When asked about Edina High School senior and rapper Isaiah “JC” Small’s music, senior Brian Docherty remarked, “It’s psychedelic, you just feel the beats…you can see them.”

Docherty was one of the many fans that showed up to Small’s show at The Depot this past Friday, April 25. Presale tickets went fast for $1, and Small was preceded by opener and EHS senior Frank Hartman at 7:00 pm and EHS seniors John Stych, Sam Shahghasemi, Conor Foley, and Hartman in their band, The Halogens, at 8:00 pm. Small finally took the stage at 9:00 to the applause of fans and shouts of “swag” as Halogens’ bassist John Stych DJ’ed for the rapper.

Small started his musical career at age three, with the piano and drums. Since then, he has expanded his repertoire to include guitar, bass guitar, cello, and of course, rapping. But his favorite? Drums. “Drums are the best,” Small concluded.

Although he finds his inspiration “everywhere…except for, like, Justin Bieber,” Small is particularly influenced by such artists as Casey Veggies, Jay Z, Travis Scott, Isaiah Rashad, and Danny Brown. “I like a lot of rap, as long as it’s real…true to the heart, speaking the truth,” remarked Small.

Small’s plans for next year probably involve college (he got accepted into Duquesne University in Pittsburg), but if not, he’d like to do more tours. “I did want to buy an RV, and just go around from city to city, do like five shows like this,” said Small.

Until then, you can catch JC at his next gig at Acadia Cafe in Minneapolis on May 12, or hear his music on SoundCloud (JCtwincities) and YouTube (JCofficialtv).