Problem
Jason Martin (born May 8, 1985), better known by his stage name Problem, is an American rapper. He has released nine mixtapes in his career, the most recent being The Separation, released on June 13, 2013. His debut EP, Understand Me, was released on December 10, 2013. He is best known for his single "Like Whaaat" and for featuring on E-40's "Function".
Problem was born in Würzburg, West Germany and grew up in Compton,
California. He entered the industry writing a verse for a producer & friend Terrace Martin, for a song called "Be Thankful", featured on Snoop Dogg's compilation album The Big Squeeze. The track garnered praise from notable artist such as Nas and Talib Kweli amongst others. Problem began recording records with various West Coast artists such as Daz, Kurupt, Snoop Dogg, and DJ Quik. Problem's first big break was when Snoop Dogg heard a record which was also produced by Terrace Martin called "Neva Hafta To Wurry About That". He went on to write three records on Snoop Dogg's Ego Trippin'
album.
In 2008 Problem and his cousin founded Diamond Lane Music Group. Then in
2009 he signed an unsuccessful two-single major label deal with Universal. However his breakout moment would be when he was featured on E-40's single "Function" along with YG and Iamsu!. Since that time Problem has worked with the various artists such as Jamie Foxx, Game, Kendrick Lamar, Bobby V, 9th Wonder, Chris Brown, Wiz Khalifa, Nipsey Hussle, Warren G, Childish Gambino, Pharrell Williams, Jim Jones, Travis Barker, and John Legend among many others. Over his career Problem has released seven mixtapes. On February 13, 2013, Problem released a collaborative mixtape with Iamsu! titled Million Dollar Afro with guest appearances from Juvenile, Too Short and Omarion.
On June 13, 2013, he released a mixtape titled The Separation with guest appearances from Wale, T.I., Snoop Dogg, Game, Chris Brown, Tank, Tyga and Wiz Khalifa among others. His 2013 song "Like Whaaat," featuring Bad Lucc, peaked at #20 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 singles chart, becoming his most successful song. On July 23, 2013, he released "Say That Then,"
featuring Glasses Malone.
In November 2013, Problem announced that he would release his debut album
independently through Diamond Lane Music Group. He revealed that he would
be primarily producing the album along with League of Starz. On December
10, 2013, Problem released a retail EP called Understand Me, featuring
songs such as "Like Whaaat", "Say That Then" and "Understand Me". Problem
appeared in a branded music video alongside Neil Patrick Harris for the
drink product Neuro in February 2014.