JPEGMAFIA: BREAKING CONVENTION
JPEGMAFIA is a veteran rapper and producer whose music has been breaking hip hop conventions with his interesting sounds and techniques. The Baltimore rapper made a name for himself in the underground scene by rapping about internet-culture and topics that resonate with disgruntled millenials in the age of social media
The rapper (real name Barrington DeVaughn Hendricks) began producing in his teenage years after learning how to sample music. At the age of 13 he moved to Alabama, where he had firsthand contact with overt racism. He cites this period as the moment when he learnt to develop thicker skin and handle vitriol from other members of society.
At the age of the 18 he enlisted in the military, and served a single term in the US Air Force. During this term he was deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, North Africa, and Japan. Following the completion of his term, he was honorably discharged.
During his tour deployment in Japan, he began releasing music under the name Devon Hendryx. It wasn’t until 2015 that Hendricks started releasing music under the name JPEGMAFIA. Following the release of several mixtapes, he released his debut album Black Ben Carson in 2016. Hendricks would later move from Baltimore to Los Angeles.
JPEG’s sophomore album Veteran was released in 2018, and was featured on many notable album-of-the-year album lists. The release amplified his presence as a serious contender in the east coast hip hop scene, and he has since become a public figure known to millions in the music community. He has since performed at major venues including SXSW, Pitchfork Midwinter Festival, and Coachella.
One notable feature of JPEGMAFIA’s work is that he produces and mixes his music himself. Most notable producers often give their mixes to professionals to finish, but Hendricks avoids such practices, as he prefers to be in total control of the way his songs sound.
His production style has been described as a mix of ethereal trap and glitchy hip hop. His lyrics often feature in-your-face dark humor that appeals to a certain audience. His topics range from introspective observations to condemnations of political figures who contribute misery worldwide.
This makes JPEGMAFIA a hit or a miss with certain audiences. However, he does convey a carefree rebellious attitude and doesn’t seem to worry about people having to like him.
JPEGMAFIA released his latest album All My Heroes Are Cornballs in 2019. The album received widespread critical acclaim upon release and further boosted JPEGMAFIA to the forefront of the experimental hip hop scene.
Fans appreciate JPEGMAFIA’s music for it’s DIY counter-culture aesthetic that isn’t afraid to confront prejudices. Hendricks is going to continue releasing music in the future that tackles internet-age topics that other rappers aren’t savvy with. You can be sure to see his relevance continue to grow in the years to come.
