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JasonMartin

JasonMartin (born Jason L. Martin; May 8, 1985) is a German-born American rapper, , and from . Formerly known by the stage name Problem, he gained mainstream recognition with his 2013 single "Like Whaaat" featuring Bad Lucc, which peaked at number 47 on the chart. Martin founded the independent record label Diamond Lane Music Group in 2008 and has released two studio albums, one , thirteen mixtapes, and numerous singles. In 2022, he retired the moniker Problem and began releasing music under his , stylized as JasonMartin.

Early life

Birth and family background

Jason L. Martin, known professionally as JasonMartin, was born on May 8, 1985, in , . His birth abroad stemmed from his family's circumstances at the time, though specific details about his parents' presence in remain private. Shortly after his birth, Martin's family relocated to the , settling in , where he spent his formative years. Martin's family background is rooted in the of African American families from the to the during the mid-20th century. Both his mother's and father's sides trace their origins to and , with relatives moving to Compton in the 1960s as part of broader patterns of Black migration seeking economic opportunities and escape from Southern . This Southern heritage influenced his early exposure to and community traditions, shaping his cultural identity amid the challenges of Compton's environment, known for its socio-economic struggles and vibrant scene. A notable family connection in the music industry is his cousin, saxophonist, producer, and rapper Terrace Martin, with whom he collaborated early in his career. In 2008, Martin and Terrace co-founded Diamond Lane Music Group, a label that became a platform for his initial releases and production work. Little public information exists about his immediate siblings or parents' professions, reflecting Martin's preference for privacy regarding personal family matters beyond these professional ties.

Initial musical pursuits

Born Jason Martin in 1985 and raised in Compton, California, Martin developed an early interest in music amid the city's rich hip-hop culture. Growing up in a challenging environment shaped by gang activity and local legends, he initially balanced pursuits in street life and sports before turning to rap as a creative outlet during his teenage years. Martin's formal entry into music came around age 20, when he began working as a producer, a transition he later described as marking him as a "late bloomer" compared to peers who started earlier. Influenced by West Coast icons such as Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre, as well as broader figures like DJ Quik and the Isley Brothers, he honed his skills by collaborating with local talent, including producer Terrace Martin starting in 2004. His first professional breakthrough arrived through songwriting, as he penned a verse for Terrace Martin's track "Be Thankful," featured on 's 2007 compilation album Snoop Dogg Presents The Big Squeeze. This credit exposed him to the industry while he continued producing and recording early mixtapes in the mid-2000s, laying the groundwork for his independent career. In 2006, he released his debut project, the 32-track mixtape Round 2 Knockout Punch!, under Derang Entertainment, signaling his shift toward full-time music involvement.

Career

Early career and mixtapes (2008–2012)

Jason Martin, performing under the stage name Problem during this period, began his professional music career in earnest in 2008 after years of honing his skills as a songwriter and producer in . That year, he co-founded the independent record label Diamond Lane Music Group with his brother, providing a platform for his own work and that of other artists. He also gained early industry exposure through songwriting, notably penning a verse for Scooter Smiff's single "Head of My Class" featuring , which was released in 2008. Additionally, Martin gained early exposure as a on Snoop Dogg's album Ego Trippin' (2008). These opportunities helped establish his reputation as a versatile talent in the scene. In 2009, Martin signed a recording contract with Universal Republic Records, though the deal was short-lived and he was later released from it. This period marked a shift toward more frequent releases under his own label, allowing him to build a following through street-level distribution and online platforms. His output emphasized Compton's traditions blended with club-oriented hooks, often produced in-house or with local collaborators like , with whom he had worked earlier as a writer. Martin's mixtape releases from 2008 to 2012 showcased his growth as a rapper and entrepreneur. In 2008, he followed up his 2006 debut with Deal or No Deal 2: Universal Cut the Check, hosted by , which reflected on his brief major-label experience through tracks laced with introspective lyrics and beats. That same year, he collaborated with DJs Nik Bean and Felli Fel on the promo mixtape Is Mine, featuring and highlighting his storytelling about street life in Compton. By 2009, , presented by DJ Age, expanded his sound with aggressive flows and features from emerging artists, solidifying his presence in the underground circuit. The early 2010s saw Martin focusing on label development amid fewer personal releases, though he continued writing for artists like and . In 2011, he dropped Hotels, a 17-track project that experimented with pop-rap elements and included collaborations with Bad Lucc and on songs like "Potion," earning praise for its polished production. Entering 2012, Martin released Welcome to Mollywood in March, a 18-track introducing his "Mollywood" persona—a nod to Hollywood's glamour filtered through Compton grit—featuring Bad Lucc and tracks like "Rollin" that captured his energetic delivery. Later that year, Welcome to Mollywood, Pt. 2 followed in August, adding high-profile remixes with , , and Young Jeezy, which broadened his appeal and set the stage for mainstream breakthroughs. These projects, distributed via , amassed thousands of downloads and helped cultivate a loyal fanbase in the community.

