Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Beatty
Jenna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
On Juneteenth of 2009, my five siblings and I were caught in a house fire that destroyed everything we owned, leaving us homeless for about a month. My birthday was just two days after the fire, and since we didn’t have a place of our own, we celebrated at my pawpaw’s house. All I had was my family, a piñata, a cake, and a speaker playing music. That was when I began to truly listen to music, not just hear it but feel it and resonate with it on a deeper level.
About a month later, my father found us a new home. Although we didn’t have much, we were lucky to have each other. By August, we had a few more things in the house, and I started using music as an escape from our reality. Every morning, while getting ready for school, I’d tune into the MTV music channel on TV. Music had always been special to me, so when I got home from school, I’d immediately grab my mom’s laptop and watch music videos on YouTube. If my siblings were using it, I’d switch to On Demand and watch Music Choice videos, pretending I was the one in the video, doing the choreography and singing along.
As time went on, I kept a journal where I wrote down my favorite lyrics to memorize. When movies like Rags and Let It Shine (Nickelodeon) came out, they changed my perspective on music entirely. I’d always rapped for fun with my siblings, but after seeing those movies, I realized being an artist wasn’t just a dream, it was something I could do. I didn’t have to stay on the sidelines. I could create my own reality and be the one on the screen.
Growing up as the youngest of ten, I always wanted to be where my siblings were. When they went to Straight Street, a ministry for youth on the Eastside, I felt excluded because you had to be 11-18 to attend. I was 10, but I was so determined to go that I convinced my siblings to take me, pretending I was 11. That night changed the trajectory of my life. A mic was being passed around, and without hesitation, I rapped a verse I’d heard from a Justin Bieber freestyle on YouTube. The crowd was amazed, and I realized that this could be my path. Instead of just performing other people’s songs, I could write and create my own.
As the years went by, I performed at Straight Street talent shows and started my own YouTube channel in middle school. I continued performing at talent shows and sharing my raps with friends. By high school, I was recording and producing my own original music, building connections with artists like Leonardo Cyril and others who heard my work online. I performed at school events, talent shows, pep rallies, prom, banquets, Black History Month programs, and even branched out to perform at local events in the city.
Through a program called Road to College, I gained skills in networking, study habits, and goal setting. By the time I graduated, I had a clear vision for my future. The same
community that had supported my family during the fire played a significant role in my musical success. The people who spoke life into me helped me turn my dreams into reality.
Now, as a student at the University of North Texas, I’ve expanded my creativity in ways I never imagined. My music now blends jazz, rap, and pop influences, and I’ve also ventured into acting, modeling, and sculpture art. Combining these creative outlets has enhanced my ability to tell stories through music and visuals.
I’ve had the honor of performing on fashion show runways, showcasing my artistry at South by Southwest in Austin, and at BSU and sorority events. One of the highlights of my college years so far was winning my first rap battle against three other artists. I also opened for well-known artists like Webbie, Finesse2Tymes, and OMB Peezy under Cash Entertainment. I truly believe my success is a reflection of my strong support system and the community that’s always had my back. Today, as a proud Black, queer artist from the Eastside of Wichita Falls, Texas, I use my platform to support my community in the same way they’ve supported me. I hope to pave a way for people like me and show them that it is not about where you come from but how your beginnings will influence where you go.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a Black, queer, female artist in a male dominated industry, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges being talked over, ignored, or even made a mockery of because of how I present myself. There have been times when I felt overlooked or underestimated, but I refused to let that stop me from pursuing my dreams. Balancing college, work, paying rent, and my music career has been tough, often leading to burnout. The loss of family and friends to death and incarceration has been another heavy burden, but it pushed me to seek therapy and prioritize my mental health. Through it all, I’ve learned that my voice is valid, and my struggles only fuel my determination to keep going and create music that speaks to who I am.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a versatile artist who started off rapping, and that remains my specialty. Over time, I’ve explored spoken word and other creative outlets, but I’m most known for my rapping. What I’m most proud of is making a name for myself beyond my hometown. What truly sets me apart is my drive, my focus on pursuing my dreams, and my unwavering curiosity to learn. I’m always eager to acquire new skills, whether it’s rapping, singing, producing my own beats, or expanding into other forms of artistry. This constant desire to learn and grow is what fuels my evolution and keeps me pushing forward, all while supporting my community.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I feel like the universe is on my side. I see luck in the people I encounter and the way everything seems to fall into place. From being in the right place at the right time to connecting with the right people, everything feels aligned. Whether it’s the right conversation or opportunity coming my way, it all feels like a cosmic confirmation that I’m on the right path. This sense of luck is my reminder that I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing.
Pricing:
- My booking prices vary depending on the project and its specific requirements.
- Feature prices vary depending on the project and its specific details.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/jbjenna2?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=6dca8cf7-fe0d-4d63-a7cf-16926f8e1c07
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbjenna2/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jbjenna2/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JennaBeatty
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/a3Dmt4h84KKPnomE9
- Other: https://reb-apparel.com
Image Credits
@ittas_digital orange runway dress
@Emma.d0lat & @daintyfiingers performing in the black attire
@scoota_dashoota performing with my backside to the camera
