~H1~

Some of you may remember this slightly familiar face as a contestant and winner on Missy Elliot’s “Road to Stardom” talent search reality show a few years back. Her name is Jessica Betts and she’s a powerhouse vocalist who can easily go toe-to-toe with your favorite singer making her way onto the R&B music scene with a new look and unparalleled voice that’s sure to hold your attention. With a recent release of her album, LLCoolJess, she is definitely an artist you should have in your music device. Umiius got a chance to catch up with her and see what she was up to.

What genre would you categorize your music?

The genre that I am gearing towards is main stream Pop Culture, which also has influences from Rhythm & Blues, gospel and Rock & Roll. By infusing this various genres I am able to create a very cool mixed sound.

What inspires you to create the songs that you do?

My everyday life situations, always inspires a song or an idea. If I am going through something, relationships based, depending on how I feel in the moment is solely the motivation and inspiration for whatever I decide to write.

Out of all your major accomplishments, which one meant to the most to you?

I would have to say the Road to Stardom with Missy was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Being on Road to Stardom was a great foundation for me to launch my career independently. It not only opened doors, which was a good highlight, but it was a big learning experience with challenges that I faced and overcame. My learning experiences were what I got most out of the experience on the show. It opened doors and keeping those doors open required a certain level of discipline, consistency and creativity.

Learning to grow as an artist and learning how to disciple myself in the business while being able to reach out and do things independently was also a big takeaway from the show. The show also opened up international doors. I was afforded the opportunity not only to tour here in America, but I got a chance to tour in Africa, Europe, Saudi Arabia and the Emeritus to perform and shed light on my artistry.

If you could open for a current day recording artist, who would you choose?

Based on the direction that I am going musically, I would love to share the stage with the likes of Adele, Kanye West, Iggy Azalea. If I could pick exactly one I would pick Kanye West, because he comes from the same city I do. There is a certain method and message in his music, not to say I agree with everything. But, I love the demographic and I love the direction he goes in terms of the people that he is able to reel in.

How receptive has the music industry been of your sexuality?

Starting in 2000 I had a record deal with a label called G-Funk, owned by Warren G. Coming out was a very much talked about idea with my team at G-Funk. With my first record deal I let them put weave in and let them give me a very feminine appearance. I had to experience this façade for about two years. It got to the point where I could not do it anymore and I started losing myself. When I began to question who I was I walked away from the situation just to keep my sanity.

Road to stardom was one of the most amazing experiences I had because it was like a redemption. On the show people were rooting for me and I was totally myself. I said I was going to be me and there was not going to be any cute bubble gum wrapping the situation. At that time I was aware of how reality TV and how in-depth it can play on your personality and role. It really shed a great light on me and the audience was really digging my music and I was the number one choice. That gave me the confidence to be myself and I fell more in love with myself from that experience.

Where do you see Jessica Betts in the next five years?

I definitely see me taking my concepts mainstream and Jessica Betts being a household name. My music will be similar to artists like Tracy Chapman and Michelle but, with a new age twist. I want to be raw and edgy as well as keep the messages visible in the music. I see Grammy nominations and credibility given to all my hard work.

If you had to think of one song that is your motivation song, what would it be?

I like my song, “Feel So Good”. It is a song that if you are not in good spirits gives you a boost of positive energy. The three minutes helps take me away from whatever I am going through at the moment. I feel that it is a song that changes the dynamic of your emotions and it is for a good purpose.

How did come out to your family?

I came out to my grandmother when I was a senior in high school. I believe that during that time it was difficult for me because I did not want her to shun me or not love me. I knew how deeply rooted she was with God, being a pastor. I also knew how important religion played a part in a lot of relationships in her life. Being her granddaughter, I did not know what to expect and was surprised when I was met with unconditional love. Once my grandmother accepted my lifestyle choice, I felt the strength to be open, free and transparent about who I was. Her acceptance, which motivated me to be authentic, is why I won an audition on Road to Stardom.

Do you have a piece of advice for anyone just starting off his or her career?

I have gotten a lot of “No’s” based on my image and also because I want to be transparent about my sexuality. That raised a couple of flags for this industry where you have to conform. My advice is always to stay true, love and believe in yourself. Before anyone else will believe in you, you must believe in yourself.

If you only had one week left to live what would you want people to say about you?

I want people to say I love Jessica Betts because finding out who she was and listening to one of my songs saved their life. There are a lot of young women who are living the same lifestyle as me and are hiding their identities due to conflicting religious environments, which results in a lot of them taking their own lives. These are the things that we do not get to hear about in mainstream media like suicide, drugs and prostitution. Things like this happen because someone cannot be open and honest with themselves and their life.