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Everyone knows Mickey Factz from his Honda commercials and mixtapes but the upcoming star of the GFC (Get Fresh Crew) is definitely Jade. Last night (July 14) at SOBs in New York, GFC brought out all of their artists for the Black Apple Tour including FKi, Stalley and the aforementioned Mickey Factz. The show was successful with non-stop bangers from DJ Treats and undeniable talent, but the under radar star was Jade.
Clutching a sunflower and adorned in a white dress, the petite-framed singer wowed the crowed with her powerhouse sound. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, the Puerto Rican songstress has a gift of creating an intoxicating state of numbness that not even an AA member could deny. In her EP, It’s My Heart, Cookie, the 23-year-old singer writes from the soul and decides to share a piece of it with her fans, one crumb at a time.
From musical beginnings in the church (she does don the title of a pastor’s kid) to her first gig as a back up singer hitting the likes of Michael Jackson’s “I’m Not the One,” Jade has always followed her musical heart.
“Music was the only thing I knew how to do. I wrote off the strength of myself,” she says after her pre-rehearsal. And with that strength Jade has continued in the success of her career. First graduating from known Fame school, LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, signing to a production company and eventually to Pharell’s Star Trak, Jade views all her opportunities as “pivotal to her success.” Despite being viewed as “just a singer” on the label, the musician saw past the stumble and on to other things, joining her GFC family including artists such as Mickey Factz and Stalley.
With a sound as diverse as Jade’s it’s difficult to simply peg her music into a specific genre. Maybe if a jambalaya including Deftones, a dash of Gwen Stefani and Madonna, and a sprinkle of Sade and Seal were added to the mix, you could then skim the surface of her music and taste a sample of her soul but classifying her eclectic sound is somewhere between measureless and rock pop soul. “My music comes from the soul element of passion. I can sing anything but it’s all about the words, the lyrics, the melody; that’s what creates the message,” she says.
With childish antics such as the twirl of her hair to her wide-eyed expressions it seemed as if GFC had found their very own Alice in Wonderland. The beginning of her set was that out of a fairy-tale including intimate renditions of songs “Drown Me Out” and “He Needs Me” and on every song her sound entranced the audience and rattled from within. For the second half it was as if she had transitioned herself into a tribal warrior to deliver her more uptempo hits-war paint, harem pants and fierce make-up included. Whether singing in full blown alto or the softest soprano, Jade evoked passion as if she was battling a feud of emotion within herself, performing as if the sound, body and music were one.
“I feel the stories. I want others to be entranced with my music like I am with others. Is that conceited of me?” she asks.
Working on a promotional tour and and upcoming, yet-to-be-titled album, the sultry songstress with a hypnotizing power is willing to use her aural gift to bring pleasure to the willing. - GIANT MAGAZINE
While the entertainment industry seems to be in its own recession, failing to produce enough quality performers, underground music is the best way to hear good music without spending too much. Singer Jade is the perfect blend of an eclectic sound, raw talent and excellent stage persona.
As I walked down the stairs to the basement of a bar in New York City�s Lower East Side, Jade continued to belt songs into her microphone while shooting me a look that screamed, �Who is this girl and why does she think she can walk in on my rehearsal?!� Surrounded by only her band, manager, publicist, and stylist, this was meant to be a private rehearsal. She then turned right back to her business and continued to practice, stopping her cohorts when she felt something was wrong, or needed to change. �Okay, let�s do �Up and Out� one more time and then �Wolf� next,� she instructs the band.
Next Jade pulls out her cell phone from the back pocket of her form fitting skinny jeans and glances at the screen. �Okay guys, we got one more minute,� she informs the band. It is now 11 pm � the time that we are supposed to meet but Jade�s hard work ethic and leadership personality prevent her from putting down the mic and urge her to continue for another 15 minutes to get the most of this rehearsal.
Jade was in her second of several rehearsals for a July 14th performance at New York City�s famous SOB�s. Jade will be the only female and only singer at The Black Apple, a show where she will share a stage with rappers Mickey Factz, Stalley, and FKi. At the upcoming show, Jade will perform pieces from her album it�s my heart, cookie, which is currently available on her MySpace page. The Nuyorican singer who cites Nina Simone, Sade, Gwen Stefani and Deftones as her musical influences is no stranger to the stage having previously performed in various New York locations and even opening up for Pharrell at a concert in Pennsylvania.
Despite crediting her parents with being her personal influences in life, Jade claims her upbringing has had nothing to do with her decision to pursue music. �I wasn�t really exposed to music but I always wrote music on my own � it had nothing to do with my environment. When my parents saw that I was interested in music they put me in programs like �Tada� where I did musical theatre, tap, jazz, and some Broadway stuff.� Her performance training was well reflected throughout her rehearsal, as she moved to the beat of each tune and contorted her face in such a manner that properly expressed the emotion behind the lyrics of each song.
