Casey JaNissa is “Gold Blooded”
By ANTHONY MCLAUDE
Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you, representing San Antonio, Texas, the most unblemished wordsmith amongst all dual lyricists. The reigning, defending, undisputed Queen of the Ring. The Battle Rap Champion of the World, Casey JaNissa! I had the privilege to connect with the undefeated champion, Casey JaNissa to discuss the gender reveal of her newly born, how many casualties she’s bodied, her debut album, “Gold Blooded,” Nicki Minaj, and the genesis of what brought her to become a battle rapper at Queen of the Ring.
I would like to congratulate you on the birth of your new baby boy. I watched your ‘Gender Reveal’ video on Instagram, and by the looks of it, you nor your husband did not know the gender of the baby yet, correct?
CASEY JANISSA: Yes, correct. And thank you very much!
What was your reaction the first moment you found out you were pregnant, and how did you feel at the ‘Gender Reveal’ when that last blue balloon determined that it was a boy?
CASEY JANISSA: When I initially found out I was pregnant, I was happy and excited. I had no idea what those nine months would be so challenging. When I found out it was a boy, I was disappointed, but now I’m so grateful just to have a healthy baby boy.
What kind of man would you like your son to be?
CASEY JANISSA: His name is Xiomar, meaning leader in battle. I want my son to be a leader.
You’re known as one of the best battle rappers from Texas, correct? If so, are you still undefeated and how many bodies did you collect thus far in chronological order (laughs)?
CASEY JANISSA: Yes. I am the best female battle rapper in Texas, and I have won every battle I’ve had. Which is about 11 bodies.
WOW. Well, I definitely commend your undefeated lyrical reign as Queen of the Ring. That must take a lot of grit, because you literally have to be on your feet and come up with rhymes from the top of your head very quickly, and the observers in the crowd along with the critics and judges must be an even extra bonus of anxiety. How do you manage to get through these rap battles victoriously, and how do you manage to draw out punchlines as very quickly as you go?
CASEY JANISSA: It is always nerve wrecking and my anxiety is always high. But, to calm myself down, I usually remind myself who I am, and that the audience is there to witness me. So, it’s almost like a switch turns on when I start rapping and I get in my zone. Some things are freestyles, some are writing. It normally takes me about a month to prepare for a battle.
After graduating high school, you attended Concordia University in Austin Texas, and in 2014, you’ve transferred to Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas where you graduated with a degree in sociology and psychology. Now, does this tie into studying and getting into your opponent’s head during rap battles in order to play mind games to defeat them?
CASEY JANISSA: Yes. In 2014, I transferred and it definitely does. I love reading people. I break them apart with my rhymes. I’ve hurt a lot of people’s feelings and have made at least two people quit battle rap. Having a sociology and psychology background helps a lot.
Would you like to take this time and challenge the next person who you’d like to battle rap?
CASEY JANISSA: No. I’m taking a break from battle rap right now to focus on music.
There is a rumor circulating the internet that you may or may not have a ghostwriter?
CASEY JANISSA: No. I do not have a ghostwriter!
While listening to the RACA mixtape, you stated on the intro to the song “Ooouuu (Remix)” and I quote, “You know why I talk shit? I talk shit because I’m the best rapper out…. Female rapper that is; I just don’t see nobody coming close, I just don’t. I don’t see it.” Although the self-assurance is over 9000 (Dragon Ball Z reference), do you still believe you’re going to stay undefeated or is someone more lethal on the microphone going to come up and take the crown?
CASEY JANISSA: In my opinion that statement still stands.
Let’s backtrack, in the summer of 2013, you stepped into the arena of battle rap and then a year later, you found yourself competing on the main stage of Queen of the Ring, based in New York city. What caused you to become anticipated to go into battle rapping?
CASEY JANISSA: I’ve always loved battle rap since high school. I used to battle boys at lunch. So, in college when I had the opportunity I took it. No clue I would be contacted by Queen of the Ring. But, I was, and they were impressed and the rest is history (smiles).
That’s a bit different from when I was in school. I used to clean the lunch room out (laughs).
At what age did you start writing, and making music? Also, what made you want to become a Hip-Hop/R&B artist?
CASEY JANISSA: When I was nine I started writing. I made my first project at 14. I was inspired by Eve. She was the first female rapper I admired.