Breakthrough and major releases (2013–2016)

In 2013, Problem achieved his breakthrough with the single "Like Whaaat" featuring Bad Lucc, which became a regional anthem in the scene and gained significant radio play as a staple. The track, produced by Problem himself, peaked at number 32 on the chart, marking his first major chart entry and elevating his profile from underground to a recognized name in . This success led to his debut , Understand Me, released later that year via Diamond Lane Music Group, which featured the single and showcased his skills alongside raw Compton street narratives. That same year, Problem released several influential mixtapes that solidified his momentum, including Million Dollar Afro in collaboration with Iamsu!, blending influences with elements for a Bay Area-West Coast crossover appeal. Ain't Nobody Hotter Than Me, Vol. 1 followed, hosting "Like Whaaat" and tracks like "Chachi's Revenge," which highlighted his charismatic flow and beat-jacking style, drawing comparisons to legends. The Separation, dropped in June, further emphasized his independence, with introspective cuts critiquing industry fakeness and featuring guests like . By 2014, Problem expanded his reach with the mixtape 354: Lift Off, a 14-track project compiling recent freestyles over popular beats like Drake's "0 to 100" (remixed as "Dollaz and Sense" with Childish Gambino) and Bobby Shmurda's "Hot N***a." Released via , it demonstrated his versatility in remixing hits while including originals like "Lift Off" produced by , earning praise for bridging club energy with lyrical depth. In 2015, the double-part mixtape Mollywood 3: The Relapse (Side A in June, Side B in July) served as a major release, reviving his signature "Mollywood" series with 18 tracks across both sides, produced largely in-house and featuring artists like Bad Lucc and Manolo Rose. Side A focused on triumphant anthems such as "Show Off," while Side B delved into personal reflections like "Thuggin' in My Yesterdays," reinforcing his role as a Compton storyteller amid growing national buzz. The period culminated in 2016 with the Hotels 2 series, starting with the four-track EP Hotels 2: The Lobby in March, featuring Iamsu! and Stoney Tha Dealer on "Pull Up to My Hotel: Big Money," which captured his playful, hotel-themed conceptual approach to storytelling. Later that year, he remixed "My Squad" as the official theme for the ' 2016–17 season, boosting his visibility in sports media and underscoring his cultural footprint beyond . This full Hotels 2: The Master Suite followed, blending luxury motifs with hard-hitting bars, marking a polished evolution in his sound during a transitional phase.

