GlossMagazineOnline (GMO): First things first… in 2008, Brutha had a successful reality show on BET (Brothers to Brutha), hit songs taking over the airwaves and then you guys broke up. What happened?

Papa: To fully let you know what happened, we would have to have a seven-year conversation. Our brothers are older than us. They have families and wanted to do different things. It was basically a difference in opinion when it came to where we were going and what we were trying to do. Our older brothers were trying to do their own thing. Jake and I didn’t end the situation, it ended and we decided to keep going.

GMO: While it’s only been a couple of years, it seems like forever since we’ve heard from you. Where have you been?

Jake: It’s actually been Jake and Papa for the past couple years. We’ve put out three projects and an abundance of videos. You can find it all at www.jakeandpapa.com and www.youtube.com/jakeandpapa. We’re just trying to stay busy with the Jake and Papa movement. It’ll be two years in May.

GMO: How would you describe your new sound?

Papa: It’s really something soulful. That was the name of our second mix tape, or free album as I like to call it. We released Somethin’ Soulful earlier this year and it embodies our entire movement. It all comes down to us being soulful singers. You can call it R&B, Soul and even Folk if you want. We have every type of movement that you want. We’re just trying to touch souls with our lyrics and our voices. Our newest project, Westernplayalisticamaromuzic is also available. We also did this thing called Soulful Sundays where we released a new song each Sunday in December.

GMO: When you guys release projects, you do something a little different. It’s more than just music, but rather a visual experience for your fans as well. One of your most recent video releases is “Leave It On the Stage.” Where did the inspiration come from for that project?

Jake: “Leave It On the Stage” is promotional and visual. It was inspired by how we look at performing period. We were always taught to perform like it would be our last show. Whether it’s in front of 10 people or 1,000, we’re gonna give everything we can possibly give. Even if we’re in the studio doing a song, we may not like right now, but we’re gonna give 100 percent. It comes off with everything we do. We were losing our voices after shows because we take the performance that serious.

GMO: What’s it like with just the two of you guys compared to working with all of the brothers?

Papa: Honestly, it’s a lot easier. Jake and I don’t like to write in the studio. We write all day everywhere else. So when we get to the studio, we already have it planned what we’re gonna do and who’s gonna sing what. We’re unsatisfied if we only do one song. We’re trying to make up for lost time.

GMO: What type of reaction have you gotten since being recognized as Jake and Papa?

Jake: It’s been great! There’s always gonna be a pack of haters who want to throw salt. But, at the end of the day, there’s so many people who show us love. We have #TeamJP and we’re gonna keep going hard until the world notices. No matter what, we’re gonna keep going.

GMO: A lot of times when people return to the industry they don’t like calling it a comeback. How would you describe it?

Papa: I absolutely hate the term ‘comeback.’ It never works. It’s really us starting over. When it ended, we started. We picked up where we left off when we were 11 and 12 years old. We’re not coming back because we’ve made music ever since Brutha ended. It’s a completely different entity.

GMO: You guys were part of a successful reality show on BET. With reality television being extremely popular, would you consider doing another show?

Jake: Reality TV has its pros and cons, so we can never really say. We’ve been so focused on music and building a brand so we haven’t considered it. The pros were we got to meet some really great people. The cons – it got very personal. Sometimes, artists aren’t supposed to show such a personal side. We’d really have to sit and think about it.

GMO: Given that you two are actually brothers, how would you explain your bond, compared to other guys who sing together?

Papa: We know each other like the back of our hand. We’ve been attached at the hip since Jake was born. We have chemistry, loyalty and communication. We’re so dedicated to the music and students of music. The way we operate is just different from other people period.

GMO: What is the best advice you’ve been given upon returning to music?

Jake: Some of the best advice actually happened a long time ago. Stevie Wonder said something that really stuck with me: ‘Listen to all types of different music and your music will take you all types of different places.’ We grew up on different kinds of music that our mom and dad listened to. It really affected our sound, it opened it up to a variety of different people and different cultures. We take that into consideration every time we’re in the studio.

GMO: I read that the first song you performed in a talent show was actually “Jump” by Kris Kross. Can fans look forward to hearing you rap any time soon?

Papa: I actually do like to rap. I’ve put out a few lil’ freestyles and original songs. It’s something I do and I’m good at it so maybe in the future. We just focus on Jake and Papa right now, but you might get eight bars on a song.

GMO: Given that you’ve been in the music industry since you were little, what would you say to children/teenagers who want to jump into it?

Jake: I would say one of the biggest things everybody should know is that it’s not easy and you’re going to hear no a thousand times. You’re going to have something that you think is the best idea in the world and you’re gonna hear no. You have to keep pushing forward. People might tell you that you can’t sing and your acting sucks. Whatever it is, keep pushing forward no matter what anybody says. You will reach it.

Papa: Perfect your craft. Our generation thinks they have it all figured out. Move forward if you feel it’s right, but also study. Michael Jackson said “Study the greats and become greater.” Without studying and knowing the ins and outs you’re gonna fail.

GMO: What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you in the studio/at a concert?

Jake: There’s a certain...I wouldn’t call her a stalker but she has ‘stalkerish’ tendencies. We’ve experienced a couple of close calls. I can’t give too much info because she might be listening in on the call right now. (laughs) She just does things that makes me think she’s close by when she shouldn’t be that close. She’s supposed to be like thousands of miles away.

GMO: What do you want your fans to know about you?

Papa: We’re gonna keep continuing to give you quality music. I mean, people always say quantity over quality we give both. We’re working on our new EP that should be out the first quarter or early second quarter of 2013. We have new videos, new music, just hard work and dedication. It sounds cliché, but we really work hard to give you what you need

Jake: You can get all of our music on www.jakeandpapa.com for FREE. Also follow us on Twitter @JakeAndPapa...That goes for everything.

Find us on www.facebook.com/JackAndPapa, www.youtube.com/JakeAndPapa and on Instagram @JakeAndPapa.