By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
Raleigh, NC - In a city that has transformed dramatically over the last two decades, few voices have remained as consistent and authentic as Madison Jay, also known as "County!" A staple of the Raleigh hip-hop scene, Madison Jay has seen waves of artists come and go, but he remains grounded, driven by a philosophy of perseverance and community. I recently sat down with the rapper to discuss his journey, the changing landscape of the Triangle, and why, in these turbulent times, leading with love is a revolutionary act.
Madison Jay has been rapping since high school, starting with groups like H Gang and Headhunters. Reflecting on those early days, he noted that while life pulled many of his peers in different directions, he refused to let go of the vision. That persistence is fueled, in part, by the success of our former peer and coworker, Rapsody (Marlanna Evans) of Snow Hill, NC. Madison reminisced about "simpler times" when we worked retail with the now-Grammy winner, spending shifts debating whether Jay-Z or Nas was the greatest and freestyling in the stock room. "She’s somebody who achieved a level of success doing it the right way," Madison said, noting her integrity and lyricism. "To see Marlanna, persevere and keep going... that’s a testament, and that’s always been fuel for me." We shared a laugh at the memories; both Madison and Marlanna showered us with their exceptional lyrical talent daily as we sold shoes alongside our well-respected, longtime managers, Kyle Dove, Reese Strange, and Kevin Meyer.
As Raleigh grows, Madison acknowledges both the progress and the growing pains, particularly regarding traffic and the lack of mass transit. But despite the shifts in infrastructure, his focus remains on the human element of the city. When asked about the support he receives from Raleigh, Madison offered a mature perspective on "haters" and local love. "Positivity is infectious," he explained. "I’ve been a recipient of positive energy being in a bad space, and I’ve been the one to give positive energy... It’s literally one person at a time choosing to be positive."
Ultimately, Madison Jay’s message is a call to action. "The unknown is beautiful," he said, challenging the community to stop fearing independence and change. "It’s the fear that got us so locked mentally." He emphasized that complaining about the state of the city or the country is futile if you aren't participating in the process. "You’re a fool if you don't vote," he stated plainly, stressing the importance of local engagement over national spectacle. "We have to come to the city council. We have to be present... These are our taxpayer dollars.” Madison’s words served as a powerful reminder that change requires collective diligence. He offered a reminder to us all that big changes often start small. "Faith of a mustard seed," he said. "That's all it takes."
