Spoken Word Artist Jamaica West is on the cusp of releasing her project ‘Bury Cinderella,’ so Trackstarz decided to sit down and chop it up with her. Jamaica recently signed to Yaves’ Slingshot Media Group, a partnership that many may not have seen coming. Jamaica West talked to us about how she got started in poetry, her upcoming poetry project, and so much more. Check out the interview below.
TZ: Tell those who don’t know; Who is Jamaica West?
JW: I don’t know… still figuring it out
TZ: What made you start writing?
JW: My brother and sister played major roles in that… as well as my 3rd grade English teacher, Mrs. Carpentar. She made us right one full story each day. It could be about anything, but it had to have a complete beginning, middle, and end. And the plot had to be compelling. That class taught me a lot about producing under pressure.
TZ: Who has been your biggest supporter in your writing career?
JW: My mother! If no one else believes in me I know that she does. Anything I ever needed she has given or helped me with – even when I’m moody lol
TZ: What poem do you think made people really begin to pay attention to you?
JW: Hmmmm 2015 was a significant year. I dropped My Cleavage is a Snare and Black Girl Cinema. Those are my staple pieces.
TZ: Your poetry is so raw and so emotional. What have been two of the most memorable testimonials you’ve received from your listeners?
JW: Whew. Last spring on tour was heavy. I met a young girl who was going through her parents divorce and was suffering through some abuse. And that night, I just happened to decide to talk about those exact issues – having parents in ministry and enduring the brokenness of such complex dynamics especially when divorce is involved. I had many moments similar to that on tour.
TZ: Earlier this year you did something with Elevation Church and you were featured on Taelor Gray’s album. How did these opportunities come about?
JW: The literal grace of God ! Lol. Taelor and I are both from Ohio, so it was really cool that he even wanted me on the album because he is a legend. I used to binge on all the Elevationists albums !! Elevation Church heard about me because we did a tour stop at one of their locations and one thing led to another …
Stay tuned for part 2 of this interview where Jamaica will go into more detail about her project and how she got signed to Slingshot Media Group.
