The Hip-Hop scene in Oklahoma City is growing and poised to explode. Here are three artists to listen to in 2019.
Jacobi Ryan – paving the way for Oklahoma artists
Jacobi Ryan, formerly known as Fresh, is a name to know in the Oklahoma Hip Hop scene. Jacobi is releasing new music every week in 2019, and he’s one of the masterminds behind the Heart of Hip-Hop at the Hubbly Bubbly.
In an interview with the Oklahoma Gazette, he said he wants Heart of Hip-Hop to create opportunities for rising stars in OKC.
Jacobi said he spends a ton of time working on his craft, going to shows, getting to know himself, and finding peace in solitude. He listed his influences being Bob Marley and Kendrick Lamar, as well as Oklahoma artists.
“There are a lot of cats I met since coming here to OKC that are hella dope at what they do on a consistent basis.” – Jacobi Ryan
He called Oklahoma a creative gem waiting to be discovered and is hopeful for growth in the next few years.
“Everything I’ve done since 2013 has been strategic in laying my foundation and paying my dues and mastering my craft. I made myself earn the right to be confident in myself – true confidence, not arrogance.” – Jacobi Ryan
Jabee – making a difference
As if his Emmy award isn’t enough to make him notable, Jabee does a ton for the Oklahoma City community, especially in raising awareness and raising funds to support Oklahoma’s homeless community.
Jabee struggled through homelessness at a young age, and, in 2001, his brother was shot and killed, which motivated Jabee to use his musical talent to help his family.
In 2011, Jabee released his album “Everything was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt,” in 2012, “Deliver us from Evil” in 2013, “Everything was Beautiful, and Nothing Hurt,” in 2013, “Black Future” in 2016, “Thy Will be Done” in 2019, and the upcoming “This World Is So Fragile and Cruel I’m Glad I Got You” in the summer of 2019.
Jabee is also an honorary professor at ACM@UCO, teaching a course on Hip Hop studies.
“All my music has always been about me – true stories that I’ve seen or lived through or dealt with.” – Jabee
Miillie Mesh – empowering the community
Mesh describes her music as indie rap with influences all the way from R&B to reggae. She sometimes writes her songs by mumbling word patterns and filling it in with lyrics later.
“I like songs that are as complex as I am.” – Mesh
In an interview, she said she wants to run a female-oriented business, travel the world, and continue to make music. Her top musical influences are Grace Jones, Janelle Monae, Solange, and Missy Elliot. In 2017, performed at a benefit concert for a friend in the Hip Hop scene who recently had surgery.
In a Gazette article, said she hopes media platforms can focus more on Hip Hop in Oklahoma, and she discussed the importance of representation.
“Definitely seeing people who looked like me on television made me want to be in that kind of world.” – Mesh
Her new song “Jungle Juice” is available on streaming platforms, and her music was recently featured on HBO show, “Ballers.”
“Everything I envision for myself aesthetically & sonically is never full blown commercial, it has a twist to it, which I feel makes it less mainstream.” – Miillie Mesh