Raised partly in Gainsville/South Dallas, Swagga Jonez aka Budha, has come to the forefront by uniting a smooth R&B flavor with the thunderous bass and rock-hard lyrics of Rap. His independent label, Off Da Trill Records, has released his debut album, Intro To Budha this summer.

Swagga Jonez aka Budha has contributed to several songs prior to his debut album release. In 2006, he was a featured artist on E-40's album Ghetto Report Card on the track Yee featuring Too Short, produced by Lil Jon. Budha has also worked with other known artists such as Money B, Bun B, Paul Wall, and Sam Bostic (producer of Me Against the World for Tupac).

Budha does not limit himself to music alone; he also has acting aspirations. He appeared in the 2007 independent film Dead Heist as "Mac Henry" alongside E-40, Big Daddy Kane, Turf Talk and Bone Crusher.

Tell us a little bit about your backround... Where are you from and which city you rep?

I rep Gainesville and South Dallas for the simple fact they both contributed to who I am today. I went to school in Gainesville and live with my mom and step father and every other weekend, holidays, and summer I spent in South Dallas with my father. I learned a lot from both spots. Gainesville is more diverse and taught me how to deal with different people and South Dallas is majority minorities and that's where I learned a lot about the streets. In Gainesville gun shots and murders had shock value but in South Dallas it was just another day.

Buddha is a religious persona, why did you choose this name?

I spell my name different then the religion does. They spell it Buddha, I spell mine Budha. That name was given to me as a baby by my uncle Charles. My family, friends, teachers, coaches call me that name more than my government name. I still go by that to show them I haven't changed, I put Swagga Jonez on the name to put a spin on it because there are a lot of rappers named Buddha and I did not want to be confused with them.

In your bio it reads that you are combining rap and R&B. How? Do you sing and rap?

I think I can sing R&B but who don't, nah but seriously, I like writing R&B choruses and bringing in vocalist to bring my vision to life. I worked with some talented vocalist on this album and came out with some heaters. I have a lot of people say to me, "I don't really like rap, but I like these songs". I feel like when you mix R&B and rap together you get more diverse crowds to like your music. I got a song called Come Around featuring Eboni, with spoken words by Shamyra that touches people from all over. The responses I get from that song are real, because it talks about serious situations that we deal with things in life, like growing up homeless, spousal abuse, family in prison, the song is life.

Being a Texas rapper you are facing strong competition. What is your concept of standing out? What is unique about Budha?

I feel no competition outside of myself. Everybody got a lane and I'm not trying to come into no other rapper's lane, I'm just doing me. When you see people as competition a lot of opportunities pass you by, because you are focused on the wrong things. Example, a lot of rappers that are in the position to help others but don't do so because they see them as competition and that hinders the art and the man. My competition is to be my best, set realistic goals and try to exceed expectations. Dallas, TX right now is known for dance songs, I'm bringing lyrics and the concept of storytelling to the forefront. A lot of music is beat driven and lyrics on them have no meaning, it's just a hook and beat so if you heard the acapella you would be like, "That's bullshit they talking about." I try to give you lyrics that make sense, and beats that bang. My album is a 360 degree balance and there is a song on there to fit whatever mood you in.

List some artists that are influencing you in this rap game and why?

Slick Rick because of his storytelling skills back in the days, Run DMC for having the balls to mix rap and rock when it was unheard of. E-40 for his indie hustle and slang game, MC Lyte and Lauren Hill for bringing a women point of view without having to degrade themselves, Michael Jackson because his music had no boundaries and was able to move people, UGK because they came from a small town like I did and got respect on a national stage, they showed us how it was done, Master P for bringing a lot of different exposure to the South and bring it to the forefront like he did, Outkast and Scarface for showing folks that the South can be lyrical. Nas, Eminem, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent for his business mind, The LOX, Jay-Z for being an ultimate hustler, Ludacris, Shawnna, Kandi of the group Xcape for her writing skills, 2Pac, Big Pun, Biggie Smalls, 8Ball & MJG, Skinny Man out of the UK, Sway, Pro Kid out in Africa. I'm influenced by any rappers for keeping Hip-Hop alive so the next generation can get to experience it. I have a lot of others but just too many to name. [laughs]!

