JasonMartin's Rebrand and Jay Worthy's Longevity Mark a New Era for West Coast Hip-Hop

West Coast hip-hop is enjoying a resurgence, and two key figures—Problem, now going by his birth name Jason Martin, and Jay Worthy—are leading the charge. In a recent interview with Elliot Wilson, the duo discussed their upcoming projects, their contributions to the culture, and how they plan to keep pushing the boundaries of West Coast rap.

For years, Problem has been known for delivering party anthems that dominated the Los Angeles scene, with hits like "Like Whaaat" and "Do It Big." But now, he’s shifting gears, adopting a more mature persona under the name Jason Martin. This rebrand, according to Martin, is about more than just a name change—it reflects his personal and professional growth. "I'm too old to be called a Problem when I'm more solution-oriented now," he explained. With a focus on family and legacy, Martin said the change is a tribute to his father, emphasizing that he wants the Martin name to carry weight in both his music and personal life.

Meanwhile, Jay Worthy has continued to solidify his place as a West Coast staple, with his unique mix of funk, orchestral samples, and raw storytelling. Worthy, whose curatorial skills have brought together some of the most unexpected and exciting collaborations, recently announced his signing with Griselda, promising to bring his West Coast flavor to the gritty East Coast collective. Worthy’s ability to assemble all-star features is well-known—according to Martin, "60% of the features on this album wouldn’t have happened without Jay."

One exciting detail the duo dropped during their conversation with Wilson was their contribution to Kush & Orange Juice 2, the long-anticipated follow-up to Wiz Khalifa’s classic mixtape. While there’s no release date yet, Martin confirmed the project is finished, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its arrival. The mention of their involvement is sure to spark anticipation, particularly for those who remember the original Kush & Orange Juice as a defining moment in Wiz’s career.

Both Martin and Worthy also spoke about the current state of West Coast hip-hop, which they agree is in a strong place. They highlighted the unique moment the scene is experiencing, with multiple generations of artists active at once, from veterans like DJ Quik and Snoop Dogg to rising stars like Blxst and Ty Dolla $ign. "The West has been quiet, but we’ve all got something to say now," said Martin, reflecting on how this collective energy is reshaping the scene.

Collaboration and unity are key themes for both artists. Martin sees himself as the "West Coast middle child," connecting the older generation of artists with the newer ones. Jay Worthy, for his part, continues to bridge different regions and styles, bringing a fresh perspective to the sound of California rap. With all these artists working in unison, it’s clear that West Coast hip-hop is thriving—and evolving.