Saturday Spotlight: Jade Amar (Interview)
Jade Amar is an extremely talented Baltimore-born, L.A.-based rapper, singer, and songwriter who's recently been called into writing sessions for everyone from Cardi B and Nicki Minaj to Megan Thee Stallion, Kehlani, NBA YoungBoy, Kevin Gates, Saweetie, and Queen Naija.
A true student of the game, Jade has been singing and rapping since she was seven-years-old, freestyling with her father on walks to the store, and taking notes from early influences like Missy Elliott, Eve, Drake, J. Cole, fellow Baltimore-native, King Los, plus a number of underground Baltimore Club artists.
Despite her success as a songwriter though, Jade has bigger ambitions of stepping out into the limelight, having just released her debut single, "Cherry Red" featuring Tray Haggerty. The track is a melodic and silky smooth song about stunting on an ex who pressed his luck - showing out in her new designer as she breezes by in a "cherry red foreign with the peanut butter guts."
So, get to know Jade Amar in this exclusive Hype Off Life interview, where you’ll learn about her decision to move to LA, advice for aspiring songwriters and why now is the perfect time for Jade to make her debut as an artist. Then hit the stream to see just why Jade Amar has got next 👊🏾
You got your start in music at a fairly young age. Describe the exact moment when you knew it was something you wanted to do?
I started writing my own music when I was 9 but I was 5 years old the first time I ever spit a rhyme. My dad wrote my first rap as we were walking to the store. It didn’t click for me as an actually passion until I was 7 years old and I don’t even remember the exact moment it happened. I was just always connected to music.
Which 3 albums have had the most impact on your sound and outlook on life?
For sure Nas’ "Illmatic” was one of the first albums I played over and over and over again. Another big album for me was Kanye’s “College Dropout”. I still listen to it daily. Also, Missy Elliot’s “Supa Dupa Fly”. The 90s and early 2000s is my favorite era of Hip Hop. I don’t sound like these artists but these albums did a lot for me. I look at everything like it’s a story and it should be as visual and as vibey and batted up as possible.
You’re originally from Baltimore, but now living in LA. What similarities and differences have you noticed from both music scenes?
The music scene I grew up around in Baltimore was heavily influenced by K Swift and club mix. Now, I hear a lot more relatable street/pain stories from there. It’s a more jiggy and/or aggressive vibe. LA has gangsta rap and hard sounds (I.e. YG and Nipsey) as well but I hear more of the hype/ bouncy sounds here. I’ve adopted both styles because I’ve been in LA for 7 years.
What inspired you to move to LA?
I moved because of filmmaking and stayed for music. I really wanted to go to USC when I was younger. I ended up going to Berklee College of Music online after I graduated Santa Monica College.
Being called into writing sessions for Kehlani, Cardi B, Kevin Gates, and more must be a dope feeling. What advice do you have for aspiring songwriters?
BE AVAILABLE. You never know what session can change your life or when it will happen. Be willing to try any idea but never force your pen. I always listen to the artist I have in mind before I start writing.
Why do you feel like now is the right time to put out your debut single, “Cherry Red”?
It just felt right. Everyone is in the house right now and consuming music. This is for sure when I have everyone’s attention.
What other dope things do you have planned that we should keep a lookout for?
I’ll be releasing new music consistently, monthly. So be ready.
