In Hip Hop, the north and the south (kinda like Game Of Thrones) has had a very public love/hate relationship. Oftentimes if an artist is great enough, they can get a seal of approval and cross over to their opposing region. However, what happens when the worlds meet? Insert Jaquae, an artist who is a manifestation of the sound we love from the south with the swag we cherish from the north. His music is challenging what we expect from both sides, making him a breath of fresh air at a time in music where identity means everything.
Jaquae was born in Harlem, New York and raised in South Carolina. In his music the two worlds present themselves through melodic flows and bass bumping production. Add in lyrics and visuals that showcase his story-telling skills and wallah: Jaquae presents more than just a song, he makes his music come alive with storytelling elements that set him apart.
The emerging talent’s latest release is a track titled “Brody,” which follows his previous releases “My Pieces Hittin,” “Big Booty Judy,” and “THAT’S HARR.” All of the tracks deliver the punch Jaquae is becoming known for. His next mixtape You’ll See… is set to drop this August. After chopping it up with Jaquae, it’s clear to see that entertainment is his forte and making music people want to hear is his gift.
How did you get started?
I always had a passion for music, so initially I started as a dancer. Then I became a backup dancer for a local artist named Jason Fox from Harlem, who had a record out called the “Aunt Jackie.” Later I discovered I had a passion for promoting new talent, which then turned into me falling in love with the craft itself. I wanted to become an entertainer.
When did you realize it was more than just a hobby or a passion?
The day I realized it became a passion is when I started recording. To see how my voice resonated on record was amazing to me. I fell in love with the process and that in itself was a high I didn’t want to come down from.
How do you describe your sound?
I would say my sound is versatile. My beat selections are really dope and I love heavy bass, fused with R&B. Most of my music is melody/Hip Hop-trap driven and random, so you will never know what to expect from me. You will definitely hear more of that on my album that’s soon to come.
Who are your influences? What is some advice that has stuck with you?
My influences musically are Michael Jackson, James Brown, Prince, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Ludacris and Nelly, among others. James Brown danced like no other, so I try to incorporate my dancing ability in my performances. Puffy, he’s a true entertainer on stage and knows how to capture a crowd, and of course Ludacris’ ability to be creative with his music, videos, and acting. These people give me inspiration still to this day to win! And advice that has stuck with me is to never give up even when it seems like there are no other options.
What do you hope people take away from your music?
I hope people get a great vibe when they listen to my music and appreciate what’s real. I want them to feel my energy and keep my energy with them forever.
How long have you been doing what you do?
I’ve been an entertainer since I was young, maybe around three years old, trying to hit those Michael Jackson moves. I mean what I do is in my blood. I love what I do. I love the process and I love music.
Is there an early memory you’d like to share about getting into your craft?
I remember being made fun of when I was recording my first song. They made fun of the lyrics and the melody I came up with and I hated that! But the fact that I am here, where I’m at in my career is proof that I can do it. I worked hard and I’m still perfecting my craft.
How has social media influenced your music and reach?
Social media keeps me updated with what’s going on today in the world. It’s like my daily newspaper. Musically it helps me be more creative. It’s an outlet to promote my music. I love it.
For more from Jaquae, you can follow him here.
