Meet DMV Trailblazer, JABBAGOTDAJUICE
Hailing from the DMV, JABBAGOTDAJUICE sets out to prove that she has a reign like no other with her distinctive sound and aesthetic. The eccentric artist delivers massive versatility as she develops her sound and approach to music as an alternative rapper.
Alternative music has evolved throughout the years, taking up space in the rap and hip-hop genres. Since the late 1980’s many talented artists and groups like A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, KRS-One, The Pharcyde, Souls of Mischief, and Freestyle Fellowship have paved the way for themselves within this sector of the rap and hip-hop culture. The subgenre has risen and fallen in terms of popularity, producing classical hits from groups like the Fugees in the 1990s. Within the past decade, however, several male artists have flourished within this sub-genre, particularly Kid-Cudi, Tyler, the Creator, Kendrick Lamar, and Childish Gambino.
With the resurgence of women in rap and hip-hop, it is no surprise that female artists are creating space for themselves as alternative creators. We have graciously seen more prolific female artists produce amazing music within the subgenre, like Lauryn Hill and Jean Grae. Thanks to their contributions to the culture, they have created a solid foundation for exceptional and talented newer artists such as Doechii, Rico Nasty, Tierra Wack, Leikeli, Tkay Maidza, Sampa the Great, Little Simz, and the upcoming artist JABBAGOTDAJUICE.
JABBAGOTDAJUICE is just getting started and has already amassed a significant following since 2021, after officially releasing her first EP, Ashtray Tapes, Vol. 1 on Spotify and Apple Music.
Drawing inspiration from Avril Lavigne, Hayley Williams, Missy Elliot, Nicki Minaj, and Aaliyah, JABBAGOTDAJUICE delivers versatility with ease through tracks like “Don’t Touch” which offers tranquil vibes. However, songs like “Free Smoke” from her EP, and the single “Blazin’” implement more hype and audacious elements. After songwriting throughout her prepubescent years, the young artist chose to consider a career in music after her 2018 single, “Flava Freestyle” gained attention on SoundCloud. Since then, she has dedicated her time to developing her craft.
Along with passionately pursuing music, JABBAGOTDAJUICE is an adamant advocate for mental health. In September 2021, she launched her official mental health campaign on Instagram which can be found at @BetterMeUniversity. She uses the platform as an outlet to motivate others with a message and affirmation for each day.
On November 11, On the Flip Side had the pleasure of hosting an interview with JABBAGOTDAJUICE.
How do you prepare for shows and performances?
“My preparation process is different now, I used to have stage fright but now I try to get those nerves out. I visualize myself performing and the performance being successful. I also try to turn up and keep the energy going, I also smoke.”
What does it mean to have a team behind you as an artist?
“At first I didn’t understand the importance of a team and questioned how to build one. I feel like it’s always better when it’s people you know or have known for a while. But for me, I didn’t have those types of connections going into this and it can be kind of difficult once you reach adulthood, so it’s more so about getting yourself out there. It’s based on genuine connections and having people who genuinely believe in me, which is the best team you can have.”
What are your thoughts on the current status of women in rap?
“It seems like everyone wants us to compete, but men don’t go through the same thing. At the end of the day we just need to come together because there’s power in numbers, and we’re shitting on the males and we always have.”
Knowing that Rico Nasty is a DMV native and has put on for the DMV in so many ways, what does it mean to you to already have that representation as an alternative female artist? What would you say is the current status of the underground music scene for artists in the subgenre in the DMV?
“I think Rico is super dope, I definitely think she’s opened the gate for a lot of artists like myself to be able to be alternative and to be broadcasted on a larger scale. I’m proud of her…I feel like the underground artists are in a bubble and we need more opportunities because we’re overlooked even though mainstream people draw inspiration from us because there are so many of us who are very talented.”
What kind of space are you usually in when creating more hard-hitting alternative tracks?
“I’m usually pretty hype and just want to have fun, like at ragers. It might also be a mixture of somebody irritating me, that could be where the aggression comes from.”
How does motherhood inspire you to create music and develop your artistry?
“She inspires me to want to chase my dreams, I’ve always been into music but I was shy and doubted my chances. But when I had her, I decided to be able to at least say that I tried. She also turns up with me and lets me know if it’s a good song. She just makes me wanna try.”
If you’re in the DMV area on December 17, make sure to check out JABBAGOTDAJUICE’s performance at the 7th World Galleria Showcase.
