Jaboukie Young-White: From Comedian to Musician
Tiffany Champion
Introduction
Jaboukie Young-White never planned on pursuing a career in music, but it eventually found him. The 29-year-old comedian, writer, actor, and Twitter troll (or “X” as he prefers) shares the story of how he unexpectedly became a musician in an interview with Billboard.
From Comedy to Music
While Young-White was busy building his reputation in the comedy world through stand-up, writing for shows like “Big Mouth,” working as a correspondent on “The Daily Show,” and starring in Disney’s “Strange World,” he discovered his love for music during the pandemic. He had been making instrumental music privately since college but decided to take it more seriously and create vocal tracks in his apartment.
All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel
The result of his quarantine music sessions is his debut album, “All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel,” released on August 25 via Interscope. Young-White, performing under his first name Jaboukie, explores various genres like industrial hip-hop, bedroom rock, and hyperpop on the album while infusing humor into his catchy and insightful lyrics.
Lessons Learned
Young-White’s album almost didn’t happen. It was initially a demonstration of his music proficiency for an animated film project inspired by Juice WRLD’s music. However, after being offered a record deal by Interscope, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Throughout the process, he learned valuable lessons about the music industry and the importance of staying true to his own creative vision.
Fusing Sincerity and Humor
Despite being primarily known as a comedian, Young-White has always found humor in hip-hop. He admires the wit and comedic elements present in artists like Young Thug and Lil Wayne. On his album, he manages to balance sincerity and humor, crafting songs that are catchy and entertaining.
The Album’s Concept
The album’s title, “All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel,” not only describes the sonic experience Young-White intended with heavy low-end elements but also references a Jamaican proverb about learning from the consequences of not heeding warnings. Raised by Jamaican parents, Young-White incorporated his cultural background into the album.
The Future
With his debut album released, Young-White is already looking ahead. He plans to explore different styles and aims to create pop music with a clean and glossy sound, similar to Charlie XCX’s style. Young-White’s willingness to experiment and fuse unexpected elements promises an exciting musical journey for his listeners.