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J'na Jefferson

J’na Jefferson (Jay-nuh) is a journalist and creative from New Jersey living and working in NYC.

Her writing has been featured in USA Today, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone and more, where she’s provided commentary on music, culture, gender, sexuality, identity, politics and social justice. She’s been privileged to work under esteemed writers such as Hanif Abdurraqib and Morgan Jerkins, and she’s interviewed notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, Sting, Nile Rodgers and John Legend regarding their latest projects and endeavors.

J’na has served as an on-air music and culture expert and moderator for television/streaming, radio and podcast entities from National Geographic/Disney+, to Yahoo’s BUILD Series, to BBC Radio, where she’s discussed everything from the implications of the ‘90s pop feuds, to the greater ramifications of music industry elite in a #MeToo world. Additionally, she’s worked closely alongside brands such as AXE, Red Bull/Red Bull Radio, and the National Museum of African American Music for music + culture projects and campaigns.

Covers

Publications

  • Uproxx Media
    1 article

Writes Most On

GenreCrossPollinationMusicGenresMusicHistorySocialChangeCulturalConversationRacismInMusicCountryArtistsMusicChartsBlackartistsMusicIndustryDiversityInMusicCountryMusicMisogynoirBillboardHot100MusicRepresentation
  • Black Women Have Always Been In Country Music, You Just Haven’t Been Looking Hard Enough
    1 Mar 2024—Uproxx Media
    As she’s often done and will continue to do, Beyoncé sparked an integral social conversation in response to her world-stopping work. In early February during the Super Bowl, the announcement of her rumored forthcoming country album “Act II” — lead by the plucky single “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and the stripped-down ballad “16 CARRIAGES” — raised several points surrounding the genre’s diversity issue. Both songs feature production, writing, and instrumental assists from Black artists. (“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM”...