Get to Know: Jazz NOBODI

It's been an exciting year for Sydney trio PLANET VEGETA. Not only have they, as a group, released a string of excellent singles showcasing their unique sounds and versatility when it comes to different styles of hip hop and RnB, they've also each released their own solo music as well.

One third of the group, JAZZ NOBODI, is the latest to release his own music in the form of 'Tall Poppy'. On the track, Jazz notes, “I Wrote ‘Tall Poppy’ in July I was just chillin at home just watching YouTube and came across Israel Adesanya’s acceptance speech for NZ Sportsman of the Year. He touched on the culture of tall poppy syndrome and how it’s so normalised. ‘Tall Poppy’ represents taking ownership of your gifts. Being confident in what you do without having to downplay yourself. Something I’m still learning to do on this music journey.”

Released only a couple of weeks ago, we described the single at the time as "Featuring a tenacious flow, Jazz NOBODI wastes no time getting right down to business, asserting himself as one to watch over a booming beat," and called the track a "formidable first impression." Wearing his identity and his true self on his sleeve, Jazz NOBODI is fiercely committed to staying authentic and genuine, not only to himself but to those who have come before him as well. The half Samoan, half Tokelauan rapper was raised in New Zealand, and credits his Polynesian descent as a key influence in his music, saying, "My ancestors were voyagers and warriors of the South Pacific. That spirit still lives through my music today, if you don't see it in my writing you’ll feel it through my cadence."

Rooted in confident swagger and wit, 'Tall Poppy' is a thrilling first move from Jazz NOBODI, and an impressive addition to the output of Planet Vegeta. So, with that in mind, we thought we'd get to know him a little better to find out what he's all about.

Who are you?

I am Jazz NOBODI, originally from New Zealand, now in Western Sydney. Also one third of Planet Vegeta.

How did Jazz NOBODI come to be?

Jazz NOBODI emerged after I moved to Australia and linked with the other members of Planet Vegeta. I saw SVNO doing solo stuff in Sydney on Instagram at the end of 2016/17. And at the time decided I wanted to get back into music seriously. So I hit him up, pretty much saying I'm keen to lay something if you've got the time. The man msged back!. Eventually we did, so our first session I pulled up and Eds (LKGD) opened the door. We go in the studio. I lay a 16 or 23 and LKGD makes a beat off the top. I thought that was crazy. From there we've been jamming ever since.

What are we talking, vibes-wise?

I'm a rapper/songwriter and love making music and create projects that make people feel a way, motivate, and generally vibe out to. In terms of influences I Grew up on a lot of New Zealand hip hop not just hip hop but NZ music in general. Artists like Tom Scott, Scribe, Che Fu, Hollie Smith. It always buzzed me out that these cats were locals and that they made crazy music. Also there was a huge Biggie and Andre 3000 influence during my teen years. Listening to these guys switch up flows was out of this world. At the moment I'm loving me some dreamville, Anderson Pakk, Boogie, smino, soulection vibes.

Tell us more about your new single, ‘Tall Poppy’?

I Wrote ‘Tall Poppy’ in July. I was just chillin at home just watching YouTube and came across Israel Adesanya’s acceptance speech for NZ Sportsman of the Year. He touched on the culture of tall poppy syndrome and how it’s so normalised. ‘Tall Poppy’ represents taking ownership of your gifts. Being confident in what you do without having to downplay yourself. Something I’m still learning to do on this music journey.

What can we expect from you in the months ahead?

More Planet Vegeta music, and just working on more solo music as well.

Where can we hear more from you?

Tall Poppy out now all platforms, and Planet Vegeta on all platforms as well. Go check us out!

Introduction by Emma Jones

Image: Supplied

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC HERE

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PREMIERE: PLANET VEGETA PROVE THEY’RE ONES TO WATCH WITH NEW SINGLE, ‘MAI ELLE’