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One opportunity can change how people look at an independent artist.
For Seattle’s JWAVY, being unexpectedly called onstage by LaRussell at Fremont Friday became one of those moments.
LaRussell had never heard her rap. There was no guarantee of what was going to happen when she touched the stage. But JWAVY understood the opportunity and delivered in front of her hometown crowd.
Now the moment adds to a story that already includes chart success, BET Jams, radio rotation and a growing catalog led by her EP WAVESZN.
JWAVY’s government name is Jasmine Smith. Coming from the west side of Seattle, Washington, she has developed a musical identity based around authenticity and what she calls the “Northern flow.”
Her style is not about trying to become somebody else.
“I’d say my delivery, cadence, authenticity and style we like to call the Northern flow along with the attitude displayed in my music is what makes me stand out and leaves people with something to remember,” she explained. “All while staying true to myself.”
That sound can be heard throughout WAVESZN, pronounced “Wave Season.”
The project includes collaborations with her brother and fellow Seattle artist Maribased1 on “Beastmode,” “Sunset,” and “BS.”
Their collaborative history extends beyond the EP.
JWAVY and Maribased1 also have the popular single “Love Me,” which helped JWAVY make her debut on BET Jams. She is featured on Maribased1’s 48 oz’s album as well, appearing on records such as “Slide” and “Aquafina.”
Then there is “Broke Boi.”
The single became a major accomplishment for JWAVY when it reached No. 1 on Amazon Music’s Movers & Shakers chart and peaked at No. 28 on the iTunes Hip-Hop chart. The song has also received radio rotation across Texas.
“Broke Boi” focuses on the stereotypical male who tries to pretend he is a baller to impress a woman.
Her single “Summertime” delivers a different feeling.
Created as a feel-good summer anthem, the record is about enjoying the sun and appreciating the day, whether someone is riding alone or connecting with friends. The song recognizes that summer has both good and bad moments, while its overall message is about freedom, fun, and making memories with the people who matter most.
Both records are included on WAVESZN.
But JWAVY’s Fremont Friday performance gave people another way to understand who she is as an artist.
“My experience on stage with LaRussell was such a surreal moment,” she recalled.
JWAVY says LaRussell showed her the importance of allowing other people to shine.
“He showed me that it’s okay to allow others to shine and how important it is to continue showing love to everyone and that your light will never go dim by supporting the next, it’ll only add to it.”
The crowd’s reaction was equally important.
“The love I received at Fremont Friday in my own backyard was amazing and really pushed me to keep giving music my all,” she said.
JWAVY said LaRussell had never heard her rap before that moment.
“For him to take a chance on me I knew I had to seize the moment,” she said.
She described his reaction while she performed as looking like a “proud big brother.”
“The love I received from him and the crowd was top tier,” JWAVY said. “That moment became a core memory that I’ll never forget.”
For an independent artist, those moments matter.
JWAVY continues pushing forward with a simple message representing both herself and her city:
“Seattle music is real this ain’t a game it’s a movement!!!!”
Listen to JWAVY’s WAVESZN EP on Apple Music:
Follow JWAVY:
Instagram: @jwavy28
Facebook: Jwavy Jwavy
TikTok: @jwavy28official & @theejwavy28
Websites:
www.seamusicisreal.com
www.smiredfoundation.org
The post Will JWAVY Be LaRussell’s Next Artist to Watch? Seattle Rapper Turns One Opportunity Into a Statement appeared first on The Hype Magazine.
