I Owe Myself is produced in its entirety by The Melodiks and features guest appearances from Terrace Martin, Rei The Imperial, Nate Curry, and MRCL among others.
To coincide with his new album, Jason also released a new visual for “Rugged Roads,” which features MRCL. You can watch the new video below.
JasonMartin’s I Owe Myself is now available.
