Hip-hop sensation Genia, a rising star of the iconic record label Def Jam, is captivating audiences with her unique style, honest lyrics, and storytelling. In an exclusive interview, the Victorville native shares insights into her journey, influences, and unique approach to making beautiful and truthful music that matters.
Can you tell us more about your journey as an R&B singer and how it led to the creation of your new EP?
I would say the journey was wild. It all started in my mom’s garage, making TikTok videos. That eventually got me the attention of the label and others as well. I used my journey growing up in Victorville to inspire both EPs. They are both based in my hometown.
R&B is known for its emotive and soulful qualities. How do you infuse your own emotions and experiences into your R&B music?
By experiencing life… My first EP was honestly when I was most determined to get out of the situation that I was in. It showed through the music; it was very fierce. The first version of the second tape got scrapped before it became what it is today. I had a completely different vibe for it, but it didn’t feel like what I was feeling at the moment. I decided to erase the board, start over from scratch, and go based on what I was feeling, which was a lot softer compared to the first tape. I was a little bit softer and more vulnerable… It explores the different stages of grief in a relationship. There’s one song in particular that is very head over heels and in the honeymoon stage, where they can do no wrong. The songs after that are completely different; it’s like you lied to me and betrayed me. On the first tape, I touched on relationship issues, but it was more on the side of motivation and inspiration. For example, in “Introducing” I was just talking about making it out of my hometown. The second tape is really me touching on falling in love, betrayal, anger, and rage.
The music videos that you released for your last “Mixtape, 4 PM In The Ville,” included some very stunning graphics; how do you plan to incorporate more contemporary images into your forthcoming song?
Going based on what I was feeling in that moment, every single video that I made was inspired by something. I feel as if incorporating something that has inspired me and making it my own based on what I have experienced. On the first EP, I homed in on just my hometown. It was black and white to portray what I felt growing up in a small hometown. It’s hard for people to see outside of that. It’s different from being from LA and seeing so many inspiring artists and different creatives. It will truly be based on what I was feeling at the time. I want to show that transformation from the first tape to the second, which is why the second tape will have color.
By incorporating vulnerability into your music, do you believe you are providing your audience with a deeper understanding of you as an artist and your personal journey?
Yes, I truly believe that I am giving them my perspective. Everything that I write is personal, and what I make into a video is as well because I am very hands-on, and I have imagined it. I really believe that they can see what I have imagined in my head.
Your vocals have always been a standout element of your music. How have you honed your vocal skills as an R&B singer over the years?
I have done a lot of singing in my mom’s garage. Honestly, I didn’t have any vocal coaching. Just a lot of practice with the resources that I had growing up—whether that was talent shows, singing the national anthem at my school, or studying up on my favorite artists and how they’re singing and what vocal runs they’re doing. I spent a lot of time putting myself out there, studying, and exploring my voice, especially with my first EP. It was my first time even “sing-rapping.”
The EP features a blend of R&B and other musical elements. How do you find the right balance to create a cohesive and unique sound?
I find the right balance by staying true to myself and doing what feels best. I didn’t want to focus on how the tape should sound before I made it. I just went with the flow of whatever tracks I heard and caught my attention. My inspirations there are mixed up, so it is versatile, just like me. I would try my best to not overthink it and experiment with different things that go along with the tracks.
How do you see your role as an artist in today’s music landscape, and how does this EP contribute to that?
I have always wanted to be more than just a singer. I feel like I can contribute more to the music world not by just my songs and lyrics but my imagination and where I can take videography. I feel like what is kind of missing right now, which was so evident back then, was the creativity in music videos. I am aware that everyone’s attention span is much shorter. I just always loved to make damn near movies in my music videos. I don’t want to change that for anybody, I even want to maybe direct for other people. I contribute to the songwriting space; I am very hands-on with that as well as my videography.
Can you share some of the challenges and achievements you’ve encountered as an artist along your career path?
I have always been a versatile artist, and sometimes it is hard for people to let you outside of that box. I am starting off with R&B, but eventually, I would want to gravitate to other genres. That isn’t something that I am struggling with now, but something that I am scared that I will struggle with and must fight for later. Def Jam is such an amazing label, and being signed by them is such an honor and privilege, and being able to have creative freedom is such an achievement.
With your latest release, you’re adding another chapter to your musical journey. What aspects of this EP make it a significant milestone for you?
When I made the first EP, I was 18 when I wrote it, and it came out way later, when I was 20. Now I am 22 and dropping a second EP. Between those ages, you change drastically, and you learn so much about yourself. Me at 18 and now are completely different. It’s a milestone because I discovered so much about myself on the second tape. I love the first tape; it means so much to me, but on the second tape I had to dig deep into my soul. I discovered how to put my feelings into words because on the first tape; I don’t really touch on that, but the second does. On the first tape, “Dear life” it’s basically me showing my diary entry. Discovering my new self on the second tape has been a milestone for me.
What do you hope your fans and fellow R&B enthusiasts will appreciate most and what’s next for your career?
I hope that they will appreciate the combination of different genres that I had pulled from and put on the track. It’s R&B, but there are tiny pop elements, and I hope that they can appreciate that. I want people to appreciate the songwriting. I wrote the tape solely by myself. It’s really dope when other artists are writing their songs and putting their personal touch in it. Hopefully, my videography can inspire other artists and make them want to direct their videos. Big things are next. Right now, I have a song coming out March 1st called “Know” and it’s a super upbeat dance track that I can’t wait to show to everyone.
Deanahi