Later career and name change (2017–present)

In 2017, under his stage name Problem, Martin released his debut studio album Selfish on November 17, independently through his Music Group label, featuring production from The Melodiks and guest appearances from artists like Iamsu! and Tyme. The project explored themes of self-reliance and industry frustrations, receiving positive reviews for its introspective lyricism and sound. That same year, he collaborated with veteran producer on the full-length album Rosecrans, released on April 20, 2017 as an expansion of their 2016 EP, blending elements with Martin's sharp wordplay on tracks like "There He Go" and "Cuz Tonight". Following these releases, Martin's output shifted toward mixtapes and collaborations amid a period of lower visibility. In 2018, he dropped the album on November 30, a to Selfish that emphasized raw Compton storytelling and featured producers like RJ Mr. LA, though it garnered modest streaming numbers compared to his earlier breakthrough work. The year also saw singles like "Hate Me" and "If I Would," which highlighted his versatility in trap-influenced beats. By 2019, activity slowed, with Martin focusing on label duties and occasional features, such as on and Young Roddy's 3001: A Laced Odyssey. In 2020, he released Coffee & Kush, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, a pair of mellow, cannabis-themed mixtapes featuring guests like and , which underscored his laid-back production style and earned praise for their vibe-driven consistency. That October, Martin directed and starred in the short film , a comedic narrative about redemption narrated by , with cameos from and , marking his expansion into visual media. Martin's 2021 saw the collaborative EP Smoke Break with , released on September 30, 2021, via , fusing their Compton roots in smooth, reflective tracks that peaked at number 15 on the Heatseekers Albums chart and reinforced his enduring ties to legends. In 2022, he issued the album Anti-You on September 19, a confrontational project addressing personal and professional betrayals, produced largely in-house and distributed through his label. Later that year, on August 28, following a performance celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his 2012 mixtape Welcome to Mollywood, Martin announced his decision to retire the stage name "Problem" and revert to his , Jason Martin, citing a desire to align his artistry with his authentic self and move beyond the persona that defined his early career. In a 2023 interview, he elaborated that the change allowed him to refine his sound without the baggage of past expectations, emphasizing maturity and creative freedom. Post-name change, Martin's career gained renewed momentum with introspective and collaborative projects. On May 12, 2023, he released his third studio album I Owe Myself, a 10-track effort produced by The Melodiks, featuring no guest artists to spotlight his solo prowess; the lead single "," produced by , premiered alongside the announcement and explored themes of legacy and self-accountability. Later that year, on November 3, he dropped A Compton Story, Pt. 1, the first installment of the to his 2020 film, boasting high-profile features from , , Childish Gambino, and over production by and DJ Battlecat; the full followed on November 17, completing a narrative arc tied to his Compton upbringing. In 2024, Martin reunited with for their third joint album, , released on June 14, which blended samples with modern flows and received acclaim for its chemistry, including tracks like "The Best" that highlighted their producer-rapper synergy. Entering 2025, Martin maintained a prolific pace with label-backed releases. On July 16, he collaborated with Joe Moses on the mixtape Supper Club, a 10-track project emphasizing laid-back West Coast vibes and street narratives, distributed through 50 Million International. In October, he partnered again with producers Mike & Keys for the EP A Hit Dog Gon Holla, released on October 9 as a featureless, 11-song showcase of his emcee skills, praised for its sharp lyricism and soulful beats that captured his evolved, unfiltered perspective. Most recently, on November 7, Martin and Mike & Keys delivered Mafia Cafe, another EP blending jazz-infused production with themes of hustle and reflection, solidifying his role as a consistent force in independent West Coast rap. These projects reflect Martin's ongoing commitment to authentic storytelling and strategic collaborations, positioning him as a veteran innovator in the genre.

