After an 18-month hiatus that left fans craving his return, MOBO Award-nominated UK rap sensation JBEE is back with “Déjà Vu“—a track that feels like both a comeback and a powerful statement. Known for blending introspective lyricism with the gritty edge of drill and melodic rap, JBEE’s return is more than just music—it’s a testament to resilience, growth, and navigating life’s cycles.
As we sat down with JBEE, the energy was palpable. From reflecting on his journey to teasing ambitious plans for 2025, he opens up about the highs, the lows, and how “Déjà Vu” marks a new chapter not just for him but for UK rap. This isn’t just an interview; it’s a front-row seat to the rebirth of a star determined to leave his mark.
Pinch of Sol: “Deja Vu” marks your return after an 18-month hiatus. Can you share the inspiration behind the track and how your personal experiences influenced its storytelling?
JBEE: The inspiration behind “Deja Vu” is just me talking about how life has been away from music for over a year. I touch on how a lot of people are around at the height of your career but disappear when you need them the most, and I felt like I had been at that point in my life multiple times.
Pinch of Sol: The music video for “Deja Vu” adds a compelling visual layer to the song. What was the creative process behind it, and how does it amplify the track’s themes?
JBEE: We tried to bring that “Deja Vu” feeling into effect in the video where I was walking at the same pace in different locations on a treadmill. Also, if you notice, my song “Just for Me” was shot in the same place as a few of the shots in ‘Deja Vu’, bringing that “I feel like I’ve been here before” line to life.
Pinch of Sol: How have you grown, both artistically and personally, during your time away from the spotlight, and what challenges did you face re-entering the music scene?
JBEE: Being away from music has helped me reflect on who I want to be musically. I was a bit nervous coming back.
Pinch of Sol: With “Deja Vu” introducing a new era in your music, what should fans expect from your upcoming projects and your ambitious plans for 2025?
JBEE: 2025, the supporters should expect loads of new music. While I’ve been away, I’ve been experimenting on different types of beats, as the music scene has shifted quite a bit since I last dropped. However, the content & message behind my music haven’t changed; you can still relate to it.
Pinch of Sol: Even during your hiatus, you maintained a loyal fanbase of over half a million followers and 1.5 million monthly Spotify listeners. How do you keep that connection alive?
JBEE: Honestly, I didn’t have to do much. I guess the message behind my music stayed alive; I would drop a tik-tok every now and then to keep the supporters tuned in, but I feel like the authenticity of the music is why the supporters are here till this date.
Pinch of Sol: What message or feeling do you hope fans take away from “Deja Vu” and your music as a whole?
JBEE: I want the supporters to dream big and never give up because of the circumstances they are in because once you put your mind to something you want, you can overcome any obstacle stopping you from getting there.
Pinch of Sol: You’ve had incredible success with tracks like “4AM” and the “Next Up” freestyle. How does the process of creating “Deja Vu” compare to your earlier hits, and how do you think your sound has evolved?
JBEE: I made “Deja Vu” the same way I make every other song: I let the melody set the vibe, and whatever feeling I got from it helped me make the track, but I do think I have evolved as an artist over the years, as “4AM” started off as a freestyle and wasn’t structured to be a song, but now my songs have a better structure to them.
Pinch of Sol: Your music often combines introspection with the grit of drill and melodic rap. How do you strike a balance between vulnerability and strength in your lyrics?
JBEE: Music is where I come to be vulnerable, as a lot of the supporters relate to my experiences, so I would say vulnerability in my music is my strength.
Pinch of Sol: Performing at major festivals like Wireless and Reading & Leeds is a huge milestone. How have these live experiences influenced your approach to making music?
JBEE: Doing those shows made me understand the impact my music has had on my supporters. Having hundreds or even thousands of people singing along to my music is a great feeling, so I tend to make sure my songs are structured in a way where it’s easy for them to do so.
Pinch of Sol: As a MOBO-nominated artist, you’re seen as a key figure in UK rap. What do you hope your journey and music contribute to the culture and the future of the genre?
JBEE: I hope I can have the same or even better impact a lot of artists in our scene have had globally whilst still representing & putting on for UK rap.
Listen to “Deja Vu” below:
