Fresh Face and fresh sound is something that will never get old. We had a chance to speak with a new fresh talent straight out of the windy city of Chicago named Brainna Greene also known as Ja’Nae Verde. Her unique sound is something that will have you wondering “WHO IS THIS?” The title of rapper/singer is something she evades from just being classified as because;

“I really hate being classified as either or. I’m neither just a rapper or just a singer. I’m a artist. I’m a writer. I’m a creator. I just love to express myself in many ways. I would never limit myself.”

Ja’Nae Verde started rapping and singing at a very young age. She was inspired by a range of multi talented artists such as Lauryn Hill, Timberland, MissyElliot, Wale, Andre 3000, Erykah Badu, Pharrell and Kanye West. By time she was 12 Ja’Nae Verde already started creating her own songs and writing her lyrics in notebooks. But, just like many young creatives she did not know where to start. When she turned 16 she started rapping all over her high school, and that is when Ja’Nae Verde the alter ego of Brianne Green was created as she would describe it. Now at 24 she is ready to take on the world. Ja’Nae tells us;

I started writing at a pretty early age. I was always intrigued by poetry and interpretation of song lyrics. I knew I wanted to be a famous singer/rapper since I was 12. I had notebooks full of songs I’ve written but I was always so shy I didn’t know how to go about making my dream a reality. I continued writing but it wasn’t until about a year and half ago I finally stepped in a recording studio and made my first song. From then on I was hooked and knew I would make a career out of it.

See full interview below

 Who is Ja’Nae Verde?

I would consider myself to be very quiet, chill and kind of a loner. That’s why so many people are shocked when they find out I’m a music artist. Ja’Nae Verde is like my alter ego. She’s much more outgoing and sociable than I am. Performing and being in the spotlight is still pretty new for me. I’ve always spent a lot of time to myself just creating and expressing myself in many forms. I love drawing, designing, writing, listening to music and meditation. I’m super laid back and not really into partying and being around crowds but I definitely love traveling and experiences new places & cultures. Music is what brings all that together for me.

What inspired the shift from a hobby to considering music as a career?

I never realized how music can bring people together. I love hearing from others how they can relate to what I’ve gone through and not feel so alone. Seeing the reaction I got from those who heard my music really made me go hard and give it everything I had.

Who are you listening to right now?

Although I love my oldies, right now my playlist currently consists of a lot of up and coming new female artists such as Ella Mai, H.E.R, sza, jhene Aiko and teyana Taylor. You’ll also catch me playing some smino, drake, j cole, Kevin gates and wale. I’m kind of all over the place but it definitely depends on my mood for the day.

Do they have any effect on your current state of music?

They do have an effect on my current state of music. It makes me continue to create a variety types of music. I never want to sound the same or be repetitive. Its boring. The artist I listen to are very good at doing that and it’s something I think is really important to do as well if I want to take it to the next level and expand my audience.

What makes you different from other females artists from Chicago?

 I would say the one thing that makes me different from other female Chicago artist is that I don’t stick to the same “sound”. I always mix things up. One song may have a hard trap beat with me rapping and the next song could be more smooth and chill with me singing. I also like to experiment with beats that are a little crazy and not really what you’ll typically hear on mainstream radio. My ability to switch my flow up so effortlessly is what sets me apart and leaves the audience wanting more.

What feeling are you expecting listening to feel when they hear your music?

 I just want my listeners to feel the emotions I put behind every song. A lot of my music comes from my own experiences. It’s important to be completely transparent and put my truth into every song. It’s like I’m sharing passages from my diary with the world.

How many finished projects do you have to date?

Right now I have a Single called “I Like” ft king Jak that’s on all music platforms and I’m currently finishing up my EP that’s due to be released in a few weeks as well. It’ll be my first project I put out.

How has your music grown from when you first music to now?

I can see a huge change from my later music to my music I’m creating now. I’ve had to learn how to structure and format songs so they flow better. I really had to study music and not just write. I’m also not afraid to take risk now and experiment with my sound when before I wasn’t to comfortable at first. My sound is something I’ve always kept natural and let it be organic. I never try to sound like other artist or stick to the wave of other popular music. I believe you have to fully be comfortable with yourself and showcase who YOU are on every track.