Meet the Artist: Jarrell tha Griot and Jasmine Nicole of J123

Jasmine Nicole and Jarrell tha Grio of J123 talk about their artistry.

Meet Jarrell tha Grio & Jasmine Nicole: Two Artists Bridging Music and Meaning

In this vibrant conversation with Rhythm Visions, DMV-based artists Jarrell tha Grio and Jasmine Nicole peel back the layers of their creative journeys. Jarrell, an educator and hip-hop storyteller, traces his love for music back to rapping Naughty by Nature verses as a kid—now channeling that passion into what he calls "urban intellectual" art. Meanwhile, Jasmine, a jazz-trained vocalist with gospel roots, laughs about critiquing her mother’s singing at age three before evolving into a neo-soul artist crafting "feel-good truth." Their dynamic energy shines as they finish each other’s sentences, bonding over music’s power to heal and challenge narratives.

Diving into their creative processes reveals striking contrasts. Jarrell tha Grio thrives on spontaneity, transforming sonnets into rap verses or building tracks from gritty beats. Jasmine, an audio engineer, approaches songwriting like a composer—crafting melodies first, then wrestling with lyrics. Yet both agree: authenticity is non-negotiable. "My music has to align with what I teach my 5th graders," Jarrell insists, while Jasmine prioritizes vocal craftsmanship over studio tricks: "Autotune can’t replace soul." Their dream collaborations—Tupac for Jarrell, Stevie Wonder for Jasmine—hint at the legacy they aim to build: art that educates as it entertains.

As they tease upcoming projects (Jarrell tha Grio’s introspective For the Love of Life album and Jasmine’s debut Conquering Love), their pre-show rituals capture their personalities. Jarrell prays for "divine flow" with audiences, while Jasmine admits to pre-performance jitters: "I warm up like a High School Musical character, then let go."

Follow their journeys at @jarrellthagrio and @jnicole_sings—and stay tuned for more Rhythm Visions artist spotlights, where creativity and community collide.