Hip Hop Crush: Jazzmyn Red
Jazzmyn RED is a passionate, driven artist hailing from Taunton, Mass. who blends her talents of poetry, singing, and rhyming to create music that has a message.
Here’s another Crush featuring a 2020 One Night Band alum! I love listening to and discovering new artists when getting ready to book ONB, but I can’t do it on my own and I’ve gotta reach out to producers, promoters, and friends every once in a while to find out what they’re listening to and get their recommendations. Lisa Finelli of Xperience Creative is always on board to give me a few names, and Jazzmyn was one that she put me in touch with this time.
It’s worth noting that Jazzmyn had a show scheduled for this coming weekend at The Jungle in Somerville, but due to the need for social distancing during the COVID 19 pandemic that show has been postponed. It’s a dark time for creatives right now, so check out her deal below and do whatever you can to support her and others while we get through this. On that same note, if you’re an artist or music adjacent person who is being impacted by this stuff (or if you know one), get in touch and we’ll get you crushed too. Spread the word.
Let's start at the beginning. Can you give us some background on your come up and journey so far?
I started rapping when I was 7 years old and I started singing when I was 10. My Dad was an MC and he inspired me to get started and I wrote my first rap. It was pretty good for a seven year old and I just took off from there. I created my first mix tape, Caught REDhanded, in 2013 when I was 21 and a college student. My friend and mentor Carlos Rivera was definitely a driving force and a motivator for me. When it was hard for me to secure studio time, he opened up his studio to me for free as long as I could get to Providence, RI. I did every show I could find and got on any mic I could get my hands on. Sometimes even doing 3 shows in one night. The year I created my album, Writing HERstory, was the same year I lost Carlos, he was murdered. His killer still has not been brought to justice. When I dropped my album in 2017, I promised myself that I would go as hard as possible for both myself and Carlos. Writing HERstory was my introduction to the world about who I am as an artist and it has brought many accolades including 2017 Album of the Year at the New England Hip Hop Awards, 2018 Hip Hop Act of the Year at the NEMA, and my single of the album “Positive Vibes Only” reached number one on college radio for several consecutive weeks. My sophomore album REDvolution is set to launch in time for this election year 2020. It will be an ode to my ancestors, the Civil Rights Movement, and Hip Hop as a vehicle for social change and justice.
What are people gonna see when they go to one of your shows?
People will see Hip Hop in its truest form; peace, love, unity and having fun! They are going to hear music that is going to make them feel something inside and they are going to leave feeling inspired.
You've got carte blanche to put together a show in Boston. Who else is on it with you and where are you playing?
Wow, great question! I see a night of music with an array artists coming together for a cause that is important to all of us. My dream ticket would be me, STL GLD, and Seefour opening for KRS ONE.
What other Boston artists are you crushing on lately?
Stormstress, Genie Santiago, and Najee Janey