Connect
To Top

Meet Jimmy Waters of Hustle Over Luck in Riverside

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jimmy Waters.

Jimmy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m an artist/producer from Riverside, CA where no big hip hop artist emerged. I got started throwing house parties and releasing music videos. When I started, I wasn’t serious and didn’t know a few years later I wouldn’t be able to picture my life without it. I got my basketball scholarship taken my senior year of college because I knew what I wanted to do with my life and music was starting to be a conflict. In the beginning, I started off as just an artist I didn’t produce my music I was just rapping on beats I found online. After college, I realized if I wanted to be an artist like J Cole/ or Kanye I need to learn how to produce.

While releasing music, I spent over 5 hours a day just learning how to make beats. I did this for about two years straight and now I consider my production pretty elite. My movement is called Hustle Over Luck because nothing has been handed to me and everything I’ve done I have to work for. I also come from a place that’s underrated. I just recently did my first show in Pomona. I rented out an art gallery and put a stage in there. When your not a mainstream artist your chances to get booked are low. I also edit all my videos. I do a lot of things myself because I never want my movement to stop. So if someone leaves I can still keep the ball rolling.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. I don’t know anybody in the industry so a lot of things I do are from trial and error. I’ve lost a lot of money trying new ways to market my music lol. When you’re an independent artist you don’t have the resources signed artist have. But I don’t want to sell my creativity to anyone. I rather be happy and own all my music and release when I want.

What else should we know?  What are you most known for?
I’m most known for my work ethic. I think a lot of people know I write, produce, mix and master all my music now. My most proud moment currently is my upcoming album releasing July 26th that’s priced at $99. The album is called UP THE HILL and I have received six orders so far. Which is dope to know six people the first week believe in my music enough to Pre-Order it for $99.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would have learned how to produce in the beginning.

Contact Info:

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in

  • Portraits of the Valley

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 21, 2025
  • Portraits of Hollywood

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 21, 2025
  • LA’s Most Inspiring Stories

    Every neighborhood in LA has its own vibe, style, culture and history, but what consistently amazes us is not what differentiates...

    Local StoriesApril 21, 2025
  • Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

    Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a...

    Local StoriesApril 18, 2025
  • Portraits of LA

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 18, 2025
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Services Spotlights

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Experiences to Consider

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Products from the Community

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 14, 2024
  • Podcast: Your Journey As An Actress

    We’re so lucky to have a great guest with us today to discuss your journey as an actress and so much...

    Partner SeriesOctober 22, 2024