When LaRussell called Seattle artist JWAVY to the stage at Fremont Friday, he had never heard her rap before. JWAVY knew that meant there was only one thing to do: seize the moment.
The performance became what she now describes as a “core memory,” but it also placed another spotlight on an artist who was already building momentum through charting music, BET Jams exposure, radio rotation, collaborations, and her WAVESZN EP.
So, should LaRussell sign JWAVY?
Born Jasmine Smith, JWAVY — pronounced “J-Wavy” — represents the west side of Seattle, Washington.
Her approach to music is centered around delivery, cadence, authenticity, style, and a sound she calls the “Northern flow.” For JWAVY, maintaining her own identity is an important part of everything she releases.
“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,” JWAVY said. “All while staying true to myself.”
Family has also been part of her musical journey.
JWAVY has recorded several collaborations with her brother, Seattle artist Maribased1. He appears on “Beastmode,” “Sunset,” and “BS” from WAVESZN. Their popular collaboration “Love Me” helped introduce JWAVY to a wider audience when she made her BET Jams debut.
She is also featured on Maribased1’s album 48 oz’s on songs including “Slide” and “Aquafina.”
JWAVY has generated her own chart activity as well.
“Broke Boi” reached No. 1 on Amazon Music’s Movers & Shakers chart and peaked at No. 28 on the iTunes Hip-Hop chart. The record has also rotated on radio across Texas.
The meaning behind the track is straightforward: “Broke Boi” speaks about the stereotypical man attempting to act like a baller in order to impress a woman.
“Summertime” shifts the energy.
JWAVY created the record as a feel-good song about vibing in the sun and enjoying the day, whether alone or surrounded by friends. It acknowledges the highs and lows of summer but ultimately focuses on freedom, fun, and creating lasting memories with the people closest to you.
Then came the LaRussell moment.
“My experience on stage with LaRussell was such a surreal moment,” JWAVY said. “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.”
Performing in front of her hometown crowd made it especially significant.
“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.
Because LaRussell had never heard her rap, JWAVY viewed his invitation as a genuine chance being given to an independent artist.
“LaRussell never heard me rap before and for him to take a chance on me I knew I had to seize the moment,” she said.
She remembers his reaction as looking like a proud big brother while she rocked the stage.
“The love I received from him and the crowd was top tier,” she said. “That moment became a core memory that I’ll never forget.”
Whether another collaboration or opportunity eventually follows, JWAVY says she will always appreciate LaRussell for supporting an independent artist and allowing her an opportunity to shine.
Meanwhile, WAVESZN provides listeners with a chance to hear what JWAVY is building.
Listen to WAVESZN on Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/waveszn-ep/1732069356
Follow JWAVY:
Instagram: @jwavy28
Facebook: Jwavy Jwavy
TikTok: @jwavy28official & @theejwavy28
