About this episodeJane Hancock discusses her journey from being dismissed by previous labels to finding success under Death Row …AI summary
Jane Hancock discusses her journey from being dismissed by previous labels to finding success under Death Row Records, highlighting the importance of authenticity and self-worth in the music industry. She details her songwriting process, which blends personal vulnerability with Bay Area soul influences, and shares how mentorship from Raphael Saadiq and Snoop Dogg helped her navigate career crossroads. The conversation emphasizes leveraging rejection as fuel and maintaining artistic integrity while collaborating with a strong community of Bay Area talent.
Key takeaways 5
Jane Hancock was previously dropped by a label that criticized her appearance ('she's not a Beyonce'), but she used this rejection as fuel rather than letting it damage her self-esteem, eventually signing with Death Row Records where she was celebrated.
Her songwriting process is deeply personal and therapeutic; she writes about her 'insecure season' and things she is afraid to say verbally, using music to process life changes like moving from catching the bus to having her own apartment.
Snoop Dogg's production style is characterized by an 'expansive ear' and infectious energy; he specifically directed Jane to sing rather than rap on certain tracks to highlight her unique vocal texture, setting a standard for her album 'It's Me Not You'.
The Bay Area has a strong collective of female R&B vocalists and performers, with Jane citing the 'hy movement' as a new age hippie movement with deep soul roots, amplified by artists like herself, In Vogue, and others.
Collaboration with Anderson .Paak on the track 'Stare at Me' was a breakthrough moment for Jane, who usually works solo; seeing his live band create the basis for the song on the spot inspired her to write her verse and opened her up to more collaborative processes.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“I think it's that because I mean we go through stuff as as young women as you know we go through things. A young black girl navigating life, finances, love, family, all of that. So, I think I put all of that in my music and then like for me that is therapy because I think that's the only way I can actually fully say what I want to say without getting the eye or getting a cuz I'm like a reader of the room and it's chronic for me.”
Jane explains her songwriting process as a form of therapy for navigating life as a young Black woman.
“I want to do stuff that make people feel, period. So, you might not agree with my view or my point of view on like certain things or my perspective, but at least you felt something, you know, enough to analyze and maybe look at yourself, maybe look at life.”
▶ 10:10Jane defines her artistic purpose as evoking emotion and self-reflection in her audience.
“I'm okay with being used. Just don't misuse me. So, I know some people are like, 'What she mean use me?' It's, you know, we all here to be used and utilized in some form. So, I'm okay with that. So, use like what for a ride? Can I get a ride or I mean we are here to be used for something. So it's like you could use me. I got I'm I'm resourceful. I'm I'm a source. But don't misuse.”
▶ 49:01Jane explains the meaning behind her song 'Use Me', distinguishing between mutual utilization and disrespect.
“His ear is crazy... he'll just like name a song out of nowhere like you should listen to that and like you know kind of get into that groove... he just came out of the cuts with like a a a bsider but that but like that's him”
▶ 12:51Jane describes Snoop Dogg's musical knowledge and production instincts.
“I think up until recently... I realized my responsibility and and and knowing that this isn't just about being in the camera and you know that's cool, but I touch people. So when people start messaging me like real deal, like real deal stories and messages, I don't take that lightly, right? Because you got to be the light too.”
▶ 6:08Jane reflects on realizing the impact of her work on fans and her responsibility as an artist.
Chapters & Sections (33)▼
0:00Celebrating Snoop Dogg's Legacy in Musicchapter2
0:00Snoop Dogg and Death Row Records Legacy
2:28Interview with Jane Hancock about her music
5:23Self-Discovery and Authenticity in Public Lifechapter3
5:23Self-Discovery and Purpose in Life
6:59Celebrity Reaction to Algorithmic Discovery
8:26Artist Support and Bible Study Discussion
9:49Artist's Songwriting Process and Inspirationchapter2
9:49Artist Discusses Songwriting Process and Inspiration
12:08Interview with Snoop and Jane Hancock
14:09Raphael's Influence on Music Careerchapter2
14:09Raphael's Influence on Music Career
16:21Overcoming Self-Doubt and Negative Criticism
19:13Celebrating Bay Area Ingenuity and Successchapter2
19:13Celebrity Interview with Bay Area Artist
21:20Anderson Relationship and Music Collaboration
24:30Artist Discusses Music and Personal Lifechapter2
24:30Radio Show with Jane Hancock Interview
26:07Overcoming Insecurity through Creative Expression
29:33Snoop Dogg's Influence on the Interviewerchapter2
29:33Snoop Dogg's Influence on the Interviewer
32:07Celebrating Bay Area Female R&B Talent
34:20Celebrating Female Vocalists and Industry Supportchapter3
34:20Celebrating Female Vocalists and Music Industry
35:44Praise for Jane's Strength and Resilience
37:10Jane's Musical Talents and Influences
39:02Proud Father's Emotional Reaction to Daughter's Successchapter2
39:02Proud Father Discusses Daughter's Musical Talent
40:58Motivational Rap Song with Inspirational Lyrics
43:24Celebrating Life and Community Involvementchapter3
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