As a rapper, one of the quintessential characteristics to uphold is control, whether that is control of your flow, control of your tone and delivery, or control of the beat itself. I’ve come across few UK rappers in the last few years that maintain this in the way Jianbo does.
The Chinese/Vietnamese-British rapper is a visceral artist. A background in film production has placed an emphasis on visuals, with each release to date flaunting his refined style, impressive use of colour, and narrative drive story-telling. His early singles like “S.H.A.O.L.I.N” and “Mongkok Madness” cemented him amongst the most exciting newcomers in the alt scene, but this year is the year where the extent of his potential has really shone through, with the release of his new EP, “Tears In My XO Sauce”.
Across the new tape, atmosphere oozes from each sonic crevice, from the murky synths of “Home Is Where The Food Is” to the off kilter rhythms and cinematic strings of “Chinatown Trouble”, and the sun-kissed haze of “Play Your Part” and “Saga”, with samples that reflect his cultural roots consistent across the four-pronged tape. The EP’s accompanying visuals are thoughtful and playful, mirroring the savvy, charismatic persona that is reflected through Jianbo’s performance and songwriting.
We caught up with the MC to discuss the EP, touching on its themes and intended legacy, looking back on his come-up and the UK underground rap scene along the way.
Listen to the EP…
Read the interview…
Who and what inspires you?
My family, my culture, my city.
How did you first find your love of music?
Some of my older cousins are 10, 15 years older than me. They introduced me to UKG and Jungle as a child, and it always resonated with me. By the time I was in school, I was already trying to imitate my Grime heroes.
How would you define the essence of your style?
My style is a blend of UK club music heritage, rap, hip-hop and jazz, pushed through the lens of my Chinese-Vietnamese/British upbringing.
How has your cultural identity shaped your artistry?
They’re the same thing – my cultural identity, both my Asian heritage and my south London upbringing, directly feed into my artistry. We’re products of our environment.
UK underground rap has been continuously flourishing over the past few years, what do you think it is about the sound that is resonating with more and more listeners?
It’s just reaching more people now; the sound always had a home in the underground because it reflects a more diverse range of perspectives and therefore it connects with a broader spectrum of people than what the mainstream allows.
Congrats on the release of “Tears In My XO Sauce”! How does it feel to have released the project?
It feels like another step in my creative development and I’m immensely proud. That being said – there’s so much more yet to come.
What was the creative process of the EP?
The process behind this EP was all about tapping into the past, and unravelling history in a personal way. I felt like this EP was therapeutic to make, comparatively with my previous project anyway, which felt a bit more tied to anger and disillusionment as opposed to this EP touching on themes of remorse and growth.
What influenced the project, thematically and musically?
Thematically, I continue to be inspired by 90s Hong Kong – not only as the golden era of the city’s film industry, but also thinking back to the neon lights, the busy streets and a bustling underworld – there’s a lot to take in and be stimulated by. Musically, I’ve been leaning on various pockets of culture that I find inspiring in London. Whether that meant seeing things from a hyperpop & dance perspective when collaborating with BABii on my track Home Is Where The Food Is, or looking at it through the lens of post-punk and experimental rock with Lewis Evans from Black Country, New Road when we worked on Chinatown Trouble – London is a melting pot and that is how I continue to enjoy and experience my life in this city.
What do you want listeners to take away from the project?
If you wanted to listen closely, I hope you’re able to understand more about my life and perspective. But honestly, I just hope the average listener enjoys the vibe of the tracks. There’s something there for everybody I think.
Where do you want to take artistry?
I want to be able to realize all the visions that I have in my dreams, and see them come to life.
What is to come from you this year?
More shows, more music, more life.