Her music is an energetic experience, a whirlwind confluence of family-cookout familiar and uniquely new – until now unseen on the young Reggae meets Rap scene. She calls it ”feel good music”. Samantha J, an 18-year-old raised and residing in Kingston, Jamaica, is quickly making her presence known as one of the hottest teens in music. Her au courant wave of Reggae rhythms are seasoned with pop, R&B, and Hip Hop, yet cling comfortably to their Dancehall foundation and pretty Patois poetics. Samantha J is special. Her breakout single “Tight Skirt” showcased the pretty performer’s dance skills, brisk delivery, vocal range, and ability to both turn-up and turn-in a chart-topper. The polite straight-A student’s live show at Hot 97’s On-Da-Reggae-Tip concert – where she held her own alongside home-sound legends Shabba Ranks, Red Rat, Shaggy, Beenie Man, and “The Voice” winner Tessanne Chin – is the moment Samantha J truly let us all know her name is one to be remembered. We caught up with the stunning and articulate young starlet in New York, before she set off on the popular national BET College Tour, for an exclusive cover shoot and interview. And yes, in case you were wondering, the “J” is for Jamaica. Dat a shot! Fulljoy!
Written by Tone Swep
MUA by: Eve Chen of Melange NYC
Styled by: Rock
Hair by: Jenever Forbes
Read the Full Length Interview
(Tone Swep: TS) Recently you performed with Red Rat and others at Hot 97’s On-Da-Reggae-Tip concert. You rocked the same stage with Tifa, Tessanne Chin, Kranium, QQ, Bunji Garlin, Shaggy, Beenie Man, Shabba Ranks, and others. How was that experience?
(Samantha J) First of all, it has always been a dream of mine to be on a stage with all those incredible artists! So I was literally living a dream. That was an experience I will never forget, performing with amazing musicians in NYC in front of a huge crowd. I grew up listening to most of these artists and so it was an honor to rock the stage with them. I had fun and learned from them.
(TS) How does the performance atmosphere in New York differ from a similar setting in Kingston?
(Samantha J) The performance atmosphere in New York is actually a bit similar to the setting in Kingston compared to the other cities in America because there is really a large population of West Indian people in New York who have a strong love for Reggae and Dancehall Music and always seem to already be familiar with my music. The crowd is usually hyped up and singing along when I perform my single Tight Skirt.
(TS) The first two songs you’ve released since arriving on the music scene, “Tight Skirt” and “Hot Gyal Anthem”, have been well received. “Tight Skirt” enjoyed international success. Did you expect your music to be so popular so quickly?
(Samantha J) I feel blessed that people are listening and responding to my music. I love when fans tweet about it or when people tell me they heard it at the club or coming out of someone’s car speakers. I hope that my music continues to grow and I look forward to performing my music on tour. Also, the original Tight Skirt by Red Rat was a huge hit 17 years ago. So, with it being familiar to Reggae fans, I had a feeling it would catch on. But, to be honest… not this quickly!
(TS) Sounded like you were rappin’ a little on “Hot Gyal”. Can you rap? Would you make an entire song with you just rapping instead of singing? Or at least incorporate some rap into your songs, similar to how Chris Brown does.
(Samantha J) It is kind of like rapping I guess. We call it DJ-ing or sing-J-ing in Jamaica. It is fun and I like doing it in my songs because it is me rapping with Jamaican Patois and my accent is even more noticeable. I would do it for an entire song if the song called for that vibe. I listen to all types of musical genres, including Hip Hop, and I think that comes out in my music.
(TS) You have fans everywhere. When you were on your east coast promo tour earlier this year the kids were screaming for you to take pictures with them and sign autographs. Did you realize you were heating up here in the States? Did you know you had fans here?
(Samantha J) I knew that I had fans in the States because I get messages on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram from my fans all the time, from all over the States and even in Europe, Africa and Asia. I talk to my fans, but I never really realized how much my fan base was growing and how fast until I got to meet some of them in person and see for myself. I hope to get to perform all over the globe.