Business and other ventures

Diamond Lane Music Group

Diamond Lane Music Group (DLMG) is an based in , , specializing in music. Founded by rapper and producer Jason Martin (formerly known as Problem) in 2008 with the assistance of his cousin, the label became officially operational in 2010. It serves as a platform for Martin's own projects while supporting emerging artists, emphasizing progression and artistic development in the rap scene. The label has signed several notable hip-hop talents, including Bad Lucc, Lefty Gunplay, Aktive, Airplane James, and Sham1016, fostering collaborations that blend Compton street narratives with polished production. Martin's role as head of DLMG has allowed him to mentor and release music for these artists, often handling production duties himself. For instance, Lefty Gunplay, a Baldwin Park native, joined the roster and collaborated with Martin on projects like the 2025 album Can't Get Right, highlighting the label's focus on raw lyricism and beat-driven . In 2025, Lefty Gunplay earned Grammy nominations for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for his feature on Kendrick Lamar's "tv off". Key releases under DLMG include Martin's mixtapes such as The Separation (2013) with DJ Drama and the collaborative album Rosecrans (2017) with DJ Quik, which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and showcased the label's ability to bridge underground roots with mainstream appeal. Other significant outputs feature Bad Lucc's The Watts Riot 2 (2020) and remixes like Freddie Gibbs and Snoop Dogg's "Don't Be Mad At Me" (2020), demonstrating DLMG's contributions to West Coast hip-hop through strategic partnerships and consistent output. The label operates independently, prioritizing creative control and community ties over major distribution deals.

Film, media, and endorsements

Jason Martin has ventured into and , leveraging his background in to create content that highlights Compton culture and music scenes. Through his , 50 Million Media, he co-directed and starred in the 2020 short A Compton Story, a 51-minute narrative following a character's chaotic day in Compton, featuring cameos from , , , , and . The film, which draws from real-life events in Martin's hometown, emphasizes themes of community and resilience, and was released exclusively on before becoming available on platforms like and . In 2023, Martin served as producer and executive producer for One Night in , a 63-minute documentary exploring the and in (a nickname for a vibrant Los Angeles creative hub). Directed by Patrick Lota, the film showcases performances and behind-the-scenes footage from artists, with Martin appearing on-screen to discuss artistic collaboration and industry challenges. Produced under 50 Million Media in partnership with Broken Mold Productions, it highlights Martin's role in bridging music and visual storytelling to promote emerging talent. Beyond production, Martin has engaged in media through high-profile interviews and podcast appearances that extend his business influence. In 2024, he appeared on Drink Champs, where he discussed dynamics, his rebranding from Problem, and collaborations with artists like and . These platforms have allowed him to promote his music and film projects while building his personal brand as a multifaceted entrepreneur. Martin's forays into endorsements have been limited, though he has not pursued extensive commercial deals in recent years, focusing instead on creative ventures.

Musical style and influences

Key influences

Jason Martin's musical influences span , broader rap traditions, and R&B/soul genres, drawing from artists who defined Compton's sound and beyond. In a 2023 interview with The Hype Magazine, he named , , , , , and as foundational West Coast figures that informed his early artistic perspective, alongside hip-hop icons like , 2Pac, OutKast, DMX, 50 Cent, Kanye West, Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., Method Man, T.I., , and . He also highlighted R&B and soul artists as significant inspirations, including D’Angelo, , , , , , and , underscoring a blend of rhythmic innovation and emotional depth in his influences. These selections reflect a comprehensive appreciation for genre-crossing pioneers, as articulated in the same .

Artistic style and themes

Jason Martin's artistic style is rooted in West Coast rap, characterized by a versatile, punchy flow that blends hardcore edge with melodic and intuitive delivery. His early work, such as the 2013 breakout single "Like Whaaat," features high-energy party anthems with hyphy-influenced , flipping Southern samples like Young Bleed's into bouncy, club-ready tracks that emphasize bravado and street swagger. As a Compton native, Martin's often incorporates elements, vivid L.A. references, and humorous, groovy textures, as heard in collaborations like the 2024 album with , where his malleable flow adapts to intricate, retro-modern beats blending 1980s and futuristic vibes. Thematically, Martin's music has evolved from celebratory motifs of partying, wealth accumulation, and romantic pursuits in his era to deeper explorations of regret, manhood, family, and spiritual growth in his later releases. Pre-Selfish (2017), tracks like "Like Whaaat" focused on hedonistic excess and Compton pride, reflecting the city's legacy. However, Selfish marked a shift toward , with songs like the title track delving into personal losses such as abortions and an ex-girlfriend's death, accompanied by experimental production featuring eerie violins and jazz-infused elements co-produced with . Following his 2022 name change from Problem, Martin's sound refined further into a soulful, gospel-tinged style emphasizing , education, and cultural heritage from his Southern (/) roots alongside Compton upbringing. Albums like I Owe Myself (2023) incorporate live instrumentation—trumpets, saxophones, and orchestral elements—drawing from jazz influences like and , creating an "expensive" vocal texture mixed by . Tracks such as highlight themes of and positivity, moving away from earlier bravado toward responsible, aligned narratives that prioritize communal uplift over individual "problems." In 2025, he released the single "BLACK ENTERTAINMENT," maintaining his soulful, introspective approach.