When asked about the recent passing of fellow performer Michael Jackson, Jade says, �It�s really, really sad. You�re talkin� �bout someone who was raised in the industry. I�ve never known any artist who�s had more money, fame, privilege and was unhappy.� Referring to her own feelings on success in the industry Jade claims, �I�d rather be singin� in a church broke, than rich and miserable. I tell my team, �don�t do anything for the money�.�
The natural-born leader has optimistic yet realistic hopes for her career in the industry. �I wanna learn how to lead my team morally and ethically � they�re already talented. I�m excited for the future. We haven�t even scraped the surface of what�s coming.�
- inColor.net
Place: Santos, NYC | Open Party
Subject: Jade
On an evening that ideally complements a blanket and a movie, there I stood in front of the stage waiting for Jade to perform. The first time I saw her live, I must admit her songs left a spell on me that has yet been broken. In awe by her mighty vocals, I was immediately taken by her aura and for that reason this gloomy night seemed to linger auspiciously. Although the rain and the cold did not inspire much promise, NYC still agreed that something magical would happen. About 10:30pm the TRACE team arrived, ready to record this spectacular evening, but even more expecting, and indeed we experienced the magic. Within minutes the initial group of 30 party-goers became an eclectic crowd of 200 hipster fairies, socially fluttering together. Instantly the venue’s (Santos) vacant decor transformed into a magic castle where Cyclopes and Sorcerers played the role of security and bartenders. Literally a disco ball in the shape of a heart sparkled over us with meaning, and the natural chatter vanished underneath Q-tip’s funky turntables, which instead gave our bodies a reason to converse with the music. Maybe it was the strobing lights or the thick smoke, but as I scanned for my reflection by the bar mirror, amongst it all, I barely identify who I was. A parallel feeling to OZ, we traded our admission to become apart of this mystical experience, and anxiously, we waited to hear from our special guest…
Jade walked onto the stage, garbed in a sleek black onesie, like a sultry magician and accompanied by the wizard sounds of J. Carmelli on the guitar. She decided to turn up the temperature to meet her level of enchantment and opened with a new tune. Her voice and sway of her arms captivated her listeners and allured them to pay closer attention. Composed yet playful, she diligently tapped her feet as if its rhythm synced with the pulses of our hearts; we were taken. She tossed out notes as gifts for our ears; we received them and anticipated more. With a steady pace she tamed the Wolf, whom echoes illustrated colorful splashes of 3D energy. Then she hypnotized the crowd with Take The Hit, as her voice reigned inside the place. On the incline, we arrived at Up & Out. She challenged the booming bass but never lost vocal restraint. We twinkled from the pixie dust that flickered from her fingertips when she snapped to the beat and we were compelled to do the same. Angelically, she concludes in humble form on her knees, as to articulate that she was grateful and merely a personified instrument of something bigger than her body.
To witness Jade perform is evidently a magical experience. It is a vivacity that coalesces charisma, power, and liberty. The way her voice playfully trickled over her songs and its direct relationship with her movements showed evidence that her music orchestrates from her heart; her breath, her voice, her limbs, and her pulse all play together. Just like magic her presence inspired everyone. Something about her was celestially charming. Her music represented our individual fairy-tale dreams of fairies, wizards, and love. It instilled forgiveness and optimism. It gave us hope that the unexplained do exist. That magic rested inside her faithful connection to music, which somehow created a supernatural sound that pleasantly invaded the audience. We could not label it, but we -in some way- identified with it. Encompassed with the ability to stimulate our own mojos, we became mystical enough to alter our own moods and emotions. Just like when I first saw her on stage. Collectively, as force of creative misfits, no longer did our minds ponder on the gloomy weather. Under her voice, we were Open to the magical possibilities of the night.
Words By: Toni Burke
To hear songs by Jade like, Wolf, Take The Hit, and Up & Out, download a free copy of ‘It’s My Heart, Cookie’ (debut EP). Also for concert and music updates, check out her MySpace Music Page www.myspace.com/jadeismusic. - TRACE MAGAZINE BLOG
Name/Alias: Jade
Current Gig: Singer/Songwriter
Motto: Dessert first, Dinner last.
Quote to live by: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Q: Who’s your style icon? Hmm — I would have to say Jesus. He wore a toga and sandals and rocked it…but really, probably Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw. She peaked and left the rest of us wanting.
Q: What defines your iconic style? Old Hollywood and modern New York City.
Q: What are your daily inspirations? My family, friends and the mess I make of life.
Q: What’s the one thing people would never guess about you? Laughter can make me forgive anyone, LOL.
Q: What’s the biggest fashion rule you would never break? There are fashion rules?
Q: What are your wardrobe’s staple pieces? Stiletto heels, lace hair ribbon, boxer shorts, jelly sandals and a wife beater. That might sum it up.
Q: What women’s street wear designers should we be on the look out for? I am a loyal fan of the women’s line’s of SSUR, Ducksworth, Peg Leg and Vashtie’s Violette.
Q: In 5 years, I’ll probably be… building something for the next generation plus the same thing I’m doing now for more money:)
—–
Jade
www.myspace.com/jadeismusic
EP “It’s My Heart Cookie”: Download here..
