When you think of Death Row Records, the legendary label that gave us Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg, the word “iconic” often comes to mind. But under Snoop Dogg’s leadership, Death Row is evolving, and at the center of this transformation is Jane Handcock—a soulful artist from the Bay Area who’s as versatile as she is extraordinary. Recently, Jane sat down with Sway on “Sway in the Morning” to discuss her journey, her music, and what it means to be the first lady of Death Row under Snoop’s reign. Let’s dive into her inspiring story. 🌟
From Church Choirs to the Big Stage
Jane Handcock’s story begins in Richmond, California, where she found her voice in the church choir at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church. “Church is where I developed early, without even knowing it,” she shared. “Singing in a great choir, seeing my mom shouting, and feeling all that energy—I knew I wanted to do this forever.” For Jane, the church wasn’t just a foundation for her vocal training; it was her introduction to storytelling and emotional connection through music.
It’s no surprise, then, that she credits her church upbringing for instilling the resilience needed to navigate the music industry. “When you get into this business, you’re going to face a lot of ungodly challenges,” she admitted. But faith and self-knowledge have been her anchors. “You’ve got to come into this field knowing who you are instead of trying to be somebody else.” Amen to that. 🙏
Snoop Dogg’s Vision and Death Row’s Revival
Snoop Dogg has big plans for Death Row Records, and Jane Handcock is a central part of this vision. “Snoop’s ear is crazy,” Jane revealed. “He’ll recommend a B-side track out of nowhere that’ll completely change your perspective. His energy is infectious, and he knows exactly how to guide you.”
Snoop’s belief in Jane’s talent is evident. He didn’t just sign her; he helped her embrace new dimensions of her artistry. “Snoop made it clear: ‘You’re gonna sing. No rapping. I want people to feel you.’” Jane’s latest project, It’s Me, Not You, is a testament to this guidance—a soulful album that balances funky Bay Area vibes with deep emotional introspection.
“It’s Me, Not You”: A Soundtrack for Growth
Jane describes her album as a reflection of a transformative period in her life. “This album was me trying to navigate who I was in a changing world—going from catching the bus every day to having my own apartment and lifestyle.” Tracks like “Can’t Let Go” and “Use Me” showcase her ability to blend vulnerability with empowerment. 🖤
On “Use Me,” Jane flips the narrative on being resourceful: “I’m okay with being used, just don’t misuse me. We’re all here to be utilized in some way.” This ethos of self-worth and boundaries resonates deeply, especially in an industry that often demands more than it gives.
Raphael Saadiq, Anderson .Paak, and the Power of Collaboration
Jane’s musical journey has been blessed with mentors and collaborators who believe in her talent. Raphael Saadiq, a music legend in his own right, has been instrumental in introducing Jane to industry heavyweights, including Snoop. “Ray told me, ‘Don’t sign anything. I’m gonna walk you into the right rooms.’ And he did.”
She also shared the story behind her collaboration with Anderson .Paak on the track “Stare at Me.” “I wanted to do something like ‘Funkin’ for Jamaica.’ Anderson and his team brought that vision to life in the studio. It was the first time I saw music created like that—on the spot. It was incredible.”
Facing Rejection and Rising Above
The path to success hasn’t always been smooth. Jane opened up about facing criticism in the industry for not fitting the mold. “I’ve been told I needed to lose weight or change my look. People said I wasn’t a Beyoncé or didn’t look like what the industry wanted. But those comments only fueled me.” She added, “I can’t let it dagger into me too long—I use it as fuel.”
Her resilience shines through both in her music and her outlook on life. “I’m ready for Season Two,” Jane declared, hinting at her next project. “It’s gonna be a little less insecure, a little more seasoned.”
The Future of Jane Handcock
What’s next for Jane Handcock? In addition to touring It’s Me, Not You, Jane revealed that a movie inspired by the album is in the works. Directed by Snoop Dogg, the film will bring her music to life in a whole new way. 🎬
And, of course, there’s more music on the horizon. Jane wants to amplify the Bay Area’s rich history of soul and R&B while continuing to honor her roots. “The Bay has so much soul. I want to amplify that.”
Conclusion: The One to Watch
Jane Handcock is more than an artist; she’s a storyteller, a fighter, and a beacon of authenticity. From her soulful upbringing in Richmond to her groundbreaking work with Snoop Dogg on Death Row Records, Jane is unapologetically carving her own path. “I want to do stuff that makes people feel,” she said. And she’s doing just that—one song, one story, one soul-stirring performance at a time.
What do you think of Jane Handcock’s journey so far? Are you excited about her role in the revival of Death Row Records? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to follow Jane on Instagram at @msjanehandcock to stay updated on her latest projects. 🚀