Discography

Studio albums

JasonMartin's transition to releasing full-length studio albums began in 2017, coinciding with his rebranding from Problem to emphasize a more mature artistic identity. These projects marked a shift from his earlier mixtape-heavy output, incorporating polished production, personal introspection, and collaborations that highlighted his Compton and West Coast sound. His studio albums often blend G-funk influences with contemporary trap elements, featuring guest appearances from established artists to amplify their reach. A pivotal release was the collaborative album Rosecrans with , issued on April 20, 2017, via Mad Science / Clearsight Music. Spanning 12 tracks, the project pays homage to the Rosecrans Avenue corridor in Compton, blending Quik's signature production with JasonMartin's lyrical dexterity on songs like "Bad Azz" featuring and . Critics praised its seamless fusion of veteran expertise and fresh energy, establishing it as a high-impact revival effort. Later that year, JasonMartin delivered his debut solo studio album Selfish on November 3, 2017, through Diamond Lane Music Group and . The nine-track effort delves into themes of vulnerability, independence, and industry pressures, with standout cuts like the title track reflecting on personal hardships. In interviews, he described it as a reinvention, prioritizing emotional depth over commercial hits, which resonated with fans seeking authenticity in his catalog. Building on this momentum, arrived on November 30, 2018, distributed by and Music Group. This 16-track sophomore outing features high-profile guests including , , and Puff Daddy, exploring bravado and street narratives across tracks like "Put It Down" with . It solidified his reputation for versatile, feature-packed releases that balance aggression with melodic hooks. The early 2020s saw JasonMartin expand his output with the double-volume Coffee & Kush series, both released in 2020 via independent channels. Vol. 1, a 10-track set, evokes laid-back mornings with introspective bars over smooth beats, while Vol. 2 maintains the vibe with 10 more songs emphasizing resilience and daily grind. These albums underscore his consistent productivity and thematic focus on grounded, relatable . In 2023, he released the solo I Owe Myself, a 10-track introspective project via independent distribution. This was followed by the collaborative with in 2024, serving as a sequel to Rosecrans with funk-infused tracks. Later that year, with producers & Keys dropped on 50Million, blending soulful production with Martin's bars. In 2025, Can't Get Right with Lefty Gunplay was issued via OTR Records / 50million, a full-length collaboration highlighting emerging talent.
Album TitleRelease YearLabelKey Collaborators/Notes
Rosecrans (with )2017Mad Science / Clearsight Music; 12 tracks; revival homage to Compton.
Selfish2017 Music Group / debut; 9 tracks; introspective themes.
S22018 / Music Group, ; 16 tracks; feature-heavy.
Coffee & , Vol. 1202010 tracks; relaxed, narrative-driven.
Coffee & , Vol. 2202010 tracks; continuation of Vol. 1's style.
I Owe Myself2023; 10 tracks; personal reflection.
(with )2024; sequel to Rosecrans; West Coast .
(with Mike & Keys)202450MillionMike & Keys; production-focused.
Can't (with Lefty Gunplay)2025OTR Records / 50millionLefty Gunplay; full-length collab.

