Lil Jabba’s Scales is one of the most original albums we’ve heard so far this year. We asked the Brooklyn-based producer to tell us a little about himself and his twisted take on juke.
Who are you?
LiL JaBBA – The Son of the Swamp, The Duke of Sludge, The Baller in the Night, The Frantic Troglodyte, The Footwork and Beyond Producer, The Wallabout Wanderer, The Grotto Teknitian.
What do you sound like?
Silt being pumped through an osmosis chamber. A cloaked leper running from the law while losing his limbs and swinging a dagger. A Jamaican witch on suicide watch. A cherub about that life.
Why should we listen to you?
Because I’m insane and I’m going to make something you’ve never heard before. I’m my own man, my own monster, and I’ll make my own music, my own damn way. No trends, no filter. Only getting better by the day. Ch’YEAh!
What have you released so far?
There are two cold cassettes via WTR CLR (and digital versions of the tapes distributed on my Bandcamp), titled Swisher and Paint. Dutty Artz released a compilation that I’m featured on, and my debut vinyl release just dropped via Local Action titled ScaLES. As far as future projects I’ve got some secret joints that will be available in the next few months. Keep an eye out – or I’ll poke your eye out!
What song sums you up? Why?
‘UOENO Remix’ by Rocko et al. That song is me personified because UOENO what I’m capable of. Also ‘Loki’ – it’s crafty, it’s mania.
What or who is your biggest influence and why?
Obviously TekLiFE , my brothers in arms. They got my creative juices flowing and inspired me to actually start releasing my creatures. I had been pretty prolific prior to my footwork trax, but never actually sought to get any of them out there. Besides from them I’d say Actress, Chopin, King Louie, etc.
Where can we hear your music?
My SoundCloud is packed with music, probably 30-40 tracks, as well as my Bandcamp and YouTube. Take a listen, let them sear you.
Where will you be in five year’s time?
Rollie on the wrist straight flexin’. I’m a painter and musician so my repertoire will be absolutely bonkers in five years, I’m going to be the boss man! The top dog! The Count of Monti Jabbo, killin’ it from my throne of obsidian. TeKKin’.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I am the sovereign ruler of a micronation called The Grotto. I love Dominican food. My oil paintings are visual representations of my tunes. My African mask collection is vast.
LiL JaBBA’s vinyl debut ScaLES is out now on Local Action. Find him on SoundCloud, YouTube, Bandcamp, Facebook and Twitter.