Simply put, Jae.Joven (pronounced jay-ho-ven) is not your typical rapper. The Portland area native crosses his T’s and dots his I’s when it comes to his music, and that philosophy is exemplified in his most recent single “Ups & Downs.” A bouncy alternative rap track with sharp lyrics and a smooth flow, it most certainly belongs in your rotation, and the man behind it all is certain to come across your radar sooner rather than later.
When it comes to influences, Jae puts his “mega artist” inspirations on the same level as his favorite up and comers.
“The mega artists Drake and J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar to Big Sean, Mac Miller, Lil Wayne and Tyler, the Creator are a given,” Jae.Joven said. “But my more recent style has been influenced by local [Pacific Northwest] artists like Travis Thompson, Aminé and Oblé Reed…and newer artists like AG Club, Ben Reilly and grouptherapy.”
As for “Ups & Downs” itself, the track was born out of a period of relative uncertainty that extended well beyond his brain’s creative sector.
“I went through a week or two where I was in my head for a lot and was kind of second-guessing myself and just not in a good head space,” Jae.Joven said. “Whereas a week prior, I had been feeling on top of the world and unstoppable…It was a harsh reminder that life is full of highs and lows and they can both happen at the same time.”
“There’s no way of predicting it, [and] I knew I wanted to write something about that feeling, but I didn’t want it to be a sad song,” he continued. “I wanted to deliver it in a nonconventional way and make it fun.”
Technically speaking, Jae.Joven enlisted Dallas-based producer David Arcade for the track’s instrumentation and Brooklyn’s own LostStudiosTrev took charge of the engineering, giving the final product a polished, sleek sound to it that could only have been cultivated by those involved.
So, what’s next for someone as talented as Jae.Joven? There’s lots to unpack, but two main focuses of the young artist are to perform at live shows more frequently and finish up his debut album. However, even he knows that’s easier said than done.
“I’m really taking my time with it though…I don’t want it to just be some random assortment of songs pieced together,” Jae.Joven said. “I want it to be cohesive and grounded in a central theme so I’m excited to bring that vision to life.”
Regardless of his future endeavors, just know that Jae.Joven is constantly moving, grooving and improving steadily. Whether it comes to writing, recording or marketing himself, just know he’s giving everything he’s got during every moment.
Get in tune with Jae.Joven by following him on Instagram and TikTok.
Stream “Ups & Downs” here.