Jujulipps on her debut EP ‘Get That Shot’
South African-raised, Tāmaki Makaurau-based rapper Jujulipps has been making waves in the rap scene with her dynamic flow and unapologetic confidence. The rising star’s mission is to remind her listeners that they are the main characters to their own stories, with music that punches with urgency and ferocity.
She’s supported the ethereal Sudan Archives at Auckland’s Powerstation, was selected as a Ones To Watch artist in 2023, has graced the stages of various New Zealand festivals including Northern Bass, Cuba Dupa, and The Other’s Way, and most recently debuted in Australia at the iconic BIGSOUND, and SXSW Sydney. Next, Jujulipps will be showcasing her talent with performances at Rhythm & Vines and NESTFEST this summer.
Hey Jujulipps, thanks so much for taking the time to chat to us! First of all, we'd love to know about your musical journey from when you first started rapping & making music?
I’ve always been someone that danced and was moved by music. I started writing more in university and threw myself into it fully when the Covid lockdowns occurred. I felt that I was finally able to sit down and focus on the things I felt were important and that was songwriting, creating and feeling life through music. Since I’ve decided to give it my all, I’ve never looked back and am constantly learning and creating work that I’m very proud of.
Congrats on your debut EP 'Get That Shot' - we absolutely love the powerful energy of all your tracks on it! How did you land on the name of the EP, and what are the main themes you delve into in this project?
It was really eye-opening delving into the themes of self assurance, self doubt, critique and self progression. The EP touches on many aspects involved in the short yet exciting timeline that has been Jujulipps time on the scene. The village that is Juju’s support system is rightfully so the first mention of the EP when she states, “Blessed with the best, you could never tell me that I ain’t got a hitta that’s on my team”. Without that team of support I’m not sure I’d be where I am, even though I fully believe in myself there are elements that will always bring you down but I always remember I was here to GET THAT SHOT. That all I need to focus on and that brings so much motivation to a cause I absolutely had to name the EP ‘Get That Shot’.
What were your artistic influences going into this EP?
I don’t think I was influenced by too many people during this project as I was finding what I enjoyed creating so was just in that headspace but my core influences are Rico Nasty, Nicki Minaj, Leikeli47 & Lil Kim and they all play a part in how I write.
One of our favourite tracks from this project is ‘Saucy’! Can you tell us a bit about the concept of this track?
So glad you love it! We wanted to create something that blended my background in one track. The beat is very much so inspired by Gqom a rising sound coming from S.A right now. I’ve always been such a fan of the genre so creating the track was so much fun. The track pokes around the meaning of being special and being looked at while still having the self assuredness that is always present in my songs.
Plus we also absolutely love the hype track "One Two One Two"! What was the inspiration behind this track and the writing/production process?
I love ‘One Two One Two’ and wanted a fun summer bop that just reminded one of a busy sunny day in December. From when I initially heard the instrumental, I knew I wanted to create something that listeners want to skip down the road to. This track was written by Abraham Kunin, Takunda Muzvondiwa and I and I feel that it was indicative of the fun that we had in studio
What were your main highlights working on this EP?
Being able to create with so many brilliant creatives has been amazing and most definitely a main highlight. I’ve also been offered the opportunity to learn so much about myself and what this journey has meant to me. I’ve definitely delved deeper into my artistry and can’t wait to keep doing so, revealing layers of myself that I can then lay out in my music is such a highlight.
Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you especially love?
I’m a massive fan of Tusekah, a Christchurch based artist who just released a song called ‘I’ve Changed’.
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt in your career so far?
Don’t sweat the small stuff - you’ve got to be very flexible in this industry.
Lastly, we end every interview with this question - if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?
You have one life, one chance - why wouldn’t you live it to the fullest and do what you love, you don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. Fuck it, start tomorrow, do what you love xx
Thanks Jujulipps! Make sure to keep up with her on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify or Apple Music.
