JERRY DI HAS CREATED A UNIQUE SOUND THAT REFLECTS HIS INNER WORLD
Multi-genre singer, rapper and songwriter Jerry Di has created his own lane in the reggaetón music scene by creating romantic music influenced by his Venezuelan heritage and Long Island, NYC roots. On the high from the recent release of his new project after taking a break from the music scene, he’s back better than ever and ready to dominate the Latin charts and he’s just getting started!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
DESCRIBE TO US WHAT ROMANTIC REGGAETON MEANS TO YOU.
Reggaetón has always had a strong connection with themes of sex, much like other genres in their early days that explore deep, primal aspects of human nature. I feel that the next step for this powerful movement is to delve into more complex emotions, which is where romantic reggaetón comes in. It keeps the original vibe but adds layers of emotion.
WHAT SONG LYRIC FROM VERANO HITS YOU THE HARDEST?
I always knew “Amor” by Danny Ocean was a hit, and I just heard that it recently topped the Billboard charts. It’s great to see my musical instincts were right. Danny Ocean is one of my closest friends in the industry, and seeing his success makes me incredibly happy.
HOW IS YOUR CREATIVITY DISRUPTING THE REGGAETON LANDSCAPE?
My focus is on creating a unique style that reflects my inner world. Reggaetón often follows trends, waiting for someone to set the pace. My music might sound unusual at first because no one else is doing it. That’s what sets it apart.
TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR LATEST SINGLE AND HOW IT CAME ABOUT.
“Si Supieras” brings back that classic Latin sound everyone loves. I felt that sound was missing, so I made this song for those who miss it too. It has romantic lyrics perfect for dedicating it to someone special. I’ve been experimenting with my Latin roots, and I love how this song turned out. I’m excited to see how people will receive it in the future.
YOU HAVE WORKED ON MUSIC WITH ALOT OF PEOPLE, FROM DANNY OCEAN TO ZION Y LENNOX. IS THEIR ANYONE YOU DREAM TO COLLAB WITH?
I’ve been dreaming about meeting and collaborating with Dua Lipa. Despite my love for reggaetón, I secretly adore English pop music (don’t tell my friends from the hood). Once I’m done with my current collaborations, I might explore something new, and working with Dua would be a dream come true.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 16-YEAR-OLD SELF?
I can’t say anything negative about that guy. I’m incredibly proud of him. Despite all the challenges of a country in turmoil, poverty, and a tough family situation, he never stopped dreaming. He always found time to create and envision a better future. He made the right mistakes and achieved success with a smile. He created me, and I’m so proud of him.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CURRENT POLITICAL CLIMATE IN VENEZUELA AND WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE DIFFERENTLY?
I have my thoughts on this, but I prefer to keep them to myself. Mixing politics, which divides, with art, which unites, often leads to conflict. However, I believe in a united and peaceful Venezuela. That’s why I created “Asilo Collections”, my latest project. It’s inspired by the emotional health of those who left their country for better opportunities, sharing my own emotional journey as an emigrant to connect and represent them.
WHO ARE YOUR STYLE ICONS?
I’ve been preparing to launch my clothing brand for years, drawing inspiration from creators rather than consumers. Designers like Rick Owens, Jerry Lorenzo, and Mike Amiri have deeply influenced me. I love shaking up the fashion scene with bold and fresh ideas, and they exemplify this perfectly.
WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON SONGWRITING?
As a writer, Oscar Wilde’s philosophy is my favorite. I have it tattooed on my left hand: “There are no more than two rules for writing: have something to say and say it.” It emphasizes the importance of being heard simply because you have something to say. When you’re young and think you know what’s right so passionately, you’ll always have something to say.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU THIS YEAR?
Despite facing legal troubles that kept me out of the game for almost three years, I’m back stronger than ever. I’ve been working tirelessly to create exceptional music and share it worldwide. It’s tough to build a global movement and then watch it fade, but I keep pushing to create great content. I’m an unstoppable force in the Latin music scene.
TEAM CREDITS:
Interview by Editor in Chief: Prince Chenoa (@princechenoastudio)
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Valentina Moncada Núñez (@valenmoncada)
Public Relations: TNR Public Relations (@tnrpublicrelations)