Jehzan x Joyskii IG Live Interview

A few nights ago, I was interviewed by Jehzan Exclusive of ON THE DAILY HIP HOP blog, based in Honolulu, via Instagram Live! We talked about the roots of my blog, hip hop as a vehicle for change, the Asian American hip hop community in the Bay Area, being underestimated as womxn in hip hop, tips for artists reaching out to blogs, staying motivated, balancing life, and so much more.

I briefly touched on my most recent blogs, write ups, and album review:

• 5 Asian American DJs to follow on Twitch

• The Mighty Delrokz & The Stacks Record Shop

• Kensho Kuma & the Lineage ov the Lyricist

Prior to going live, Jehzan explained to me that she usually plays a song, or shows a music video, in her IG live sessions, and she offered me to pick a song of my choice. I chose "YGB (Young, Gifted and Brown)" by Rocky G, for its layered history within the sampling and derivatives of Nina Simone's "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black," and Joe Bataan's "Young, Gifted, and Brown." Additionally, I loved the visual layers of storytelling, with clips from home videos, multiple community events that Rocky organized in the Bay Area, as well as his performances in New York. This song is one of my favorites, as it reflects the narratives that Rocky relates on personal levels, and strives to spark through music.

The full interview is available on Instagram and Youtube! Watch here:

Interview timestamp: from 7:10 to 47:52

Follow Jehzan Exclusive @jehzanexclusive | @OTDHIPHOP