RESPECT. Interview: Get Familiar With Jawga Boi

Photo Credit: UMA Marketing

Jawga Boi has been putting in work in the South’s underground hip hop scene for years. His album Cut From A Different Cloth has not only introduced his music to fans east and west, but it’s given us a glimpse of his potential to become the his region’s biggest name.

Let’s talk about the evolution of your music. How do you feel you have grown as an artist since your debut?I’ve grown as an artist because now I focus on having substance in my music. When you turn on the radio today, you hear a lot about cars, drugs, and money. I’m not against any rapper who takes that route in music, I just choose to bring more substance to entertain my listeners.

Do you feel that social media helps or hurts artists break into the industry?I think social media really helps. People want to see what your life is really like. They want to know if you’re living what you’re rapping about. It’s an open avenue for people to accept or reject you. Social media is a good trend.

You never get involved in attention seeking gimmicks, allowing your music to speak for itself. What are your thoughts on clout chasing?Clout chasing is for suckas! That’s all there is to it. In my opinion, clout chasing is using other people’s success for your gain. So, it shows you’re not ready for the industry.

The South has become a dominant force in hip hop. How does it differ from other regions?The south has lyricists, and people who can make club music, trap music, and real-life music. We can make any type of music down here. So, compared to music from coast to coast, the south is like the melting pot for hip hop.

Who are some of the artists who inspired you?

Jeezy, Rick Ross, T.I., I take a lot from many artists. I like Rakim, he’s my favorite artist. Bun B. is another one of my favorites. I just love music and anybody who listened to music from the 90s is going to like these artists. E. Slum, a rapper from Valdosta who passed away, put me in the game. He is another artist who really inspired me.

What do you look for when it comes to beats for your projects?
I look for stuff that will make a hit. I listen to the instruments in the beats and I look for beats that move me. I try to make the audience feel what I feel. There is not one main thing. If the instruments catch my attention, I feel like I can make anybody listen to my music.

Are you looking to expand your brand beyond music?
I appreciate my label, Lil Boyz Entertainment, for giving me a platform and supporting my music. Yes, my brand is already expanding. I am a brand ambassador for One Roq Vodka and I also own an apparel store called Tyght Wurk Customs where I customize t-shirts and other pieces. I hope to continue to expand into movies and television.

Share what our readers can expect from you in the immediate future.
I plan to release a new single in the next few months followed by a new album. So, for now, I’m still pushing my current album, Cut from a Different Cloth. The project is available on all major platforms; Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, Youtube Music, Deezer etc.. You can follow me on Instagram: @iamjawgaboi , Twitter: @iamjawgaboi, Facebook: William Davis (Jawga Boi)