Jesswar

Jesswar, a proud Fijian rapper and award-winning artist who currently creates on Yugambeh/Kombumerri land, today returns with ‘BAD LIKE RIRI’, the new single featuring Erica Banks of Tik Tok-viral ‘Buss It’ fame.

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Continuing the themes of her TROPIXX EP which was underpinned by an addictive trap sound, ‘BAD LIKE RIRI’ is a further celebration of the strong and unapologetic voices that make up Jesswar’s community, as well as a state of mind; beyond breaking rules, the ultimate baddie Rihanna exemplifies strength, resilience and confidence.

“Rihanna’s power has inspired us all”, explains Jesswar. “When I see her thrive it makes me feel like everything is possible.”

Concreting the track’s prowess and anthem-like status, this idea is complemented by a feature from the formidable Texan rapper Erica Banks, whose song 'Buss It' has now been streamed over 100M times and has been used in 4.5M Tik Tok uploads. Coming together from opposite sides of the globe, the collaboration came together naturally with the help of producers prod by rfp and Papertoy.

“We sent Erica a rough demo of the song, she sent her verse back in a day and as soon as I heard it, I knew the song was complete,” continues Jesswar. “It’s wild to collaborate with someone on the other side of the world without meeting properly and somehow they match you creatively.”

‘BAD LIKE RIRI’ feat. Erica Banks is out now on [PIAS] Australia.

PRAISE FOR TROPIXX EP

"[Jesswar's] TROPIXX EP throws up ferocious challenges and pugilistic defenses against the forces of capitalism, colonization, and sexism while simultaneously offering up dope rhymes delivered directly."
CABBAGES

“The rising Fijian rapper proves she is a legitimate force to be reckoned with on this opening track off her debut project TROPIXX. Sleep on her at your own peril.”
E! News

"The braggadocio characteristic of so much modern hip-hop can ring hollow, but Jesswar’s hits hard—she puts any would-be gatekeepers in their place while claiming her own."
Paste Magazine

"With her growling, bold baritone, Jesswar's voice is a war cry defying expectations of women in rap while redefining gender norms, sexuality, and femininity over six defiant tracks."
Sniffers

"On the previously released singles ‘Medusa’ and 'Venom', [Jesswar] shows off a verbal tenacity and community-driven storytelling that seeks to empower fellow marginalized people, and that remains true for the other tracks on the EP."
Consequence of Sound