(TS) Living in Saint Ann Parish where Reggae legends such as Floyd Lloyd, Burning Spear, Shabba Ranks, and Bob Marley originate from, how are you inspired by the continued presence of those legends and their historic contributions to the genre? They are the foundation you are standing on.
(Samantha J) I grew up listening to those artists and they all inspired my music to be what it is. Not only creatively but also they opened doors for listeners and fans and helped to spread this type of music around the world.
(TS) One thing that stands out about you is your age - 17. You were literally the youngest artist on that stage in New York. Do you feel a responsibility to carry the Reggae music torch for the younger generation? To make certain the world hears a true voice representing young Jamaica?
(Samantha J) I feel that I am showcasing a young and fresh type of Reggae and Dancehall fusion, which I believe the younger generation will gravitate to and enjoy.
(TS) How does your sound put a contemporary spin on classic Reggae music?
(Samantha J) My sound is a young and vibrant fusion of Reggae, Dancehall and Pop music.
(TS) You fuse Pop and some Hip Hop into your Reggae music. What vibe does that blend create?
(Samantha J) The fusion creates a groovy vibe. I like to call it feel good music.
(TS) People often ask you about your ethnicity. During a recent interview on Hot 97, you explained to Ebro that your grandmother is of Portuguese decent. Do you deal with any mixed-kid questions or issues back home in Kingston?
(Samantha J) Actually, not really. In Jamaica the motto is ‘Out of Many One People’ - so there’s people of all different ethnicities living on the island.
(TS) What artists do you currently listen to? And what artists could you see yourself collaborating with?
(Samantha J) I listen to artists from back home like Tessanne Chin, Buju Banton, and Alaine. I also have been listening to a lot of Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber and Rihanna. I actually just saw Rihanna in concert and it was amazing and so inspiring, she puts on a great show. I would love to do a collaboration with Nick Minaj. I think her rap would mix well with my flow on a track that has the right vibe.
(TS) When is your debut Mixtape, EP, or Album dropping? And what can we expect from Samantha J’s premiere musical project?
(Samantha J) I should have an actual EP out before the first quarter of 2015 on Columbia Records. My fans – both current and new fans – can expect songs of different genres and vibes. I have been in the studio every day, writing music, recording and listening to remixes. It is amazing energy in the studio and I cannot wait to share!
(TS) Talk a bit about your fashion preferences. What brands or styles do you gravitate to?
(Samantha J) I am not fussy on brands really but my style is young and edgy with a pop of color. I look more for what I like, what I am feeling at the moment rather than just the label. At the DOPE Magazine shoot I really loved the Michael Kors clothing and of course the fur inspired coat. I am getting ready to go on my BET College Tour, so I have been in plenty of fittings lately (Laughs!).
(TS) You switch the hair up quite a bit. I saw some of your fans asking you to put color back in your hair. What color will that be?
(Samantha J) Truth be told, I actually am not sure. I’m rocking this black hair right now since its fall season but who knows what I could come with next. It was pink earlier (Laughs!). I have had it more blonde in the past too. Purple is my favorite color but I’m thinking of going even more out of the ordinary. You’ll just have to watch my IG.
(TS) Do you have a celebrity crush?
(Samantha J) Yes, of course, all girls do. Justin Bieber has been my celebrity crush for a few years now (Laughs!).
(TS) How about a favorite television show?
(Samantha J) Since I am always in the studio, at rehearsals or enjoying time with my family, I don’t watch much television. Once in a while though I find myself watching the Kardashians’ shows on the E! Channel.
(TS) What’s your favorite food?
(Samantha J) This is the hardest question I’ve been asked because I just love food. Once it is cooked well, then I’m all about it. At the DOPE shoot I chose the salmon and vegetables because I needed energy for rehearsals later.
(TS) You have a birthday coming up next week. What’s the big party plan?
(Samantha J) I actually have no plans yet but I’d love to go visit my hometown for the weekend.
(TS) Give me three qualities about you that set you apart from any other new artist and make you uniquely DOPE.
(Samantha J) I am young, creative and ready to share my Jamaican flavor.
Follow Samantha J on Twitter & Instagram
Visit Samantha J‘s Official Site
Watch Samantha J‘s Hit Video “Tight Skirt”
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