JCass: Magnetic Connection
Let’s hop right into this latest single / video, “Champagne Drip” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?
“Champagne Drip” was the second song I wrote off the album, and I wanted to make a sexy song for the ladies expressing how a good man can make you feel. Not too raunchy, but sexy and classy. You don’t have to be raunchy to be sexy. I wanted to express the way my husband, Bizzy Bone, from the legendary rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony makes me feel. Shoot, I can’t wait until he comes back home from touring! Give me the business, honey! See when you have a good man by your side he can bring the freakiness out of you that you never knew you had. It’s all about the magnetic connection. The energy.
Of course “Champagne Drip” comes courtesy of your brand new solo LP of the same name — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?
This title represents the magnetic connection I have with my Bizzy Bone. This album is all written about how it first started, as well as some obstacles that occurred with my best friend.
How then does “Champagne Drip” either differ and / or compare to previous JCass entries?
“Champagne Drip” is all me! From the singing style, arrangements and production. I had full creative control, and did what I wanted to do. I did not hold back; I did what I love and not to someone else’s likings. Some of my previous songs were not me. I was doing what I was told to do in the industry. I was singing in a way I did not think fit me best. I was told I was too different to sing like certain artists, and sound a certain way. It was just not me.
As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw your inspiration from?
Everything I write about is something I have experienced or have had a close friend or family member experience it. I take myself into that exact moment and pour it all out.
You’ve been married to rapper Bizzy Bone (of BTNH) for the past three plus years — What particular string of events actually led to this union?
I had just finished writing my song, “Wrapped Up,” and I wanted to add a rapper on the song. At the time, my best friend and I were watching the movie ‘Straight out of Compton.’ During the movie there was a scene where Eazy-E was sick laying in bed, may God rest his soul, he pulled out a tape that said Bone on it and he mentioned to take care of the group as they would be here for longevity. I then turned to my best friend and was like, “who was your favorite rapper from Bone Thugs-n-Harmony?” And she was like, “Bizzy Bone.” I was like, “me too!” Then I told her, “I am going to get Bizzy Bone to feature on my song.” She was like, “how are you going to find him?” I looked at her and I smiled and said, “I will find him!” At that point, I had no doubt in my mind that he would feature on my song “Wrapped Up.” I just knew he would be the rap feature. I told all my peeps about it and they were very excited. They were like, “you’re going to have the legend feature on your track?” I smiled and said, “yep!” After two weeks, I figured I better find a way to find him. I found his Twitter account, and called the number that stated for booking contact this number. When I called and asked how much it would cost to have Bizzy as a feature on my song, they gave me a high price. I told them, “thank you,” and hung up. I was thinking to myself, “how am I going to do that?” Two weeks later, still being positive, I called them again and they gave me another number to call…and when I called a female answered. I told her my history, gave her my budget, and next thing I knew Bizzy jumped on the track and it was emailed directly to me. I was so excited that I got the icon on my song. Then as I was driving, I heard on the radio Bone Thugs-n-Harmony in Houston tomorrow at Scott Bar. I tried to reach back to management, and she gave me a crazy story on why I could not meet Bizzy. So I figured I had to find a way to contact Bizzy, so I hit him up on his IG and he did not answer until 9:30pm that night. I was getting ready for bed when he answered back. I called my manager at the time and he was like, “you better go!” I told him to meet me there. So he did, and as soon as we got there we saw a white SUV pull up and Bizzy Bone was getting out. My manager was like, “Bizzy!” and Bizzy walked over to us and shook my hand…and the moment I felt the magnetic connection. It was instant. After the show, we talked about doing a music video to “Wrapped Up,” and after that we talked on the phone, texted and saw each other whenever I was in L.A.,or when he was in Texas. A year went by and I realized I loved this man, but could not continue if it was going to be a long distance thing. I just remember him saying, “If I want to be with you, do I need to move to Houston?” I said, “yes!” And the phone hung up. Two weeks later, he called me and said, “I am here in San Antonio to be with you now.“ Then he said, “if you want to be with me, you have to pick me up and bring me back to Houston.” I went to San Antonio, brought Bizzy back to Houston, we moved in a house together, got married on February 1, 2020 – first of tha month – and had our lil Jam Da Man. We have been together ever since! We just had that love connection.
How much of an influence has he had on this specific direction in your career?
