Daily Inspiration: Meet Jugg XO

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jugg XO.

Hi Jugg, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is XO. I am 27 years old. I was born in New Jersey, raised here in Atlanta since I was 5. My entire family (maternal side) is made up of musicians and vocalists so I’ve always been surrounded by it. I started my musical journey in middle school with poetry and beat making. I couldn’t read music but I taught myself several instruments by ear. Around 16 years old, I began turning my poetry into song. I eventually started creating music with my 3 brothers who are also songwriters and musicians. I began rapping and eventually found a sound and style that reflected the music i listen to. It morphed into this rnb-rap hybrid sound that I have today. I didnt plan on being a recording artist as I have stage fright and am camera shy. But, i know that my experiences and the things I write about aren’t unique. I pushed myself to create for others…for the sake of relatability. My only goal is to make people feel something. Not everyone has the words to say how they feel or what they’re going through. Some know how they feel yet don’t have the resources to navigate those emotions properly. I want someone to be able to hit play and feel heard, seen, and understood.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It certainly hasn’t always been smooth sailing. I’d love to say that road to finding myself as an artist was easy but there are so many facets that a lot of people don’t recognize. Finding MY sound was among the most difficult. It’s hard to find you individuality when there are so many different types of art that we digest regularly. I had to find what felt real and natural to me instead of what was popular. I have also found myself in creative ruts and periods of writers block especially while going through real life situations. I moved out of my parents house as a teenager, so of course you run into different obstacles mentally, financially. But as i grew older those obstacles were overcoming abusive relationships, my frontal lobe developing and feeling like i had to find myself all over again as an adult. I used to feel my worst when i didnt have the capacity to create. I’m finally getting to a point where i can accept those lulls and down time and allow that creativity to flow freely without obligation and not tie my value as an artist to how fast or frequently I write and release music.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a song writer and recording/performance artists. Although i do not consider myself a true vocalist, I specialize in vocal arrangement and lyricism. Im absolutely lyrics focused, I love to tell my stories but I would say im known for my melodies and catchy hooks. I believe what sets me apart is my ability to write and perform hard hitting lyrics with eloquence and creativity while also leaving you with something that is sure to be stuck in your head.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Right now I wouldn’t say there’s a particular text or podcast that keep me at my best. But, i am a member of an lovely non profit called Paint N Sit ATL that provides free painting events within our community. We promote healing and wellness through art and although painting it isn’t my medium, it helps spark creativity in my realm that I never imagined. Serving my community along side my other team members and my amazing partner is what keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juggx.o?igsh=Y2RseHp0c2ltYWE4&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/juggxo/6773787598