IN CONVERSATION WITH JBEE
Interview by Samo Šajn
North London’s JBEE, a MOBO-nominated British Ghanaian rapper, is renowned for blending UK rap, drill, and melodic storytelling. With viral hits like ‘4AM’ and over half a billion streams, he’s back from an 18-month hiatus with ‘Déjà Vu’, marking an exciting new chapter in his career.
"Déjà Vu" marks your return after an 18-month hiatus. How did this time away from the industry impact your creative process, and how does the track reflect your journey during that time?
I learned to love the craft during this time away. I felt like there was a lot of pressure to top my recent success which I eventually will but I’ve understood it's a marathon not a sprint, you have to enjoy the process rather than forcing it and doing things you don’t want to do as an artist. You have to choose your vision always.
Your sound blends drill, UK rap, and melodic elements. How do you approach merging these genres, and how has your style evolved since your early hits like ‘4AM’ and ‘Next Up’?
Melodic samples/loops are my favourite type of music to work on in the studio, those types of beats make it easier for me to tell a story to my supporters. I feel like I’ve gotten better at putting a story together in song because ‘4AM’ wasn’t really arranged properly compared to a song like ‘Deja Vu’.
You’ve been compared to UK rap giants like Stormzy and Dave. How does it feel to receive that kind of recognition, and do you feel a sense of responsibility to represent the UK rap scene?
I still find it crazy when I get comments like that as I haven’t achieved as much as they have during the time I’ve been in the music game but I guess it’s a great compliment and it must mean musically I am doing something right.
Your lyrics are known for their introspective and raw nature. Can you talk about the themes explored in "Déjà Vu" and what message you hope listeners take away from it?
I want the fans to understand whatever hardship you are going through, it doesn't last forever.
Having performed at major festivals like Wireless and Reading & Leeds, and with a growing global fanbase, how do you stay grounded and connected to your roots amid all your success?
It’s a blessing to have my music being heard globally and shutting down festivals but I’ll forever be humble, success will never change who I’ve been from the day I chose to do music.
You’ve amassed over half a billion global streams, and your music has resonated with a wide audience. What do you think it is about your music and your story that connects with so many people?
I think the authenticity of the story I tell in my music, none of it is fabricated and I tend to talk on real life issues that everyone has or is yet to deal with.
Your Ghanaian heritage and mentorship under Grammy-nominated producer GuiltyBeatz have influenced your music. How do these cultural and professional experiences shape your artistry?
Seeing someone close to me win in the same industry I aspired to be in was pivotal to my career. If GuiltyBeatz was able to do it, I thought I was capable of doing the same and it actually worked for me however, I’ve still got a long way to go. I haven’t been nominated for a Grammy yet.
Looking ahead to 2025, what can your fans expect from you? How do you plan to build on the success of “Déjà Vu” and your already impressive momentum?
All they should expect is consistency as I haven’t been in the past, but I’ve used my time away to study the game & I understand it now.