I stopped doing music after I had Jam Da Man to be a mother and build that connection with my son. After a while, Bizzy mentioned that it is time I show the world who JCass is! We met through music. So he encouraged me to do my album; in fact when I was writing “Champagne Drip,” I would practice the melody with him and get his advice on it. He is a legend. I am always asking for his opinion. He has longevity, and has been in this business over 20 years. We both work together on his projects, as well as my project. Not only do we do music, but we also have a vlogging channel on YouTube called JAM TV that showcases our lives as a family, as well as our careers.
How much actual input does he have on your upcoming solo record?
Bizzy lets me do my thing! I am hands on with my music, and know exactly what I want and how I want it to sound. I have a creative flow when I am doing this music thing. We both respect each other’s craft. I value his opinion, so I did ask him which song was catchy and he loved the melody of “Champagne Drip,” especially the chorus part.
Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Jessica Cassidy?
Since I was a little girl, I always loved to sing. My first song was called “Blame it on the Phone.” I would go in my closet and record the melodies that I came up with. I have been in several girl groups, and you know how that goes. I had to branch off on my own, and it was very different and kind of scary for me. I was so used to singing on stage with people. It took me a minute, but I definitely got it.
Now you’re a native of where exactly? And growing up there, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
I was born in Indiana and came to Houston, Texas, when I was four years old. My father was my strongest musical influence; he always played music in the house. Everyday he would play a new artist on his record player. He has over a million records, and he has everything from rap, Pop, Blues, Jazz to Rock and Roll. My dad’s record collection is a musical library. My father used to be my manger as well. He guided me, and always taught me if you want something in life you have to just do it yourself. No one will do it better than you do.
Having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?
I would say popular music, with a crossover of R&B.
Switching gears here…
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
To keep making music and never stop. To keep doing this because it is what I love. Bringing joy to people’s lives is a blessing, and I am grateful that I can share this with the world.
What do you want people to get from your music?
I want them to understand that love is truly possible, and being in a healthy relationship is possible. I also want people to believe in themselves, no matter who tries and breaks them down. Rebuke that negative energy. In this album I have a song called “Goodbye”…so many of us can relate to dealing with a loss, but we still have to push through it as our loved ones do not want us to be miserable. These are some of the things I want people to get from my music. We can all relate.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?
I like the fact that now you can put out your own album and discover many new artists. However, these days I feel like things are all sounding the same. The pushing the boundaries, finding new creative sounds and experimenting with different styles are gone. It is just not the same, but there are definitely talented artists out there.
Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
I have always wanted to become President and be able to reach so many people with my views. I have always wanted to be a voice for the people, and I feel that in that position I can make positive change.
You’re also a successful model, host and social influencer, talk to me a lil bit about some of these other endeavors…
I have been crowned Miss Corvette Texas, Miss Corvette International and Miss Managua, Nicaragua. I started doing pageants first before modeling. This led me to print ads with Harley Davidson, and so many other publications across the world. I have hosted several events with Harley Davidson, club events, parties and so much more.
To date, what has been your greatest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
When I performed at Madison Square Garden in front of thousands of people. It felt amazing to be on the stage where so many icons and legends have performed. Another great career moment was when I was #1 on a radio station in the Netherlands called Danceteria for 6 weeks straight. It also felt good to have my song “Wrapped Up” featured in the ‘Honey Rise Up and Dance’ movie featuring Teyana Taylor.
What’s an average day like for you?
No day is average for me. I literally always have something going on. Whether it is hubby getting ready for a tour, or me going to do a photoshoot or working on my music and being a mom. Everyday is something different. The one thing that I love to do is kick it with my dad and best friend and watch movies. We love to do our movie nights.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
Fans are just like me. I talk to them and try to respond to as many people as I can. I always thank them for showing me love. It means everything to me. Their love and appreciation never goes in vain. If I tell them I am going to sign something and send it to them, I make it a priority to do so. I call my fans my JAMMER’S because a lot of them are heavily involved on our vlogging channel JAM TV. The channel was named after our son.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part is that I can be creative, expressive and transmit emotions I feel. I can be myself. My least favorite is how many bad apples there are; whether it is a managers taking money from you, or getting low revenue payouts from streaming and being under-appreciated for your art by people around you. This business also can get very dangerous. You can lose a lot of privacy.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
This takes a lot of work. You have to want it bad enough to never give up. Learn the ins and outs about the business because no one can take care and love you better than yourself.
Lastly, what’s next for JCass?
I am working on my next music video “Come My Way,” which has an R&B feel to it. As well as doing a music video to “Dem Trollz,” featuring Bizzy Bone. I am always making new music! I appreciate everyone who has been supportive of my career and been loving me since day one.
Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?
Go get you a copy of that Champagne Drip!
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