HOTT AND RAW EXCLUSIVES: JACKI-O

// April 26th, 2009 // Hott and Raw Exclusives

q: do you feel you have to portray sex as a female artist to get to the next level?

A: Jacki-O quickly replies, “Of course not!” “When I first came out. I didn’t portray myself as that.”

By John Charles Reedburg (CEO/Publisher/Executive-Producer)

“I have a lot of music that’s not talking about sex.” “But if that’s what people want to hear.” “You can’t argue with that.”  That’s what people want to hear.”

Jacki-O- during an exclusive interview with Datzhott.com

Amidst the scores of hip-hop starlets, independent recording artist JACKI-O is a bonafide standout – an emerging star who disarms her fans with lyrical dexterity, girl-power anthems and unapologetic sexuality. After the release of Jacki-O’s sophomore solo album “Lil Red Riding Hood” this past February on her own Jack Move Entertainment label, in association with Gracie Productions and EMI. The buzz single “Baby Mama” garnered attention from fans and critics, all eager to see Jacki’s new direction in her career.

But yet, like the old saying says, “The true hustler’s spirit never rests.” And that’s why– Jacki-O …

[No! ... wait-a-minute let me rephrase that]:

The  Madame! of! Miami! JACKI-O! - is  back in the studio working on her third album, “Relentless”.

In this Hott And Raw exclusive, DATZHOTT caught up with Jacki  and discussed her upcoming album, novel and film projects, and  her thoughts about the current beef between 50 CENT and RICK ROSS.

For those wanting to keep up with the latest on Jacki-O. Can do so via her MYSPACE and FACEBOOK.

Also be sure to check below and peep out her single “Baby Mama” and the video for “Hood Girl”.

WHAT’s HOTT! ABOUT JACKI-O!?!

More than we IMAGINE!

Jacki-O made major headlines in early 2008 when she released her debut novel Grown & Gangsta, published by Corey “C-Murder” Miller’s TRU Publishing. The story reveals the lives of six friends who went from nothing to having everything, but never forgot the ties that bound them through the good and bad. She is currently working on a second book, which she hopes will eventually go to film.

As a rapper, songwriter and author, Jacki-O is a multi-layed threat offering real and raw lyrics, a nimble delivery and seductive style. She exudes inner-strength, and her charming personality outweighs any urban stereotypes that may be put upon her. That powerful combination positions this temptress to challenge the female heavyweights in the industry.

Born Angela Kohn, Miami native Jacki-O first made a splash on the charts in 2003 with the club-friendly single “Nookie,” a contagious hit that unabashedly explored the power of sexuality. The videos for “Nookie” and her follow-up “Fine” featuring The Ying Yang Twins received heavy rotation on BET’s Uncut. Jacki-O hit the charts again with the Timbaland-produced “Slow Down,” and her song “Sugar Walls” was featured in the film Beauty Shop starring Queen Latifah.

Jacki-O’s debut album Poe Little Rich Girl was released by TVT Records in the Fall of 2004 with an impressive all-star cast of features and producers including Jazze Pha, Red Spyda, Ying Yang Twins, Timbaland, Trick Daddy, Ghostface Killah and Betty Wright.

Jacki-O’s incredible story begins on the streets of Miami’s notorious Liberty City, a tough ‘hood that has delivered some of the Dirty South’s rawest artists. Almost from the beginning, Jacki-O dreamed of something bigger than Liberty City, bigger than Miami. Her first memory of performing was in elementary school, where she glowed in the bright lights. It felt like home. The aspiring starlet appeared in school plays, wrote poetry and eventually put her words to music. By her high school years she was skipping class to participate in freestyle sessions in the hallways. She eventually left before graduation to pursue her music career, but as stardom eluded her, she went back and earned her G.E.D.

Despite her never-ending hustle, Jacki-O kept hope alive through her songwriting.  Even without a deal, the streets knew the young MC was laying it down. She recorded a track for Trick Daddy’s I’m A Thug album, but it got cut.

In 2000, Jacki-O hooked up with Miami-based indie label Poe Boy Entertainment. Around the same time, she began crafting her image, borrowing from the sophistication and glamour exuded by former first lady Jacqueline Onassis.

The X-rated “Nookie” (the raw version is called “P**sy”), blazed through Miami’s underground scene before blowing up nationally in 2003, and the path to her 2004 debut album began. Jacki-O eventually left her deal with Poe Boy/TVT in 2005 after a highly-publicized bankruptcy, and released a couple of mixtapes as she prepared her next moves.

Jacki-O also began a group endeavor with Remy Ma and Shawnna, but the project was cut short by Remy’s legal woes in New York.

While sensualizing her persona, Jacki-O offers up enough musical diversity to defy all the labels. In February 2009 she  added another chapter to her life with her sophomore effort Lil Red Riding Hood. She co-produced the project along with fresh talent on her Jack Move Entertainment label, as it offered what many fans describe as “more of a universal feel.”

While Jacki-O has had her share of trials and tribulations, she is not moved by Hip Hop beef or people’s attempts to categorize her as an artist.

So therefore, in all this being said. DH has three words to sum up Jacki-O, “YOU GO GIRL!“

Jacki-O: “Baby Mama“

Video for “Hood Girl”