Groovy Jo On The Power Of Confidence In Music
Groovy Jo’s chosen stage name is befitting for someone who never misses a beat.
A rich vocal timbre and measured, audacious bars have been delivering the heat since early July when Groovy Jo dropped the deluxe edition to her album, ‘The Groovy Way’. It’s the type of project that allows Groovy Jo to ferociously flex her muscle, recklessly obliterating anything in her way. On ‘imagine’, she warned us: ‘Talking about calling truce/I ain’t got service/don’t know who that is/’. With each of the five new songs on the deluxe, Groovy continues her story of unrelenting conquest, claiming the top as the only destination, and herself the only worthy contender with masterful finesse. Hard beats supplied by the likes of frequent collaborator K6 lay the ground for Groovy to jump into the ring and land some impressive punches at all turns, reminding us why she deserves her triple ‘best female’ nominations at the Unkut awards, and the unraveling surety of bigger things to follow.
Groovy’s star quality is undeniable. Her infectious energy, sharp witted humour and boisterous love for anyone she comes across makes for a captivating entertainer on and off stage. We had the pleasure of chatting with her about all things rap, empowerment and her plans for her career. She dropped gems on what it takes to be a great rapper, and the complicated but beautiful relationship between music and confidence.
What's one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?
I do amazing accents and impressions. When I meet people I’m either very animated or very quiet. I'm an ambivert so I'm never just in between. I also blame that on being a Gemini.
How did you discover your rapping talent?
I think I was in class 6. My sisters used to rap around me a lot but I didn’t catch on until later. My elder sister, Metabell, is my inspiration because when I was a kid, she used to rap all the Tupac songs and I thought she was so cool. Then when I was around 12 or 11, I heard Nicki Minaj for the first time and I knew I wanted to be a rapper. I rapped all her songs and I’d go to school and perform for everyone. It became habitual and in high school I got into a group with two other girls and we used to rap and sing.
Who's the greatest rapper of all time?
Okay, first and foremost, I have to take it back. I used to be a Tupac stan but honestly it’s because I never really gave Biggie a chance- my sister just shoved Tupac down our throats! (laughs) But when I listened to Biggie and Jay… Biggie might be the greatest rapper of all time. JayZ and Kanye too- to me those are the three greatest rappers of all time, and then after that it’s Nicki Minaj, Kendrick & Eminem. Locally Nyashinski is the G.O.A.T.
Freestyle vs structured writing session?
I love structured sessions but I’ve been hanging out with my Goonies, my fans, who freestyle a lot and they’ve been helping me because I feel like I’m not a good freestyler. When I’m around them the energy really comes through. I have been working hard on it because as a rapper, it’s not obligatory but you have to know how to freestyle.
What are the optimal conditions for a Groovy Jo writing session?
I like good vibes. I don't like a lot of people at the studio but I work with whatever is there. Optimally I prefer having just one or two people around, a little bit of drinks and cool energy. I also love writing at home when I’m alone.
In your opinion, what makes a good rapper?
To be a good rapper, you have to believe in what you are saying. There are rappers who might not have the best content out there but deliver it with so much confidence that people connect to it. Confidence makes the best rap. Cadence is also important- you need to be understood. You need to articulate your words and be commanding. Also, a good rapper practises a lot. A good rapper is observant and very keen. You have to be smart, well read and up to date on current affairs so that you can be relatable. A good rap has bars. If you're not giving us bars, what's the point of rapping?
Why are themes of empowerment and confidence important to you?
I grew up very, very shy and quiet and I still have my moments. What makes me say all these things in my music is to remind myself of how far I've come in terms of my confidence. I will never let someone break my spirit when it comes to my music. When you listen to my music, you're hearing this aggressive person saying she's the best, giving you bars and uplifting women. That's what I always wanted to feel growing up, but didn't have. I was very awkward. So now with my music, I just want to empower whoever hears the song so that they can always get confidence from my music.
Why did you decide to make a deluxe and how did the experience differ from the initial album?
I decided to do a deluxe because I felt like the music I was making after my debut album 'The Groovy Way' was its continuation. It sounds different but it’s the same vibe and energy. I wanted to give people four or five songs where I'm really going off and showing them that same energy from 'The Groovy Way'. I see The Groovy Way as my planet and the deluxe is a different side of the planet with a lot of hard tracks. I wanted to finish that body and now it feels complete.
A word of advice for female emcees?
Don't give up. I gave up so many times, I understand. It's so hard being a woman in this industry but we need to remind ourselves that many have made it before us. Keep going, because it never feels like it’s getting easier but eventually it shall, no matter how long it takes. For me, I don’t have a formula but I just try to do what I love.
What's the wildest dream you have for your music?
It's always been a dream of mine to sell out Madison Square Garden, rocking my music and having all these different people from all over the world coming in to see me and appreciate my music. I know they say ‘shoot for the stars and aim for the moon’ but I’m shooting for the stars and I know that I’ll get those stars.
Another dream is that I've always wanted to work with Nasty C. He’s my idol and he’s taught me so much.
Stream The Groovy way (Deluxe Edition) and follow Groovy Jo
