What do you know about how they get down in the city?
Somewhere deep within the bustling streets of Seattle, an exciting new voice has emerged in the hip-hop scene.
With a lineage deeply tied to the local hip-hop scene and more than enough ability to do this lineage justice, JWAVY has found a way to carry on her family tradition while carving her own path. As she continues to blaze her trail in the Seattle music scene, JWAVY proves she is the woman to watch, inspiring others to follow her lead and never back down.
Drawing inspiration from her upbringing and guided by her brother's expertise, JWAVY has honed her craft to perfection, delivering a sound uniquely her own. With her smooth vocals and vibrant energy apparent on every release, she’s captivated her listeners with her passion and dynamic presence.
Taking her name inspiration from her high school years and the well-defined musical vision that’s set her apart from her peers, JWAVY continues to prove why she’s one of the most exciting acts in the industry today every time she drops a release.
Perhaps fittingly, JWAVY's latest release, “BEASTMODE,” pays homage to her favorite football player, Seattle Seahawks legend Marshawn Lynch. Over a gritty instrumental that pays homage to the city’s traditional sound, JWAVY radiates confidence as she raps lines like “Shooter to the right/green light yea no cheat code.”
Also featuring her brother MARIBASED1 and a music video that sees JWAVY’s infectious charisma practically leak from the screen as she raps against the backdrop of Seattle’s city lights, “BEASTMODE” is an all-around exciting release.
With her smooth lyrical flow and infectious energy, JWAVY is not just any hip-hop artist; she’s a force to be reckoned with and a rising star. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream JWAVY’s new release, “BEASTMODE,” on all majour streaming platforms. Check out the music video on YouTube as well.
Welcome to Buzz, JWAVY! We loved “BEASTMODE,” and love how you pay homage to your city! We had to ask what it was like to make this release. Could you take us through the creative process?
Thank you! I appreciate the support! Making BEASTMODE itself was a song that, believe it or not, was put together sort of like a puzzle piece. My verse on the song was originally created for an open verse challenge on Instagram, I was feeling, but eventually, it went into the vault. One day, I was writing and came up with the hook to BEASTMODE. I found the beat I thought fit for it, produced by DJ FunkDaddy, and boom, BEASTMODE was created. Originally I went to record the song solo with the help of my big bro Maribased1 but once he heard the song he immediately wanted to hop on it. It definitely pushes us both at the end of the day.
When it came to the visuals, I was able to work with the talented Ife, aka Video Dope Dealer, and his team out in Eugene, Oregon. We were able to come up with some dope visual ideas together and make it all come to life. It was a lot of fun shooting the video. Being able to bring my first single to life with its own music video is an unmatched feeling. It's a memory I will keep forever, especially being able to do it with two of my biggest musical influences, my big bro Maribased1, and my dad, Mr. Benjamin.
Who were your biggest musical inspirations growing up, and how did they affect your music?
Besides my dad and big brother Maribased1, I really grew up on Missy Elliot, Ciara, Keisha Cole, Nicki Minaj, and Soulja Boy, to name a few. Growing up, I didn’t know that I would pursue music, so I never really paid attention to why I considered an artist my favorite. But looking back at it now, I definitely draw from those favs in my music today.
Missy was simply ahead of her time and so different and in her own lane, and I implemented some of that in my own work. I love to be different from everyone else, especially against my competition. When it comes to the content of my music, I definitely shy away from the typical sex talk, drugs, gang influence, and so on that a lot of rap artists blow up from. Instead, I like to keep it true to myself and who I am as a person and keep my lyrics catchy and memorable while simultaneously relatable to the greater public.
What’s been your favorite part of your musical journey thus far?
My favorite part of my musical journey so far will no doubt be performances. Whether it’s concerts, club appearances, showcases, or open mics, I love to perform and showcase my music. This is my favorite part of my musical journey because it brings validation to me that my artwork is good.
Right now, nine times out of ten, I’m performing in front of people who don’t know me from Adam and Eve. So when I can have those same people in the audience chanting my name and saying my lyrics with me, it’s the FIRST TIME they’ve ever heard my music. Man, it’s a feeling I can’t even describe. It’s a feeling that fuels my drive to keep going, honestly.
What goals do you want to achieve through your music?
I want to become a multi-platinum female rap artist of the next generation of Seattle music to blow up the mainstream. That’s the biggest goal I have for myself when it comes to my music. And I want to blow up organically, where my music can touch everybody so when people think of JWAVY, they automatically think of a God-fearing young woman who really spits bars with a northern flow so versatile that JWAVY is someone who can create songs for everyone out there, not just a specific group of people.
I aim to shine a more positive light on the stigma around rap and hip-hop music. And that a person doesn’t have to pretend to be someone they’re not to be successful in the rap game. See, I graduated from the University of Washington, I’m entrepreneurial-minded and own my own business; I’m a leader in my community mentoring teens and young adults. You can even say I’m a square, yes, but definitely not no punk. All that being said, that’s not stopping me from staying true to who I am while also pursuing my musical dreams and letting my talent speak for itself.
What’s next for JWAVY, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
My album WAVESZN is dropping soon, on May 10th, and will be available on all platforms. Pre-sale is available now, and I’ll drop the link below. Stay on the lookout for new music videos soon with songs off my upcoming album. Other than that, I have some performances lined up this summer, so my fans can stay tuned for more info as they come closer.
And to my fans, I appreciate all the love and support you’ve given me thus far. Believe me when I say y’all love does not go unnoticed. I wouldn’t be doing the things I’m doing if it wasn’t for y’all, and that’s real.