J. Dash Talks ‘Tabloid Truth,’ Flo Rida Friendship + His No. 1 Choice for a Collabo

If you haven't heard of up-and-coming hip-hop star J. Dash, chances are that will change in the near future. The Florida native has been blowing up thanks to his hit single 'WOP,' which has been viewed more than 3 million times on YouTube and has even generated a new dance craze.

PopCrush was able to catch up with J. Dash recently to discuss his new album, 'Tabloid Truth,' which was released on Jan. 31 exclusively to Wal-Mart stores before hitting digital retailers. Check out our interview with J. Dash to find out more about this newcomer, including his favorite tracks on 'Tabloid Truth,' his biggest musical inspirations, and how became friends with Flo Rida.

Why did you decide to call your album 'Tabloid Truth'?
I decided to call the album 'Tabloid Truth' because at the period, [when] I was making the songs, there was a lot of music coming out that had these glossy covers and lots of marketing dollars behind them so they’d look good -- but when you’d listen to the actual music, it wouldn’t be anything special. It was a lot of fast food music. I wanted to make something that wasn’t just glossy looking but also had great content and meaning.

Are there any particular tracks on 'Tabloid Truth' that you have a deeper personal connection with or that you are really excited to get out there?
Absolutely. I’m definitely excited about the title track, 'Tabloid Truth,' as that was one of the quickest songs I wrote on the album and one of the realest. It is so close to home and so based on my life.

I also love 'Take It Hard,' which is a record that can get people through difficult times. Anyone who has ever been through things, whether it’s the loss of a loved one or just something disappointing, they can relate to these songs because these are things that I have been through.

You're an accomplished pianist. Will we get to hear you play piano on any of the tracks on 'Tabloid Truth'? Do you play any other instruments?
I play most of the keyboards on 'Tabloid Truth' and several of the songs I produced from top to bottom but I’m definitely all over the keys! I'm learning how to play the guitar now so my future records will have a lot of instrumentation. I also play the drums on 'Tabloid Truth,' though, so there is some of that on the record.

Do you have a track in mind for your next single?
I just shot a video for 'Transformer.' We leaked that record recently and it’s already buzzing at radio so I’m thinking it’ll be that one. I’d also like to see the title track hit the mainstream market as well.

How did you end up working with Flo Rida for your 'WOP' video?
I really just spoke to his camp and asked if he’d be interested in jumping in the video for the 'WOP,' and they said sure let's do it. Back in the day when we did shows, Flo would open for Rick Ross and I would open for Flo, a lot of times you create these loose relationships that get tighter and tighter as people see you’re serious. My relationship with Flo Rida is a good example of that.

Watch the J. Dash 'WOP' Video Feat. Flo Rida

How did you come up with the 'WOP' dance?
The Wop idea originated back in Gainesville, Fla. When I was in school, me and a couple of friends used to do the dance all the time to other peoples music, but we didn’t have our own song for it, so I went back to my dorm and made the song, gave it to some DJs and it took off organically from there!

You have an exclusive distribution deal with Wal-Mart for the release of 'Tabloid Truth.' Why did you decide to go with this approach for your album release?
As an independent artist to have a deal with Wal-Mart is very very rare and Wal-Mart is one of the largest distribution chains, so it made sense to jump on and it is a great opportunity. It’s a timed exclusive though so it is only for a limited time. The album is also available on iTunes for everyone!

What other collaborations do you have on your upcoming album 'Tabloid Truth'?
I have Carlito from the group Menudo on the title track. Ashley Guin is on a track called 'Dance All Night,' she is an awesome artist. We have Lara Johnston, who is a daughter of one of the Doobie Brothers, she’s on 'Take It Hard' as well as 'Transformer.' So there are a lot of talented people on the record. Collaborating with Mike K, my producer, has been incredible as well.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Oh gosh, I have so many. Definitely Timbaland. Dr. John on the keys, the Gap Band and Stevie Wonder to name a few.

In the future, is there any artist that you would really love to collaborate with?
Cee Lo Green! Definitely Cee Lo and I’d love to work with Timbaland as a producer.