Extended plays and mixtapes

Jason Martin, formerly known as Problem, built much of his early reputation through a prolific series of mixtapes released under his Diamond Lane Music Group imprint, which helped establish his sound and underground following in the late 2000s and early 2010s. These projects often featured raw, Compton-inspired lyricism over self-produced beats, emphasizing street narratives and party anthems. His mixtape output peaked around 2013–2015, with collaborations like the Gangsta Grillz series entry The Separation (2013) showcasing his ability to blend introspective tracks with high-energy features from artists such as Iamsu! and Bad Lucc. Later mixtapes, including Chachiville (2017), shifted toward more polished production while retaining his signature swagger, marking a transition before his name change. Martin's extended plays represent pivotal commercial steps, starting with his debut EP Understand Me (2013), an eight-track project that capitalized on the buzz from his single "Like a Whaaat" and included guest spots from fellow rappers like and Bad Lucc, achieving modest streaming success on platforms like . The collaborative Rosecrans EP (2016) with paid homage to roots, delivering six tracks of laid-back, funk-infused vibes that highlighted Martin's chemistry with veteran producers. Post-2017, under the Jason Martin moniker, his EPs became more experimental and feature-minimal, such as 5 Pack (2024) with producers Mike & Keys, a concise set of five tracks focusing on introspective bars over soulful loops. Recent releases like A Hit Dog Gon Holla (2025), a solo EP emphasizing personal growth and resilience, and the collaborative Supper Club (2025) with Joe Moses, blend nostalgic elements with modern trap influences.
TitleTypeRelease YearKey Notes
Round 2 - The Knockout Punch2005Early independent release on Derang Ent., establishing raw Compton style.
The Streets Is Mine2008CDr via , featuring street-focused narratives.
Hotels201117-track digital project on , highlighting party anthems.
Swig Tape Vol. 1201222 tracks self-released, building hype for major breakthrough.
The Separation2013Gangsta Grillz collab with , 20 tracks including "Say That Then."
Million Dollar Afro2013Collab with Iamsu!, 18 tracks on , fusing and .
354201413-track "Lift Off" edition, self-produced with motivational themes.
Mollywood 3: The Relapse2015Double-sided release (A/B), 36 tracks total, revisiting early series.
Chachiville201713 tracks on , crude West Coast sound with visuals for "Betta Watch Yo Self."
Understand MeEP2013Debut EP, 8 tracks featuring "Understand Me," peaked on charts.
RosecransEP2016Collab with , 6 tracks honoring , later expanded to album.
5 PackEP2024With Mike & Keys, 5 tracks featuring various artists including and on 50Million, soulful production.
A Compton Story (Director's Cut)EP20246-track digital release, narrative-driven Compton tales.
A Hit Dog Gon HollaEP2025Solo project with Mike & Keys, focusing on resilience themes.
Supper Club2025Collab with Joe Moses, West Coast veteran link-up on indie circuits.

Notable singles

JasonMartin's breakthrough single "Like Whaaat," featuring Bad Lucc and released in 2013, marked his rise to mainstream recognition as a rapper, peaking at number 27 on the Mainstream R&B/ Airplay chart and gaining widespread radio play. The track, produced under his former Problem, showcased his signature hyphy-influenced and was included on his debut EP Understand Me. Prior to this, "Last Love," released in 2011 through Music Group, achieved early chart success by reaching number 2 on the Bubbling Under R&B/ Singles chart, highlighting his emerging presence in the R&B-rap crossover scene. Similarly, "T.O." featuring , issued in 2012, climbed to number 3 on the same Bubbling Under chart, emphasizing themes of street loyalty and Compton roots with its energetic production. Following his 2017 name change to JasonMartin, "Betta Watch Yo Self," released that year, gained cultural visibility through its placement in the season 2 premiere of HBO's Insecure, soundtracking key scenes and exposing the track to a broader audience via the series' soundtrack. The single, part of his transitional phase, reflected introspective lyrics amid his evolving career.