The Afro-Irish rapper chats about his influences and inspirations

Since releasing his debut album in 2020, Nigerian-born, Kildare-based hip-hop star JYellowL's career has gone from strength to strength.

There's plenty you might not know about Jean-Luc Uddoh, too - such as the fact that he has a degree in Politics from UCD, or that his music was featured on the soundtrack to FIFA '20.

He's one of many exciting Irish acts playing the Hennessy Hip-Hop House at the Body & Soul festival next month, so we took the opportunity to grab him for a quick chat to learn more about his background.

1. What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
I listened to so many kinds of music growing up. Afro music, reggae, funk, calypso, RnB soul, rock 'n' roll, hip-hop, etc. and I believe I still listen to all those genres of music to this day! I find myself always going back to old school music, especially ever since my dad discovered YouTube! Haha. He’s the reason I love music so much. 

2. In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.
Exciting, focused, anxious.

3. How do you wind down after a gig?
I like to sit down and appreciate what just happened with the people that are with me. Then I like to have a couple of minutes to myself give myself constructive feedback.

4. What’s the one song you wish you’d written or recorded first?
I feel like everything is in place exactly as it was supposed to be and if I were to have recorded a song I wasn’t meant to, then it’d alter the balance of our timeline. Lol, jk. I just watched the new Dr. Strange. I’d usually say J. Cole - 'Love Yourz' or something like that, because of what the song means to me - but I think honestly, it was better I heard it from another person's mind. Because of the inspirational impact, it resonates.

5. You can only have three albums on your phone/in your house at any one time - what three would you pick for today?
Burna Boy- 'African Giant', J. Cole - '2014 Forest Hills Drive' and Kendrick Lamar - 'Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers', because I’m listening to that on repeat right now.

6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
Burna Boy - 'African Giant', 'As a Man Thinketh' by James Allen and 'The Pursuit of Happyness'. 

7. Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.
I’m going to say Spike Lee and Jaden Smith. I think because we’re similar in age and build. That’d be really good casting.

8. You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?
Duck fried rice, extra spice & extra rice. 

9. Describe your perfect day off.
It would definitely involve music in some way shape or form, but I guess chilling with my loved ones somewhere sunny and scenic. Maybe my city, Barcelona.

10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your next gig (whenever it may be.)
You should come because my next gig will always be my best gig. Besides, aren’t you curious to see how I incorporate genres like afrobeat and soul into a hiphop setlist? I am.

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JYellowL plays the Hennessy Hip-Hop House at Body & Soul from June 17th - 19th.