At a time when there are far more artists who follow trends than set them, it’s always great to find talent who dares to differ. Jenesis is more than just visual eye candy, her hard hitting lyrics and delivery are just as sweet to your ears. The voluptuous host of the new web based show, Vroom, sat down and shared her past, present and future.
Let’s start with what has brought you to this point. What inspired you to pursue a career in hip hop?
It was my older brother. He was always blasting 90’s music. He was into creating beats. One day he said ‘I need your voice on one of these tracks.’ I heard and I fell in love with how it sounded blended with the beat. From that point on, I’ve been writing. I love hip hop. I love that boom bap boom.
You started off originally as a hip hop artist, how did you make the transition into television?
I actually interned at The Maury Show not too long ago. Being able to work behind the scenes, I was able to see how they put the show together. The executive producer just loved me. We didn’t talk much, but he would always come to me first because it seemed like I would pull out the best stories. He said ‘You know what? You belong in front of the camera, not behind it.’ It gave me a type of validation that I could take this straight to the top.
When a lot of artists find major opportunities in other aspects of the entertainment industry, they tend to take a hiatus from hip hop. Do you still intend to pursue a rap career?
I am still pursuing it. I will be going back in the studio in about two weeks. I have some stuff that I wrote that I haven’t been able to record yet.
In today’s industry, there seems to a very limited number of successful female rap artists acknowledged by mainstream media. What do you feel separates you from other female rap artists?
I think what separates me is my authenticity to the history of hip hop. I have that 90’s flow. It still can be current, but it reminds you of what hip hop lost. I am also versatile, and I represent the single mothers out there, letting them know everything is going to be alright. It’s hard enough doing it by yourself. You got yourself first, and everything else will fall in line.
You pay homage to the 90’s era of hip hop, what would say is the biggest difference between that era and now?
The current state of hip hop now? I don’t want to say that it’s bad, but I do think that it definitely lost touch with where hip hop came from. Hip Hop was about being original. Now everybody wants to look alike with big asses, fake titties, long hair and fake eyelashes.
That’s where we lose it. Back then in hip hop, they were talking about real stuff that they were going through in their actual lives. Now we have rappers who are fabricating stories about things they don’t really have, knowing good and damn well that they are going home to just a flat bed on the floor.
So tell me about the new show you’re hosting.
Vroom is a radio web television show. I am a host, and I will be interviewing up and coming hip hop artists. I am looking forward to shining a light on the talented people who may not have the opportunity to get the attention of mainstream media.
Do you see yourself expanding into other aspects of the entertainment industry?
I would love to explore acting. After making a cameo in a music video recently, I am open to it. I don’t believe in doing anything half ass. I can see myself acting in commercials, television shows, and movies.
What advice would you offer other aspiring talent?
Respect yourself. It’s harder to navigate your way through the industry with integrity, but respect yourself. When you come across the right person who respects you and your craft, you can go forward in succeeding on your own terms. If you are meant to do, all doors are open, but you have to respect yourself.
