Artist On Artist: Rising Hip-Hop + R&B Talents J-MILLA + Yawdoesitall

Recently bursting onto Brisbane's BIGSOUND 2023 stage were two rising talents among the Australian hip-hop scene - Yawdoesitall and J-MILLA.

Yawdoesitall, the innovative Sydney emcee, recently had heads turning with his latest R&B-tinged banger of a single Love Jones, a tantalising track that takes inspiration from the 1997 classic romantic film of the same name. 

With production by Jameson and mixing and mastering from Deja Miru (KAHUKX, DSP, Jaecy), the vibe of the tune is a change of pace from his previous single DOOFENSHMIRTZ. - with a menacing, sensual bass line and Yaw’s unique, expressive flow that feels equally hard-hitting and addictively melodic.

For those hoping to catch the up-and-comer in action, he’ll be performing on Friday, October 20th at Marys Underground Sydney, for his Love Jones release show (tickets available here).

Meanwhile, J-MILLA, one of Australia's most promising hip-hop talents hailing from Darwin, continues to impress with his latest single, On My Soul — another testament to his lyrical depth and artistic evolution that followed on from 2020’s FRESH and 2022’s Ball and Chain.

Released in the lead-up to his appearance at BIGSOUND, On My Soul is a moment of elevation and evolution from the young musician and lyricist.

Its release also adds another layer of accomplishment to what has been an incredible year for J-MILLA; one that has included industry acclaim and a historic performance on Wadeye during Reconciliation Week 2023, the first of its kind to be live-streamed via TikTok.

Both artists have had a remarkable year filled with industry acclaim, impressive performances, and successful releases, so what better way to find out more about these local talents than to have them pick each other’s brains?

Check out below as delve into an artist-on-artist interview between these two powerhouses, exploring their musical inspirations, what they’re most proud of, and what their younger selves would think of them now.

Yawdoesitall Interviews J-MILLA

Yawdoesitall: What will a younger J-MILLA be proud of the most?

J-MILLA: Younger J-MILLA would mostly be proud of making a change for his community, and being a role model for the youth, but to say the least, younger J-MILLA would be proud of how far he has come today.

I’m also proud to have provided TikTok with an incredible historical live-streamed concert last June in a very remote NT Aboriginal community called Wadeye.

Yawdoesitall: What do you consider a good studio session?

J-MILLA: A good studio session is mostly about having fun and creating something unique for yourself! It’s also important to record a full song and be completely fulfilled with the entire track.

Yawdoesitall: What are your thoughts on the new Travis Scott's Album - Utopia?

J-MILLA: The new Travis Scott album, to my ears, was okay. I didn’t think it was amazing-amazing, but thought it was something different for sure! Definitely some songs on the album that will be charting at the top.

Yawdoesitall: In three words, how did you describe your music to anyone you meet at BIGSOUND?

J-MILLA: PASSIONATE, ENERGETIC, SMOOTH

Yawdoesitall: If you had the chance to choose famous parents, who would be yours?

J-MILLA: Jay-Z and Beyoncé

J-MILLA Interviews Yawdoesitall

J-MILLA: Who is your biggest inspiration?

Yawdoesitall: Stormzy will definitely be my biggest. This is someone closer to home in terms of background and mentorship, as I definitely see myself pursuing music at this higher level.

J-MILLA: How would you describe your music in 3 words?

Yawdoesitall: Flowery, Energetic, Theatrical

J-MILLA: What’s your favourite song of all time?

Yawdoesitall: Anita Baker - Same Ole Love (365 Days a Week).

She’s one of my biggest inspirations for R&B, and this song, along with ‘80s music, is also one of my favourites.

J-MILLA: Burgers or pizzas?

Yawdoesitall: Definitely burgers for me. I've never been a big fan of pizzas, and I don’t even have an explanation for it.

J-MILLA: Why music?

Yawdoesitall: Music has always excited me. I never thought about pursuing it, but I taught myself how to play drums just to learn.

Over the years, it felt right during a lot of moments. I also loved seeing artists perform, and I wanted to one day be on a big stage. This made me figure out how to produce, and then the rest is history.

It's a creative field that I'm constantly learning and never feel content with, and that keeps me going.