Photo Credit: Hassan Mahmood

As a young Black kid, there were two genres of music GROOVY could connect to back in the day. Each of them helped influence the path he set himself down as he grew into his own and started to develop as an artist. Today, his sound feels centered around the basic foundation of humanity; love. Whether it be for his home state or a girl who’s captured his attention, GROOVY is writing about it and now talking about all of that and then some, including his latest single, “BADGURL.” 

Kendra: Having a father that was involved in music must’ve made it easier for you to see it as a viable option for you in the future, but what do you think sparked your initial interest in creating music? 

GROOVY: I think I’ve always had some sort of attraction to making music, but it wasn’t until I became close friends with an artist from my hometown that I started to see music as a career path.

Kendra: On the surface, House and hip-hop have their differences, but what would you say are the things that make them similar enough that you found yourself enamored with both at a young age?

GROOVY: House and hip-hop are two genres that I could really relate to as a young Black kid. At the cook outs, we played house music, and in the car, my pops let me listen to Kanye’s ‘Graduation’ as long as I didn’t tell my mom, haha. The two genres both take influence (or completely sample) music from black artists of the past. There is history and soul in both genres. Luv em both.

Kendra: That’s what you grew up on, but as you got older and started to develop your style, you found yourself in this place that harkens back to the early 2000s R&B scene. What about that era of the genre do you think helped separate itself from ‘90s R&B? 

GROOVY: I think 2000s R&B is when pop and dance music started to have a real influence in the genre. Chris Brown, Ciara, Neo, and Beyoncé, just to name a few really livened up rhythm and blues for me as a kid. ‘90s R&B is still the choice for an intimate night with your sweetheart, though.

Kendra: We can hear your take on the genre in your latest single, “Badgurl.” Right away, I was into the video because of the ‘Grease’ and ‘Pretty Woman’ VHS tapes. They are two of my favorite movies, but also, as the video played on, very apparent as to why those were chosen as this is about a woman and her interest in sexual empowerment. Both movies showcase aspects of that. While the song can be interpreted a million and one ways, it felt very much like a feminist anthem. Especially given how much control the government wants over female bodies as of late. Was this song at all inspired by politics? 

GROOVY: I’d say this song is more inspired by culture, and the women’s cultures are different than our own. When I have had experiences with women from, say, the Caribbean or West Africa, their families have strict guidelines on what a young woman should be. Nine times out of ten, she isn’t that cookie-cutter mold that her parents put in front of her, so she struggles. “BADGURL” is about me trying to help that girl discover who she is. 

Kendra: What do you think are the three things that define a modern-day Badgurl? 

GROOVY: Confidence, originality, and streaming “GROOVY.”

Kendra: Switching gears for a second, you’re a New Jersey native, and that’s a state – top 10 when it comes to home state pride. Where does that New Jersey pride stem from? Because no one from Iowa is that hype about being from Iowa, haha

GROOVY: I think people from Jersey feel like underdogs. People are always comparing us to New York and Philly, and they never credit all we have to offer here. I’m proud to be from Jersey because I know the talent and creativity we’re home to; time for the rest of the world to wake up.

Kendra: Time for a side note – this month, we’re asking everyone to contribute a song to our ‘ZO Summer 2023’ playlist. So what summer anthem would you add, and why? 

GROOVY: “jersey luv” by GROOVY & B Jack$, it’s my favorite song right now; definitely a summer banger. 

Kendra: Lastly, with “Badgurl” out now, what else is on the horizon for you at the moment? 

GROOVY: Spreading the word, collaborating with artists who I like, and just living the lifestyle. I’m having a great time so far, so I’m excited for the future.