You released your debut album Intro To Budha on your independent label Off Da Trill Records. When was it released?

We released it on iTunes on June 9 and in the stores on August 18 and more stores are picking it up. I wanted to make sure it was available all over before pushing it real hard because people lose attention on you fast and if they like it they want it right now instead of having to wait a month after they hear about it.

What is the concept of your debut set and what can Hip-Hop fans expect when buying it?

The name of the album is Intro To Budha. On the front cover I'm sitting at the train stop on a bench in my hometown to symbolize this album is my beginning, this is where I take off from. "See you when I get there" is written on the wall on the cover, that's a message to everybody who played me in this game, who has seen me as strong competition in need of a few favors  that they could have done and made my experience in the industry a whole lot easier. I'm coming! As far as to those who purchase the album, they will get to experience my ups and downs as a person, my sense of humor as an artist and my vision as a storyteller. If they listen to it, and not scam through it, they will feel they know me as a man and understand me as an artist.

Are there any major features on there as far as production and guest spots?

Bun B of UGK, and Paul Wall is a few that people would know. I tried and will continue to mostly work with up and coming artist and producers, that's why I said earlier I try not to see people as competition but as power supply to what I am trying to do. There's enough money for everybody! I like dealing with those who are humble and hungry for success.

Before your freshman CD you were featured on E-40's Ghetto Report Card. How did the two of you link up?

E-40 is my cousin so I called him and he was in Atlanta working on the album and told me to come out there, so I did. They were playing the beat to the song Yee that Lil Jon produced and I grabbed a pen and paper and wrote like a chant that I thought Lil Jon might like and do on the song. 40 heard it and was like you got that voice so you do it. Lil Jon came in the room heard it and liked it and that's how it happened. I learned a lot from that trip. In the studio that night at Stankonia was E-40, Bizarre from D 12, Kandi from the group Xcape and Atlanta housewives, Too Short, Kujo from Goodie Mob, Lil Jon, Pimpin Ken, and everybody was on some humble what up type of shit. You never know when opportunities are going to present themselves. A few days later we went to North Carolina and recorded the movie Dead Heist which I got a little role in as E-40's side man along with Bay Area artist Turf Talk. Big Daddy Kane was there recording his scenes so that shit was crazy, Bone Crusher is in the movie too.

You already worked with big names like Paul Wall, Too Short, Bun B. What are your biggest accomplishments so far?

I think my biggest accomplishment is finishing my debut album and doing it my way. I paid for this album to get it done the right way. I beat odds, I sacrificed, when everybody was popping bottles at the club I was at home rocking my son to sleep with headphones on and writing all at the same time. I didn't crack under pressure. I gave this shit all I had. Whether I win or lose in the public eye, I won because I didn't give up on myself and I can live with that.

What project(s) are you currently working on?

I'm just working with my marketing advisor Daniel Westbrook to try to get the word out that my album is available. I'm doing shows and appearances. If anybody need a feature or need me to do a show get at me info@introtobudha.com.

What can we expect from Budha in the future? What are your goals?

Expect success from me, I'm focused. Expect a humble guy when you approach me. Expect to see me working in the neighborhood and telling kids to stay in school. My goal is to create a strong following and build my label up into the next Universal, or Warner Bros. and to always know what I'm good at and surround myself by people to do what I am not. Failure is not an option.

In the end, let the people know where they can find you...

You can hit me at www.IntroToBudha.com, you can twit me at www.Twitter.com/SwaggaJonez, you can MySpace me at www.myspace.com/YungBudha101. My website has all the social networks I'm on so you can link up to me. Intro To Budha is available now go to the site and check the music out.

You can find the CD at Best Buy, FYE, Sam Goody, iTunes, Napster and many more. My latest single Play Ah, produced by Droop-E, is currently spinning on 95.7 The Beat in Tampa, FL; 92 Jams in Little Rock, AR; Power 103.5 in Oklahoma City, OK; and The Blaze 102.7 Tyler, TX; KJAMZ 105.3 in Tulsa, OK; KNON 89.3 In Dallas, TX; and STAR 106.3 in Abilene, TX.