You’re lyrical delivery and personality is of a New Yorker. Are you sure you’re from San Antonio, Texas (laughs)?
CASEY JANISSA: (Laughs) everyone always tells me that! I’m positive I’m from Texas. (Laughs) I never lived up north. But, I get that a lot. Maybe because I been watching battle rap, which originated in New York since I was little.
At the age of 15, you created your first mixtape with only a computer and a microphone, correct? Is that mixtape released or is it in the vault?
CASEY JANISSA: 14, and oh my God, it’s locked away! (Laughs) I still have it though. The sound quality wasn’t too good.
You’ve transitioned your rap and songwriting career, and you have debuted, a newly released studio album titled, “Gold Blooded.” What inspired the title of the record?
CASEY JANISSA: Gold Blooded title was inspired by a close friend of mine. Instead of calling me cold blooded, he always called me gold blooded. I looked further into that, and that phrase comes from the African people of Ghana, which is what we are not what American society decides for us to be. So, I felt it was a perfect title for the audience and my main single, “Africa.”
I’ve listened to your 1st EP, “Finally, Casey JaNissa,” along with your mixtape “RACA, and they were both great.” However, I feel as though your debut album, ‘Gold Blooded’ is missing something. Now, don’t get me wrong, the whole album was good, but I feel as though something was missing.
CASEY JANISSA: What do you feel was missing?
I feel as though the album should’ve had a few RnB style songs, and the song “Hold Up” would’ve worked well on the album because it has a good flow and it’s a mixture of both Hip-Hop and R&B.
CASEY JANISSA: Well, thank you for that feedback. Also, thank you for listening to all my music (Smiles).
Absolutely!
What does RACA stand for?
CASEY JANISSA: Biblical vain, empty, worthless, derived from the meaning “to spit.”
You’re building your brand by combining music, modeling, and style; you also plan on reaching the world through all forms of media. What inspired you to take on this adventure?
CASEY JANISSA: It’s always been in my heart and is just following it.
What’s the name of your brand?
CASEY JANISSA: So JaNissa is the name of my makeup line. Casey JaNissa is my artist name.
Did you ever want to be anything other than a Hip-Hop/RnB artist?
CASEY JANISSA: I grew up in theater. I’ve written plays, as well as acted in them. I also write poetry.
I recently watched the music video “Hold UP,” and it was definitely a lit piece. Who shot the video, and was this an original song of yours?
CASEY JANISSA: It’s my version of Beyoncé’s song, "Hold Up" on her Lemonade album. Shot and directed by Trent Owens.
I admire that you’re a songwriter and you’ve written, and developed your own unique style of music. Who were some of your influences growing up?
CASEY JANISSA: Eve, Lauryn Hill, Eminem, and Missy Elliot.
This should be fun. If you could battle rap any lyricist from either the past or present, who would you choose, and why?
CASEY JANISSA: Aww I’d battle Nicki Minaj. It would be a hell of a challenge for me, and I like challenges.
Me personally, I think you’d destroy her.
What would you list as your top five favorite albums of all time?
CASEY JANISSA: Wow, thank you (smiles)! Top 5: “Recovery” by Eminem, “Sideline Story” by J. Cole, “Take Care” by Drake. No order, I have to think of two more (laughs). “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” by Lauryn Hill, and “Dirty Sprite 2” by Future!
Looking back on the genesis of Casey JaNissa’s career, how have you managed the popularity you’ve attained over the last five years?
CASEY JANISSA: It’s crazy because I don’t live life feeling popular. But, when I go to the mall or store and someone asks to take a photo with me. It honestly blows my mind like they want a picture with me. They actually follow my battles and music. You never know who your audience is and how you affect them. So I try to respect people as much as possible.
What are some qualities you like about yourself?
CASEY JANISSA: My drive and determination; my eyes and my smile.
What can the world expect throughout the rest of your journey? I reckon that you’re going to catch more bodies than the Undertaker and Floyd Mayweather combined.
CASEY JANISSA: (Laughs) yes, of course more bodies. And more music!
The follow up album is always more challenging and important. So, what can we expect from your next album?
CASEY JANISSA: Expect more growth from me all the way around.
In closing, who is the undefeated Casey JaNissa, and what kind of imprint does she want to leave on the world?
CASEY JANISSA: I am just a person who wants to inspire the world with my talent.
Watch Casey JaNissa - Outta My Mind
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