Hailing from The Big Peach, on-the-rise rap star Jelly has returned with his latest project, Wolf SZN 2 [MNRK Music Group]. The 15-track tour-de-force has already spawned a trio of noteworthy offerings; “Don Rep,” “BTA” and its most recent, “Kodak Bop.”
Let’s hop right into this single / video, “Kodak Bop” — Tell me about this track; how did it come to fruition?
I heard the beat, and instantly knew it was a bop! I just went to the beat. I go off the vibe. I like making feel-good music younger artists can relate to.
Of course, “Kodak Bop” comes courtesy of your newest body of work, Wolf SZN 2 — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?
Yeah, it’s my last single before the album. It’s almost at 100K streams in less than a month. Wolf SZN2, a lot of people have been waiting. I’m excited, but nervous.
How then does Wolf SNZ 2 either differ and/or compare to previous Jelly efforts?
Wolf SZN2 is different. I hand-picked every song, and have been working on it for two years. I redid it 3 times. As an emcee, when you sit down to pen your rhymes where do you draw inspiration from? The heart, the mind, and my feelings. The environment I’m around.
Tell me about your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested? And how did it all begin for Jelly?
I started with Zaytoven in 2014, but I really didn’t know how to do music. So, it was on and off. In 2018, I started taking it seriously. Pi’erre Bourne helped me with that, and it just grew.
Now you’re from Atlanta, GA, correct? So, growing up in “Hotlanta,” who all did/do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
I was born in Atlanta, and am from Atlanta, but I was raised a little way in SC. So, experiencing both is fast, especially in my world. You gotta go hard, or you are not going to survive…and build connections and certain bonds as you go.
That said, how do you describe and/or define the style of music that you create and/or perform?
I like “wavy trap”…like what I do. I’d call it wavy music. I like the street shit, but I like feel-good music, too; depending on my mood. I like to perform songs that bring the most energy out of me.
Where does your moniker originally derive from?
Jelly comes from a homeboy named Cheese in middle school. I say Jelly for my Gemini ways.
What particular string of events actually led to your current signing with/to MNRK Music Group?
JY, that guy right there, believed in me the first day I met him, and he has been there ever since. What he did and what he does for me is priceless. He kept his word. MNRK gave me a chance to fulfill my dreams and really supported me. Things like that are priceless. Even when it’s hard or I don’t understand, they are still there for me. That’s my family. I’m riding with them. I feel like they’re gonna help me to turn into a superstar. Showing me something I can’t see yet. We have big plans in store.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I want people to get where I’m coming from, but in their way. I wanna motivate them to do the same thing or better.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Gucci, Future, 21, Meek, Billie Eilish.
If you could play any venue worldwide, which one would you choose and why?
Barclays or Staples.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
I’m happy with it. It changes daily, and I like it. You have to stay ahead of the wave.
What do you feel has been and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Consistency and hard work.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
I like fashion and acting. I did two movies many people saw in Atlanta: ‘Birds of a Feather 2’ and ‘Finesse.’
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
My biggest career moment was signing to MNRK. That has been a dream, and I never thought I would make it this far.
What’s an average day like for you?
Wake up early to handle business. Take care of my son, work, and think of ways to make more money and things to help my career.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
Hell yeah, my fans love me so much they are telling me to drop every day, lol! A lot of people are waiting for me to drop.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And why?
Recording and beginning a new project. My least favorite is getting the master cleared, etcetera.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Anyone can do it. You just have to work and believe. I have my down days, but God is real, and if you feel it in your heart, keep doing it.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Man, I just hope I’m alive and healthy. I want to have a big career catalog where I have music to live forever, and I want my family to be well and cared for.
As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Jelly?
My next album is Wolf of Peachtree 3. I think that’s going to be a huge project. All my sagas are gonna end at 3. I have a few things cooking up. But for the main part of my next album.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
No, I just wanted to thank you for doing this interview. Thank you to my team, my fans, my family, and God.
Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?
Wolf SZN 2 dropped February 19th. Wolf of Peachtree 3 otw 🤫
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