Rapper JPhilippe represents Jersey with as much chirpiness as the state bird American Goldfinch. She also represents womanhood and individuality. “I’m not following any crowd,” she raps during a live stage performance at the First Republic Lounge in Elizabeth, New Jersey. “I’m just trying to make my parents proud/They think I got my heads up in the clouds,” she continues in what are the opening lines in her aptly-titled track “Clones”.
It’s clear from her stage presence that she’s no clone. She’s a prototype, actually. Dressed in a glittery, body-hugging gown that an R&B singer singing at Madison Square Garden would don, and with her hair up in a bun, the MC spits lyrical truth after lyrical truth.
But that’s just JPhilippe on stage. When listening to one of her tracks, it’s hard not to picture her grasping her mic, with an unperturbed expression on her face.
On JPhilippe’s latest song “Bad Apple”, every other line sounds like a personal development book chapter on its own. “Don’t ask for a good girl just to do her dirty”, she says giving a mini-sermon on romantic relationships. Next, she tackles colorism: “You want a red-bone/but I’m black everyday.” Oh, and gender equality too: “I’m from Adam’s rib/But I deserve a bigger plate/…To keep you on your toes/I keep dancing ballet.” And she even has some psychological self-evaluation too: “I got a good heart/Sometimes I wear on my sleeves/When I’m too kind/Too kind/They turn around and punish me.”
In Part One of the interview with JPhilippe, we discussed her latest tracks, and the so-called Jersey sound. This time around, we talk about the land of her parents, and the correlation between personal pain and creativity.
Kreyolicious: And regionally speaking…what do you think of the music scene?
The music scene is ever evolving. It is spontaneous so you never know what direction it will go in or what will be the new popular wave. Regionally, I have made a name for myself and I am proud of that. I am proud of all the artists around me who are carving they own lane and being true to their art.
Above: Rapper J. Philippe in a moment of reflection. Photo Credit: Jefly Joubert Photography. Make up by Chile.
Kreyolicious: As the daughter of Haitian immigrants, do you feel inspired by Haitian music at all?
Absolutely. My sister loves konpa, so she is always playing it around the house. I grew up listening to Haitian music in my household all the time.
Kreyolicious: You’ve been to Haiti?
Yes. I’ve gone twice this year alone. Haiti is where my heart is. Whenever I am there, I feel like this is truly where my home is because that is where my heart is. I feel connected to my roots. The beautiful views, rich culture, and delicious food keeps me coming back.
Kreyolicious: Marvin Gaye reportedly made an album when he was going through a painful divorce. Hip-hop lore has it that The Fugees created their classic The Score in a hot studio, with all the members being next to broke. And the rapper Kanye West endured a bear fatal accident before his breakthrough. When you think about all the EPs you’ve released, which was created under the most strenuous circumstances?
I would say my album The Philosophy of Philippe was created under the most strenuous circumstances. I had just came back from visiting family in Haiti. It was 2012 and I was at a crossroads in my music career and personal life. I came back from Haiti being frustrated about my relationship with my father…how strained it was—and some things he did while I was in Haiti with him that I did not like. I was not receiving the kind of support and backing I needed from the NJ music crew I was associated with at the time. I made a decision on a whim to move to ATL a few months after coming back from Haiti. I released that project two weeks before I moved. It was a hectic time in my life, but it made for great music. That time really helped me build my character.
Kreyolicious: Getting out of your comfort zone always reaps fruit. What’s next for you?
I just released a new single called “Bad Apple” on SoundCloud and I will continue to release singles until one of them catches on to a major audience! I am revamping my logo, website, and shooting music videos for “Great” and “Syrup” within the next month or two. Staying productive and creative!
This concludes PART TWO of my interview with JPhilippe. CLICK HERE if you missed PART 1.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT JPhilippe’s YOUTUBE CHANNEL | J. PHILIPPE ON SOUNDCLOUD | VISIT J. PHILIPPE’S WEBSITE
