JessB’s 2024 debut album, Feels Like Home, opened with “Power”, a collaboration with Sampa the Great and dancehall reggae legend Sister Nancy. A lesser artist would perhaps have crumbled under the pressure of beginning their first record like that, but JessB more than held her own.
The message behind “Power” was clear: JessB knew she belonged in such esteemed company, and she wanted us to know it too.
The Auckland-based rapper and artist did everything but release a debut album over the past several years, including working with international stars like Doja Cat, Sweetie, and G Flip.
When Feels Like Home finally arrived last year, it proved to be the debut album JessB was always capable of making. Rarely has an artist come into their first album with such an extensive resumé behind them, which is why Feels Like Home often sounded like a third or fourth album. JessB is just that good.
“Feels Like Home sounds global, an exportable collection ready to take JessB far from home base,” we praised. —Conor Lochrie
Read an exclusive interview with JessB below. Check out the full Future of Music 2025 list here.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: How was 2024 for you? What were your biggest achievements and favourite moments?
JessB: 2024 was both a challenging and rewarding year for me – I released my debut album which was a very long time in the making! That was an achievement I was really proud of. Another highlight included Chris Martin personally inviting me up on stage to perform my song “Power” at Coldplay’s sold-out show in Eden Park. It was a very unexpected but amazing career highlight!!
Music is an increasingly crowded and competitive field. What’s one thing that makes you stand out from other artists?
I think that the meeting point of all the intersections I represent – who I am, the music I love to listen to and create – have resulted in a unique sound and image that is something that has historically been less common in AUS/NZ music scenes. It’s definitely changing now which I love to see – but really I’ve just tried to be true to myself (forever changing and growing) and stay authentic to my own journey in life and art.
What’s coming up for you in 2025 and beyond? Any big shows, notable releases?
I am on tour with Kehlani through AUS/ NZ this month which is something I have been looking forward to! Beyond that I am definitely looking forward to more growth and expansion. Not just with the music I am creating personally, but also in building a long-lasting career in the industry.
