5 Jessi Lyrics To Listen To When You Need A Self-Esteem Boost
JESSI #JESSI
Jessica Ho, also known as Jessi, is a Korean-American rapper and singer-songwriter who has been on the music scene since 2005. She joined the first season of the hip hop competition show “Unpretty Rapstar” in 2015 and finished second. Her participation put her in the spotlight, after which she released “Ssenunni,” her first-ever rap single.
A couple of years later, Jessi released her first EP “Un2verse” with “Gucci” as the title track. Fast forward to 2019, Jessi joined PSY’s music label P NATION, making her the first artist signed under the company. In the past three years, she released seven singles, one mini album, a handful of collaborations, and a couple of soundtracks. She also took part in many television shows, one of her most notable works being “Jessi’s Showterview” where she was the main host. Jessi’s dominant songwriting style revolves around self-assertiveness, confidence, and a badass attitude.
With the recent news of her leaving her now-former label after the expiration of her contract, here is an exhibit of lyrics written by Jessi while under P NATION that you can listen to when you need a self-esteem boost.
1. “NUNU NANA”
“I’m still Jessi from the block (still)You know I got the keys to the lockFuck what they think, I just do meEverybody standing on their toes to see meWake up, blessedLooking, freshAnytime I flex, got that S on my chestPsy oppa gave me the green lightSo I ain’t gotta be behaveNo red lights HO, like the Olympic freeway”
Despite joining a new company at the time of the song’s release, in “NUNU NANA” Jessi remains true to herself and her style. She even clarifies that PSY allowed her to write and perform her music as she sees fit. Creative freedom is always appreciated in any art form, and it’s gratifying to vividly experience Jessi’s from a single listen to her title track.
2. “Who Dat B”
“Gossip gossip, as if it’s the truthAs if that’s everything, they all talkI have no desire to adjust myselfTo people I’m uncomfortable with, I’ll just be a bitch“
The B-word is usually used as an insult, but Jessi is way ahead of the gossip and proudly claims it as an attitude. In “Who Dat B,” the rapper clearly states that she is going to stay true to herself even if it makes others uncomfortable. Hip hop has always been about spitting the truth in rhymes, and it looks like Jessi is staying true to the rap game as well with her sharp flow.
3. “What Type of X”
“Yeah, I’m different, and it’s not a crime (It’s not a crime)Yeah, only God can judge me, you don’t live my life (You don’t)Oh oh, I ain’t gotta be the one, be the one just for youYou can hate on the game, but don’t hatе the one playin’Do you really wanna tеst me!?”
It’s easier to judge people than to put oneself in their shoes. Jessi is aware she’s different, and she doesn’t need anyone’s approval to live her life as she pleases. Plus, she’s made peace with the fact that she doesn’t have to be everyone’s cup of tea. Witnessing similar self-assertive lyrics may have been a novelty before, but it is slowly but surely becoming a norm as it should!
4. “ZOOM”
“I see you lookin’ at my P-I-C (I know)You can stretch it, stretch it, stretch, stretch it outI know you like what you see (Ayy)Zoom in (Uh-huh), zoom out (Okay)Zoom in (Uh-huh), zoom out (Okay)Zoom in (Uh-huh), zoom out (Okay)Baby, shocked starin’ like a hawk gawkin’ at me, ow[…] WaitOh my God, I’m such a catfishHahaha”
With this title track being her last under the label, Jessi is not only confident about her character but also about her looks. A first glance, the lyrics might be understood as a simple case of boasting one’s vanity, but a further look reveals the self-assurance behind proudly embracing one’s physical beauty.
5. “GANJI” (with PSY)
“PSY oppa told me to speak Korean properlyI just answer and do whatever I wantI ain’t gotta try It’s just my natural ganjiI haven’t even gotten married yet, but look at my ringThey sparkle a lot more than y’all average peeps, ya”
Jessi’s assertiveness knows no boundaries. Even when she’s teased about her Korean, she still uses the language to write her lyrics and rhymes them perfectly. Her dedication to her career as well as her mother tongue is quite heartwarming, as she is successfully bringing her inner American self to the Korean scene with finesse. On top of being self-assured, this rapper has ganji (swag) in abundance!
Which Jessi lyric boosts your self-esteem the most? Let us know in the comments below!
Esmee L. is a Moroccan lively dreamer, writer, and Hallyu enthusiast.
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