- Clutch Magazine: The Digital Magazine for the Young, Contemporary Woman
Puerto Rican singer/songwriter Jade soothes the harshness of life and amor with her righteous penmanship and vocals. On "When You Come Home," Jade's visceral, still vulnerable, voice impassions the yearning for a love gone astray. - VIBE.com
Jade is a gorgeous singer from NYC, very soulful and hypnotizing, heard about her from a few friends of mine Cudi, Tommy, etc and she’s apart of the GFC crew as well picking up production from Precise. Glad to see her work hitting the web finally! Shout out to Saint - Herfection
THIS IS MY FRIEND JADE. SHES NO FUCKIN JOKE AND WILL DEF TAKE SHIT OVER. U CANT PUT HER IN A BOX, LIKE MYSELF, SO EXPECT HER TO CHANGE THE GAME AND BE ALL OVER THE FUCKIN PLACE VERY SOON OR SOME A & R’S NEED TO BE FIRED. LOL
SHOUTS TO JASON SCOTT AND THE REST OF MY NY FRIENDS AND FAM
DOWNLOAD HERE NOW OR UR AN ASS :) - KIDCUDI.COM
CHUCK INGLISH of THE COOL KIDS first put me on to miss JADE about a year ago. they had done a song together that i absolutely loved. her voice is haunting and strangely sweet.
then recently, JASON SCOTT requested some VIOLETTE gear for her shoot. i met up with him and her and we chatted a bit over espresso and tea. she’s definitely dope…very cool and creative. i think you guys will dig her sound – i’m addicted. - VASHTIE.COM
Download this now.. its Free. and its Amazing, and features the song Beautiful Problems produced by me Spread it around.. be the one to put your friends on ill shit.. - blog.coolxkids.com
Well, it’s about that time. We’re now 6 months into the year, and I think it’s about time I gave my piece of mind about how things are going musically. So far, there have been some amazing releases, and I’m just gonna go ahead and let you know about my top 10. As a sidenote, some of the newer releases have not been counted, just because I haven’t had time to give them enough spins.
7. Jade – It’s My Heart, Cookie EP
When I first heard Jade, she blew me away. The former Star Trak signee created an excellent piece of work, with help from folks like Theophilus London and Chuck Inglish. Straight up vocal pop with excellent production across the board. - VinyMeltdown.com
Discography
SINGLES:
Naturally w/ Mickey Factz
Sun Rays w/ Stalley
EP:
It's My Heart, Cookie
Photos
Bio
"Jade is passionate about her music. She lives and breathes it." Jade's father replies when asked about his daughter's chosen career. "She was born to sing. She'll die doing it." Nepotism aside, after hearing her voice it doesn't take long to see what he's talking about. Jade has a giant spirit to match her giant voice and the ability to transport her listener to a transcendent state of head bobbing and lip sync-ing very few artists can do.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, a pastor's daughter, Jade grew up in a non-traditional Puerto Rican household, "I wish I knew more Spanish and how to cook rice. Mom made Chinese food and blasted Gloria Gaynor." Early on music was something that came very naturally to Jade, "especially in the shower...at the top of my lungs." Soon, she began to sing in places outside the confines of her bathroom, and it wasn't long after that, she began to write her own songs and create her own soundtrack. "It is the process of telling stories," which she says, "is one of the most amazing gifts anyone can have."
Following her musical ambitions, Jade attended the prestigious La Guardia High School for Performing Arts, majoring in vocals and graduating in 2003. Shortly thereafter, she was signed to a production company and was given the opportunity to flex her songwriting muscles. This was short lived as she was then signed to Pharrell's "Star Trak" label. Ultimately, Jade parted ways after a year, "I felt like a bench warmer...No, I was a bench warmer. I expected more from myself."
Starting fresh, Jade is writing the songs she wants to write. Jade's songs focus on the human condition. With each song she manages to tap into a different facet of herself to express multiple perspectives on love, growth, change, faith, and "everything else that makes us human. I like to focus on emotion: visceral and raw. That's what life is about. But good music is good music, right? Right!?"
It's safe to say Jade knows what she wants and she appears to be getting it: playing regularly all over the city to an exploding fan base at venues such as BB Kings, SOB's, Santos Party House, The Knitting Factory, Europa, Club Element, and city wide music events such as the Brooklyn Hip Hop festival and the Howl Festival, as well as having opened for notables Lupe Fiasco and Slick Rick.
Along with her many shows, she has just wrapped up her EP entitled, "It's Hy Heart, Cookie." with production from J. Carmelli, Precize (GFCNY), and Inglish (The Cool Kids) and features Theophilus London.
During the early summer of 2009, Jade was featured in The Black Apple; a GFCny showcase with Mickey Factz, Stalley and FKi. As the only female in a male cast, Jade stirred up a lot of buzz causing her to get noticed by the likes of Time Out New York and Giant Magazine. With such blessings around her, who knows what the future holds for Jade.
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