Jersey Club: A Sound on the Rise
Coi Leray and Lil Uzi Vert are the latest major artists to spotlight Jersey Club.
For decades, Jersey Club music has been the soundtrack to the lives of New Jersey residents. Originating in the early 90s in the city of Newark, the genre is known for its upbeat tempos, repetitive rhythms, and heavy use of samples. It has been a staple in the club scene and at house parties throughout the state, but has remained relatively unknown outside of the area.
However, that is starting to change. In recent years, mainstream artists such as Drake, Beyoncé, and Lil Uzi Vert have begun to incorporate Jersey Club beats into their music, bringing more attention to the genre. This has led to a renewed interest in Jersey Club music, and a growing number of listeners are starting to take notice.
One of the artists at the forefront of this movement is Coi Leray, a rapper from New Jersey. Her recently released single “Players (Jersey Club Mix)” is a prime example of the genre’s ability to bring people together through dance. The music video, which was shot in the heart of Newark, is a lively and energetic celebration of the genre and its origins.
According to Hot 97 DJ Drewski, who grew up on Jersey Club music, “Being from Jersey and growing up on Jersey club music it’s an exciting time to see it finally get the recognition it deserves. It has always been that underground genre of music that I felt people ignored for a long time.” He goes on to say that he hopes the increased attention on the genre doesn’t lead to a loss of its identity, and that credit is given to the original creators and innovators of the genre.
The popularity of Jersey Club music is not limited to the United States. The genre has begun to gain traction in other countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and Australia. This is in part due to the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, which have allowed Jersey Club music to be shared and discovered by a wider audience.
One of the key figures in this global expansion is 19-year-old producer MCVertt. His viral hit “Just Wanna Rock” featuring Lil Uzi Vert, has over 70 million streams on Spotify and it’s a perfect example of Jersey Club sound and its infectiousness. He mentions that the collaboration with Uzi was the result of messaging back and forth on social media, it’s a testament to the power of the internet in connecting artists and breaking down geographical barriers.
The future of Jersey Club music looks bright. With artists like Coi Leray and producers like MCVertt, DJ Smallz 732, R3LL, DJ Jayhood and many more leading the way, the genre is poised to continue gaining mainstream recognition. The energetic and upbeat nature of the music makes it perfect for the club scene, and as more and more people discover the genre, it’s likely that it will become a fixture in the music industry for years to come.
However, it’s important to remember that the roots of Jersey Club music lie in the city of Newark and the surrounding communities. The genre has always been about bringing people together, and it’s essential that as it continues to grow in popularity, credit is given to the original creators and innovators of the genre. Jersey Club music is a sound on the rise, and it’s essential that it is celebrated for the cultural movement it is.
Check out the music video for Coi Leray’s - Players (DJ Smallz 732 — Jersey Club Remix) below. The video features cameos from many notable Jersey artists Unicorn151, Chad B, and DJ Jayhood.
