If music is a universal language, who are the artists that speak most powerfully to our heart and soul? Whose music offers the perfect soundtrack to adventures we’ve experienced and those that await us. In DETOUR’s TuneDn, we connect with artists – from seasoned vets to up-and-coming talents – about where their work has taken them and where they’re headed, both literally and musically.

This time around, we’re chatting with rapper Really Jaewon. The Yonkers, NY native and son of rap legend, JadaKiss, talks his creative process, West Coast rappers he hopes to work with, and the inspiration behind his most recent project, “The Heart of the North.”

Where are you from and how does your background inspire your music?

I’m from the North Side of Yonkers, NY. My background inspires the music from the standpoint of things I’ve done, been a part of, or seen first hand.

Why is music important to travel?

Music is important to travel because it is all feeling. It affects how you go about things.

Do you feel music is a key factor in a person’s destination choice when planning a vacation?

Not necessarily. I think destination plays a part in what you listen to in the moment.

What places have you traveled to and where was your favorite destination?

This year I was in Canada, Panama, and the Bahamas. The Bahamas is always my favorite out of these places.

Where are some must-go-to places in Yonkers?

Singas Famous Pizza, Yummy Yummy Chinese restaurant before it closed, the waterfront, and anywhere on the North.

What are your favorite travel items? Do you have any must-haves you need to bring?

I need headphones and new underclothes. I can’t travel without those items. 

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

My music is for the voiceless, the cool guys, fly guys, and a message when necessary. 

What is your creative process?

I gotta drive and write. I like to create when in motion. When driving or doing things I create properly. Need plenty of water and weed in the studio as well.

Your father, JadaKiss, is undeniably a rap legend, known for his powerful lyrical and storytelling skills. Can you share how his legacy and influence have impacted your own artistry? Are there any pressures associated with following in his footsteps

Stepping away from the relationship between us, that’s my favorite artist. So I just look from the standpoint of how would he approach this, how does he handle certain stuff. I don’t feel any pressure though. I think we’re both similar and different, so as long as people hear my music without expecting to hear him, it’s fine.

Many artists find that exploring different cultures through their music opens up opportunities for collaboration. Have you had the chance to collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds, and how has this enriched your musical journey?

Not yet. I want to work with a few different artists though, mainly [from the] West Coast. I want to work with Skooder, he’s dope. He’s the type of artist that inspires me as an artist for real. Keep me on my toes.

Your album, “The Heart of The North,” came out in August. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this project and what you hope listeners will take away from it?

This project was like me shedding my skin at home and shedding light [on my] home for the onlookers. Bringing people into my world, where I’m from [and] what I represent. I hope they take away that Yonkers has a culture and is beautiful in all the chaos.

What can people expect from you, music wise?

What’s next for me is more collaborative works, more videos, and blogging so people can meet Jaewon. “The Heart of the North” is gonna get a lot more push as well.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

Differentiate hip Hop culture from the rap business. The lines are becoming blurred. People [are] losing sight of the important things. The art.

What’s next for you?

Taking the industry by storm. Showing them that there’s a lot of talent in NY and NYC. Kicking the door down.

Follow Really Jaewon on Instagram, @reallyjaewon, and Twitter/X, @jaewonornugg. Stream “The Heart of the North” on Apple Music and Spotify.

Frances Handy (aka Franie M) is a music marketing and public relations specialist from Staten Island, New York. Music has always been a major influence since interning at Roc Nation, where she assisted on numerous artist marketing projects, brand activations, and PR campaigns. After achieving her BA in Business and Marketing Communication at Berkeley College, she founded public relation and artist branding agency, CGM Publicity.

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