THEARTI$T: BEYOND THE MUSIC, NEWARK ROOTS, AND THE POWER OF PURPLE
We caught up with the New Jersey singer to talk about the upcoming EP, getting recognition from industry greats like Queen Latifah and why purple is the colour of love…
In our latest sit-down, we headed to a rainy London rooftop to catch up with TheArti$t. Following the massive resonance of ‘SOBER’, we wanted to dig deeper into the person behind the moniker—exploring everything from her Newark roots to the intentional symbolism behind her signature use of the colour purple.
As a thank you to our paid subscribers, you can watch the full, uncut interview. Here’s a snippet:
The Newark Hustle and the AI Influence
TheArti$t doesn’t shy away from her origins. Growing up in North Jersey, she credits the “trenches” of Newark for instilling a hunger that most artists only talk about. It’s a perspective rooted in discipline—a trait she carried over from the basketball court.
“I used to tell myself I can’t leave the gym without making a shot. And that’s how I feel—I can’t leave the studio, a shoot, or an interview without putting my best foot forward.”
When asked about her biggest inspiration on the court, the answer was immediate: Allen Iverson. Much like AI, TheArti$t is bringing a sense of raw, unapologetic individuality to the creative scene.
Redefining Love Through Purple
Perhaps the most poignant moment of our chat was her breakdown of the colour purple. While the industry often leans on red or pink to signify romance, TheArti$t is looking for something more retrospective. For her, purple represents a deeper, more complex version of love—one that includes the vulnerability and heartbreak found in her recent work.
To hear her speak on receiving recognition from legends like Queen Latifah and how she’s navigating her identity as a “creative beyond the music,” check out the full video below.
What did you think of TheArti$t’s take on creative discipline? Let us know in the comments below!
