Jorjiana is stepping into her next era. At 21, the rising Atlanta rapper is turning the cult fantasy of The Fifth Element into her own world with 5 Elements, a new EP that finds her taking control both behind the mic and behind the scenes.
At just 21, Jorjiana has spent the past year turning heads with her sharp delivery, unmistakable energy, and a growing catalogue. Now, following a summer that took her from the 4 The Trenches Tour to stages across Europe, she is entering a new chapter with 5 Elements, a five-track EP loosely inspired by the cult classic The Fifth Element.
The project sees Jorjiana expanding her creative universe beyond the mic. From her striking new orange hair to stepping into music production for the first time alongside collaborators Zuko and Lucca, 5 Elements is as much about building a world as it is about making music. Recorded entirely in Atlanta, the EP captures an artist increasingly interested in controlling every element of her creative process. We caught up with the rising rapper to talk about the making of the EP, her Fifth Element inspiration, fashion, and what comes next.
You’ve described 5 Elements as loosely inspired by The Fifth Element. What did that film unlock in your imagination? The futuristic chaos? Jean Paul Gaultier? The hair?
For me, watching the film unlocked inspiration for my rollout; to build a character around each era of music I’m in. For my recent, project I’d describe it as the start of a new era. My next one, I’m adding more elements of chaos. I was intrigued by the styling in the movie, all by Jean Paul Gaultier. I think it’s cool when worlds collide.
Do you know your element?
I’m an Earth sign so by nature, my element is Earth. I’m grounded and move by energy that surrounds me. I’d like to think I’m water and just flow, but I think I resemble fire more of the time with my impulsive and unapologetic personality.
I’m Earth, but I always need water in my life. You’ve had love from people like SZA, Drake, Lil Yachty and Chris Brown. Does getting co-signs from artists you grew up seeing from a distance ever feel surreal, or are you already used to it?
I’m used to it now. People come and go. Love leaves. My first few times being spotted and recognized by major people I got childlike joy from. Til I realized half the time, it wasn’t genuine and the person reaching out just wanted to collab while I had crazy buzz. Feed off me. We put famous people & personalities on a pedestal too much. Kill your idols. You’re probably cooler than them.
You’ve gone from your On The Radar Freestyle getting people’s attention to touring with 42 Dugg and Babyface Ray, playing festivals across Europe and now heading into your own headlining show. Do you remember the first time you walked into a room and realized people already knew who you were?
Not going to lie, I have no idea when’s the first time I was recognized as Jorjiana. These past few years are blurs to me. But I do remember recently I was recognized and the girl started crying!!! Like hysterically. Over my lame ass. Lol. It was crazy, I gave her a hug. I was in Chicago. She said ‘on my dead grandma you my favorite rapper g’ .
I loved that, I wonder what she’s up to. I love when people aren’t too cool to show their raw emotions.
You’re from Michigan City, Indiana. What parts of home are permanently embedded in your music?
My roots are felt through my lyrics of course. But the energy I put behind my work always goes back to where I started. I never want to go hungry again. I’m starving for longevity. In a few years from now I want to buy this beach house I used to drive past on lake shore drive as a little girl. I hope I make her happy for all the times she wasn’t.
You were in Paris for Fashion Week back in June for the VETEMENTS show, was that your first time at Paris Fashion Week and did it live up to your imagination?
Paris fashion week was a fever dream. I think I died, came back to life and died again. The heat wave was awful. My lotion turned into water. It was a nightmare. I loved every second of it. I love fashion weeks. Was my first time to Paris. I met many cool people. Went to 424 show and VETEMENTS. Both were fab. I hope to be back soon.
Your orange hair has become such a strong visual signature. How involved are you in creating the world around your music – hair, clothes, nails, styling, artwork, everything?
I’m all in everything I do. I’m behind the madness, all of it. & if it’s not from me, there’s only a handful of people I’ll listen to. Facts!
What’s one fashion item you own that you would never, ever throw away?
One piece I’m never getting rid of is my fake, pink BAPE® jacket I wore on my first OTR.
You became a mother at a young age while building a career in music. How has motherhood changed the way you think about ambition, time and what success actually looks like?
I look at everything as an investment. Being a parent makes me go harder. My problem solving skills are at an all-time high. If the plan b fails, I go plan C.
And finally: what’s the next colour after orange?
TBD!
(Portrait) Photo Credit: Vaughn Green
