RESPECT. Interview: Jennifair - Chi Town’s Legend in the Making - RESPECT.

Recently RESPECT. had the opportunity to interview singer, rapper, and songwriter, Jennifair. This songful songbird hails from the Southside of Chicago and currently resides in Brooklyn, NY. Jennifair admits New York is a tough crowd to move when it comes to performances, however she’s been shown nothing but love since she’s been here. Currently signed to Mogul Media Records, Jennifair is certainly authentic when it comes to her artistry. Growing up, her father, who is also an artist, introduced her to a variety of music genres (How many rappers do you know can say they were influenced by the Beatles?).

Jennifair began writing songs at the age of 14 and began her music career at around 16. Her current single “Pick Up Lines” is a smooth Ballard that will send chills down your spine. If you are a fan of old school R&B, this single will definitely not disappoint you. Her smooth melodies, mesmerizing vocals, and raw lyrics tell a story with each song she puts out. Weather she is singing, rapping, songwriting, or doing poetry, Jennifair is destined to prove why she is here to stay.

RESPECT.: The song “Pick Up Lines” is produced by Rick St Hilaire correct? What was the inspiration behind the song?

“Pick Up Lines” is produced by O’Brian Music. The inspiration behind the song came from just feeling out the beat. It gave me an old school, crooner feel. I just imagined trying to talk to somebody on the street and not knowing what to say.

RESPECT.: You are currently an independent artist, do you have any intentions on going major if the opportunity presents itself?

At the moment, I don’t have any intentions on going major. If the right opportunity presents itself, I’m not opposed.

RESPECT.: Your influences include Sade, Brandy, Anita Baker, and Lauryn Hill, any others either current or past?

My influences also include Missy, Kanye West, J. Cole, Beyoncé, Eminem, Big Sean, Solange, Janelle Monae, Chris Brown…..to name a few.

RESPECT.: When did you start to take your music career seriously? Were there any life changing events that occurred to push you in this direction?

I actually took it seriously when I moved to New York from Chicago in 2014. I always wanted to move to New York. I decided to pack everything up and move here.

RESPECT.: You are a singer and a rapper. What obstacles do you face in this male dominated industry?

It’s a male dominated industry so a lot of the times, female R&B/Hip-Hop artists aren’t taken seriously or they are overlooked. I had to really focus on my craft, be the best i can be, and hope that the public loves what they hear. I’m still doing that.

RESPECT.: Who would you love to collaborate with, male or female, independent or major?

I would love to collaborate with Brandy, Rihanna, Chance the Rapper, Future, Jhene Aiko, Childish Gambino. I would love to write music for major artists also.

RESPECT.: What makes you different or stand out from other female artists?

What makes me different is just being myself. My voice is unique. My style stems from a lot of my influences growing up. I have a very diverse taste in music. From listening to the Beatles all the way over to Motown, classical, jazz, etc. You name it, I’ve heard it. I’m not trying to be or sound like anyone else. I’m just trying to be the best person I can be. I believe that makes me different.

RESPECT.: When I listen to your music I hear either pain or a strong passion for something. How has growing up in Chicago influenced your music and sound? Does NYC influence your music and sound as well?

Growing up in Chicago gave me so much to talk about. I love speaking about my life, my struggles, my pain, my happiness, my life. From my accent to the way I dress, everything about me reflects my home. Moving to New York just gave me the best of both worlds. Two major cities, completely different. I’m starting to pick up on NY’s style and walks of life. In Chicago you have a certain style of music. In NY you have a certain style of music. I’m having fun blending the two.

RESPECT.: Do you have a musical mentor?

I have a few. My father has always been a great mentor. He’s a singer and a musician so all my life I’ve been around and involved with music. I have Tim Mogul and PreedomWorld who have been teaching me a lot about the industry and schooling me musically.

RESPECT.: What is your opinion on the current state of Hip-Hop & R&B, particular the Trap Music sub-genre? A lot of artists use auto tune; Do you feel that the extensive use of auto tune makes it difficult for certain artists to be recognized?

My opinion is that I like the direction music is going. I almost feel like new genres are being created and there are a lot more artists not afraid to express themselves however they want. Auto Tune has always been used so I don’t see an issue with anyone being recognized. Even though it’s being used a lot now, you can still distinguish who is who. People copy and bite styles. That’s what makes it hard to be recognized. I don’t think the effect has anything to do with it.

RESPECT.: What projects and/or music are you currently working on?

I’ve been working on my album A Tale of 2 Cities for the past 3 years. We’re at the last stretch. If it all goes well, we’ll be releasing it at the end of the summer. I’m looking to drop my next single “Me and You”, which has gotten really good reviews, within a month.

Check out the video for “Pick Up Lines” and tell us know what you think! Also be sure to check out Jennifair’s cover to Bryson Tiller’s “Exchange” Here.