Artist Spotlight: jev.
Since the start of the year, jev. has swiftly become a renowned figure among underground rap enthusiasts. With his song "where's the confetti" reigning over the Top 50 Viral song chart and accumulating an impressive 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, it is undeniable that jev. is rapidly ascending to new heights of success.
Born in Africa, jev. spent most of his life in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa before relocating to Canada with his family in late 2019. Though he has been making music since 2009, it wasn't until 2015 that the moniker jev. took shape. Surprisingly, the move to Canada proved beneficial for the young rapper, as it provided him with ample time for creativity and idea generation during the pandemic
At 22 years old, jev. represents the new generation of rap artists influenced by both old school hip-hop and the rap scene of the 2010s. Embracing the resurgence of boom bap drums and chopped-up soul samples, jev. thrives on such instrumentals, showcasing his versatile flows, brilliant wordplay, and energetic delivery. His music carries the echoes of legendary artists like Nas, Joey Bada$$, and Kendrick Lamar, among others, whom he considers as inspirations.
jev.'s most recent release, "who?," showcases a remarkable evolution in his style and storytelling approach. The track diverges from melodic samples, opting for a more tactile and versatile sonic landscape. jev.'s lyrical prowess shines through unconventional wordplay and intermittent ad libs, showcasing a technical skill set that seamlessly blends influences from both classic and contemporary rap. "who?" delves into themes of generational trauma, masculinity, and absent fatherhood, as jev. weaves together vignettes that reflect on his past struggles and contemplate his present identity. With a modern twist on old school flow, jev. firmly solidifies his position as a prominent figure emerging from the next generation of rappers.
Stream “who?” here: https://too.fm/a295onk