Jwavy Talks ‘Northern Flow,’ Community Advocacy, and Staying Authentic on The Pop-Up!
The Seattle music and cultural landscape is witnessing the rise of a multi-talented force. On a recent episode of The Pop-Up! with host The Big O, artist Jwavy stopped by the Black Media Matters studios to discuss her unique artistry, community initiatives, and the philosophy driving her success.
Defining the "Northern Flow"
Jwavy described her artistic sound as the "Northern Flow," a genre-blending mix of hip-hop, rap, pop, and gospel that carves out a distinct Northwest identity separate from California or Bay Area influences.
"I call my artistic sound the Northern Flow because it's something that is different,” she said. “I'm talking about stuff I go through in my life. I'm talking about inspirations that I see in the Seattle streets."
Jwavy channels inspirations from icons like Missy Elliott and Michael Jackson, alongside her deep love for gospel music.
"When you hear my music, you're going to hear self-confidence, self-worth... just focus on you and your morals, your priorities," she said.
Legacy, Poetry, and Finding a Voice
Music runs in Jwavy’s veins. She credited her father, Mr. Benjamin, a long-standing industry entrepreneur, as her primary musical inspiration.
“My dad, he definitely shaped me into the young woman I am today. I wouldn't be who I am if it wasn't for my dad," she said.
Jwavy did not originally set out to make music. She grew up writing poetry as an emotional coping mechanism, keeping verses tucked away in her notes app. Her transition to the recording booth happened organically in 2020 through her older brother, Maribased1. After asking to jump on one of his tracks, she spent an hour writing a verse, recorded it, and eventually earned the ultimate stamp of approval from her father, one of her toughest critics.
Merging Art, Advocacy, and Business
Beyond the microphone, Jwavy is a dedicated mentor, business owner, and community leader. She volunteers with Young Life, a Christian youth organization, mentoring middle and high school students in West Seattle. She recently combined her worlds by bringing the youth she mentors to the set of her music video for her track, "Summertime.”
For Jwavy, combining her art with advocacy is non-negotiable.
"I have to combine my advocacy into my art because that's who I am. It's a lifestyle... I'm showing the world you [can] be you and still do the things that you desire... you don't have to change yourself or be someone else to reach your dreams," she said.
This community-first mindset carries directly into her association with Seattle Music is Real, designed to uplift local creatives. The platform remained strictly anti-gang, anti-drug, and anti-violence.
Additionally, Jwavy operates Jwavy Inc., a creative graphic design and photography business born during her time at the University of Washington. Jwavy Inc. focuses on providing affordable marketing services to local small businesses while offering skill-building opportunities to the youth.
Jwavy closed the inspiring interview with a simple, resonant reminder.
"It's always okay to be yourself. Stay true to who you are no matter what,” she said.
Jwavy's latest EP, WAVESZN, is available on all major streaming platforms.
For more updates on her various projects, music videos, and community initiatives, fans can connect via seamusicisreal.com, jwavyinc.com, and her Instagram.
Looking to book a space for your upcoming event? Check out Colman Commons for all your event space needs at colmancommons.com
