#OnOurRadar: Big Jelly Talks Upbringing, Music Inspiration and more

Jelly is a rapper from the East Atlanta area who I first caught wind of when he released his project called Wolf Szn in 2019. Wolf Szn was more of a warmup project leading up to his debut album entitled "The Wolf of Peachtree," but it quickly turned me into a fan.

Since that release, he has made a lot of progress within his career and is most known for being one of Pierre Bourne’s stand out artists on his Label Soss House.

Pierre is one of the most talented producers of this generation who is most known for his infamous “Yo Pi'erre, you wanna come out here?," catchphrase.

The two initially met in South Carolina, where they attended high school. After graduating, Jelly pursued his passion of being an artist by moving back to Atlanta, where he networked and inked a deal with Pierre's label, Sosshouse. They built a bond by hanging out in the studio and traveling and the rest is history.

We recently had the opportunity to chat with Jelly about his musical inspirations, the process of making his project, and much more. Check out the full interview below:

You were born in Atlanta, Georgia, but relocated to Columbia, South Carolina, at a young age. At 18, you moved to Atlanta. What sparked the move?

I always went back and forth to Atlanta, but Columbia is home. I was telling my aunt that I wanted to rap. I need to link with Zaytoven. She was like, 'ight, we gonna put it together.' And then I started working with him.

What are some early challenges you faced while trying to pursue music?

I didn't know the ins and outs of the business and stickin to it. I thought Imma just put it out [music], and that's it. Then I stopped making music to focus on my aunt, who was diagnosed with cancer. I was going through a lot, so I was like, "f**k, all this rap s**t.

Did you ever see yourself doing anything other than music?

I thought about college, but college wasn't for me. My aunt tried to get me a job at a factory, and I was like, 'Nah, that ain't really for me either.' Music was just something I was trying to do, but consistently.

Your stage name can make or break who you define yourself as an artist. Where does your name come from?

My name was originally Mike Lowry. I got the nickname Jelly in middle school. I had a homeboy named 'Cheese,' and he was like, Imma call you Jelly Bean. At first, it caught me off guard, but it stuck with me until high school. Then I decided to drop the Bean part of my nickname.

What was the first song that made you fall in love with rap?

Back That Azz Up by Juvenile caught my attention; it was the hook.

"Wolf Szn" was the first project you released before your debut album, "The Wolf of Peachtree," what was its inspiration?

I wanted to set myself apart with my sound and flow. I didn't even think I was going to drop that project. I remember making a lot of songs and putting them on Wolf Szn and I was suprised by the reaction I got.

On "Wolf Szn," he said, "Slide and "Yoppa Talk" were his favorites, but my personal favorite is "LA" because it reminds you of those Cali vibes you see in films and music videos.

That was my first being in LA. I made Bev Hills, LA, and Today while I was there. When I was at Target, I really met a girl named Jade.

You released your debut album, "The Wolf of Peachtree," a collaborative project produced by your mentor and longtime friend Pi'erre in 2020. Tell us more about the track "Num," in particular.

I heard the beat and said I had to give them something to match the beat and how I felt. Everything I wrote in that song was about moments in my life; that's how I was feeling.

How has "The Wolf of Peachtree" changed your life?

That s**t was big because I have fans in Africa, Spain, Belize, China, Korea [everywhere]. I consider myself a real artist now.

Life can be hard at times, and the days we're living now don't make it any easier with coronavirus, racial issues, and more. How do you stay positive despite the world going on around you?

You have to stay positive because everything around you will turn negative if you are not. Even if it's somebody who has negative energy and you on some positive s**t, it's going to f**k up your energy. What I had to learn was to separate my feelings and the business. 

I like how intentional you are about being positive. It reminds me of how spirituality can make a difference in your mindset. How does this mindset help with those around you?

I try to be there for my friends and family. If I can't help physically, I pray for them.

I feel like watching some of your favorite shows can help you stay positive because the nostalgia that comes from it always brings back happy memories. What are some of your favorite shows that help you relax?

I grew up watching Saved by The Bell, and I watched it every day in the summertime in Atlanta. I was also big on watching Hey Arnold, SpongeBob, Pokemon, and Dragon Ball Z. I watch different shows now that I'm older, but oldies are still in my heart.
What advice would you give your younger self?

Cherish the people around you. Take everything slow. Don't grow up too fast and believe in yourself.

Be sure to follow Jelly on social to stay updated with new releases.