Millennials Speak Spotlights: Jazz Anderson
Some of you may know Jazz Anderson as being one of Tami Romans talented daughters and some of you may have been introduced to her as a contestant on the hit show Signed that was on VH1. However, you know her we all know her as a talented female MC breaking barriers to become the next hottest lyricist. I had the opportunity to chat with her to discuss what inspired her to pursue music, her time on the show signed and she dropped some gems for any millennials going after their dreams. Jazz is definitely someone you should keep your eye on. In due time I see her being one of the hottest new Female MC's. Check out our interview below.
AM: What inspired you to get into the field of music?
JA: For me, I've always loved poetry, I've always loved writing. I noticed that when you put literature, your thoughts and poetry into hip-hop beats, which I fell in love at like age twelve, or thirteen then you become a lyricist, you become a rapper. So literally, I think just my love for writing as well as hip-hop music. It just led me to be a rapper.
AM: I love that you write poetry because I love when people incorporate poetry into being a hip-hop artist. I really love that. So what are your thoughts on today's hip-hop industry?
JA: I'm just going to speak from the female perspective of it, you know. The male industry, rap industry, is somewhat easier. For female rappers, I think it's going great. I'm happy that they're allowing more women to kick down the door and get back to what's, what. You have people pay different, you have the parties, then you have the bars then you have those filled with Cardi B, Young MA, Nicki Minaj, and Remy Ma. It's a lane for everybody and that's what I love the most. That commodity helps me if I want to hear some more collaborations between the female industry, for sure but I'm just happy that they're finally getting back in the industry. So I'm Pretty excited.
AM: So let's talk about, I know you were on the show Signed. Do you think being on the show has taught you a little bit more about yourself as an artist?
JA: For sure, I look at everything as a growing experience. So what most people don't know is that show was 3 years ago, I mean, that was a year ago, I'm sorry. [Laughs] There's a lot going on right now but that was a year ago. For me, as an artist, I've grown so much since then. They released the show about two, three months ago and for me, it was like, "that was jazz then", that's not me now. So now when people see me and they hear my music now, they’re like "Oh my god, you've progressed so much” and I think everything if it is not a lesson it's a blessing, but for me, it was both. I got the exposure and at the same time, I learned more about my art. So, yes that show taught me a lot about myself.
AM: I love that if its not a lesson it for sure is a blessing.What are some of the obstacles you have had to face while trying to get into the music industry? Has it been a little harder for you because of who your mom is or do you find it a little easier because of who your mom is?Do you find it hard to make a name for yourself and not be always stamped as Tami Romans daughter..even though your mom is BOMB! I know when trying to make a name for yourself people can tend to make it easier or harder if you have a parent already in the industry.
JA: To that, I'll have to say that I really started taking music seriously and really pushing myself two years ago. So the growth that happened in those two years to me has been great. I've seen some female artists who have been at it longer than myself and have not done what I've done. I can't complain in that aspect, but what I will say is that when it comes to my mom I think it's a pro. For me, it's a pro because I can get in the doors. But, what's going to keep me in the doors is my talent and that's what I will tell people --. Some people feel "oh you had it easier than this person" and I'm like “not really” because from the beginning when they hear Jazz Anderson they automatically think Tami Romans daughter. They already have their preconceived notion. Some people don't even want to give me a chance but then when they finally let me in the door and they see me speaking for myself, I know how to rap, I have the quality, I have the looks, then it's okay "You're pretty good". But it's definitely a humbling experience for me. The doubt that comes with it is what makes me work harder.
AM: Yeah I like that. So I know a lot of artists are taking the independent route. Do you see yourself being independent or do you want to get signed to a label?
JA: I did a distribution deal with Empire. They have some of the biggest names Remy Ma, Fat Joe, Pnb Rock, they have a lot of people under them and really with them, it's just a peace. I like to describe it as a family. They give you that push but they're still somewhat letting you being independent. But, for me at the moment I don't really see the need to sign with an actual label, a major label. I have a great team behind me who I look at as a family. Then there is social media. I've met with some of the biggest A&R and they're like--. Social media is crazy, it's at an all-time high right now. Really, you can put out one video and It can go viral within a week. So why split that money up when you can really just be an independent artist, really grind it and I think that's the greatest part of the process. I have a lot of friends also in the industry and we often say the greatest part is the grind and the hustle. So when you make it, you've made it. So, it's like you're just climbing another piece. Getting to the top is the part I really love. To me it's like, I'll probably stay independent because so far it's going great, this whole process.
AM: Where do you see yourself in the next two years? Where do you see your brand going?
JA: See, I like to show, more than say it because people will be like its been 2 years and you are in the same spot. For me, I hope that God's blessing is just becoming a female MC that people respect and I'm just going to put it like that.I hope I can inspire some other young ladies who want to be a female rapper because I think that's what it is about. Cardi B for me is so inspirational you know. For me it's just all about just being yourself, staying true to yourself, just reaching those goals and being realistic with yourself. For me in two years I see myself, hopefully, getting that respect and some money too (laughs)
AM: So my last question is do you have any advice to give to any millennials currently following their dreams or any advice to any young female artists that are trying to make their way into the industry?
JA: Yeah for sure. I always say this but just stay true to who you are because when you get the victory it will be so much sweeter knowing that you didn't have to sacrifice your morals, your faith or something you believe in. So just stay true to yourself and don't try to be the next person you see making it because we already have that person. We don't need another Nicki, we don't need another Remy, we don't need another Cardi, we don't need another Kanye. You know what I'm saying. Look up and use them as a study guide.You can look at those guys because they did it, they accomplished what you're trying to get at but just understand we don't need another them. So be yourself but with some of their influence. Stay true to who you are, believe in yourself and have faith. You will probably acquire it and if you're 100% on that. There's a lot of people now that do this, this and this, but they don't really have a lane. You have to direct your attention to one thing. Definitely, follow your heart and just stay true to yourself!
Be sure to keep up with Jazz's Journey.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jazzanderson/
Vevo:https://www.vevo.com/artist/jazz-anderson
website:WW.JAZZANDERSON.COM
