Interview with ‘Juju Anden’
I go by the name of βjuju andenβ, Iβm an 18 year old gay rapper, but Iβm more than a one trick pony. I also sing, ghost write, produce, mix and master for others, act, and so on. I bring a lot to the table when it comes to music. Iβm bar-heavy, versatile, and the life of the party, not to mention i ACTUALLY have a pen thatβs not to be reckoned or messed with.
Where are you from?
Iβm from Orangeburg, South Carolina
How long have you been making music?
I been making music with my dad since I was 5, but I have been self teaching my self at the age of 10.
How many songs /albums have you released to date?
Right now I have a plethora of singles and features out with so many people from almost across the world, with only one project titled βCloudy Chaosβ.
Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it?
My latest release is called βSPIT HARDER THANβ and itβs featuring one of the closest people to me, and he goes by Boybarbii. Really what happened was I crashed with him in his city for a few days and me being the person that I am, I never leave a city that isnβt mine without doing something productive before I leave. Thatβs when we had the idea of recording a song. Being that i record from my hometown, I was used to making music with my friends virtually, so making a song while Iβm in front of somebody I been friends with online for years just felt so surreal and amazing.
How have you ended up in the music industry?
My dad was in the music industry before he officially became a poet. He worked with familiar faces of the world, he even worked with artists that know Left Eye, wrote for so many people, even almost got signed. I always wanted that to be me. He inspired me to have this mindset where I would like to work with legends and have connections that can get me to the spot where I wanna be in life.
What do you think of the music industry in 2022?
I think that the music industry this year so far, from what I seen, everybody wants to make fun music especially the female artists. If it wasnβt for Kendrick Lamar or anyone else similar coming back on the scene I would have kinda been disappointed due to the fact that Iβm lyrically inclined myself. This generation is focused on the beats more than the talent thatβs on the beats theyβre listening to. Iβm hearing stories about how many people an artist has been with in bed more than hard-hit punchlines, metaphors and nice cadences, so I wanna be the one to bring that to the table instead of nonsense some or most may call βartβ.
Who do you think the most influential artist?
I think the most influential artist would definitely have to be none other than Nicki Minaj. Sheβs the reason why a lot of female and gay rappers are rapping today, so it definitely would be her.
Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?
So far I really just enjoyed working with people with my friends from across states like Boybarbii, Logicalzae, Kanary Blac, Jæ, JayLing, Nehemiiaahh, DJ, Slickkai, jawn skiez, KissedTJ, Veeziey, RikenDaKilla, etc. I also worked with well known rapper Dreshon and so much more!
How do you think you differ from other artists?
I think Im different from other artists because thereβs people out there that make me feel that way. A lot of people told me that when they listen to other peoples music, it is always another artist that they think about while listening because they sound alike. They listen to my music, and tell me that my sound is unique, extraordinary and I donβt sound like people thatβs already out there popping right now.
Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?
Even though I always snap back into reality and say that it wonβt happen because I always snap back into reality, I would love to work with amazing and talented people like Nicki Minaj, Saucy Santana, Kidd Kenn, Weluvche, Omeretta the Great, Kali, and my swamp princess, Doechii.
What was the first album you bought?
The first album I bought when I was young was Michael Jacksonβs Bad album. I always looked at him as an inspiration. Heβs the reason why I wanted to take dance classes, and he has an amazing voice so that made me wanna start singing a little.
What’s your favourite song at the moment?
My favorite song at the moment would have to be Persuasive by Doechii. I never wouldβve thought I would hear a motivational anthem that makes me wanna get up and continue to be myself, express myself, and love myself like nobody else does until I listened to that song.
If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?
Hands down, Off the Wall by Michael Jacksonβ¦nobodyβs touching that, buying that, or even looking at that.
What other hobbies or interests do you have?
If Iβm not singing in a hall, editing videos for YouTube and Instagram, recording and writing music, really Iβm just making money. I love making money. Money feels good in your hands especially if itβs your own.
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
As much as I WANT tattoos and piercings, Iβm scared cos I donβt think my pain tolerance is as high as everybody else I know. If I scream in the shop thatβs the most embarrassing thing I would ever experience so Iβd just rather not, lol!
Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?
YES, my new project was aimed to be out by pride month, which is this month, but I wanna make sure everything is perfect. I had so many photo shoots, scrapped so many songs, and dealt with so many problems with the featured artists to make sure that this is the best work of art when I put it out. The title is non-disclosable as of right now but just know that every single song on the album is different than the other. All I gotta say is, stay tuned!
Whatβs in the pipeline after this project?
Really I just wanna promote myself and get myself out more. Ever since I started making music and taking it seriously all I wanted was my voice to be heard. I already have the talent, i want the audience now.
Thank you for your time and may you carry on making great, fresh music.
Thank you so much for having me. This was one of the most interesting and exciting interviews ever! You guys are amazing!
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