Jasmine Barber is a wearer of many hats. A tarot reader to some, host of the iconic “The FiFi” house party series in Chicago to others, and now, to thousands more, she’s J Bambii, a rising star in the rap community and one of the most prolific Chicagoans to pick up a microphone.
On June 12, J Bambii embarked on the first leg of a world tour with Neo Soul mastermind Jill Scott. In tow: her bandmates (shoutout Josh Jessen, Kurt “Stoneface” Shelby, Ekoliii, and Ryan the Person), Renzell, videographer and award-winning director Kin Marie, and tour manager Eric Montanez. This was not an assortment of worker bees, but a hand-crafted entourage of some of Chicago’s finest professionals — a collective of Jasmine’s most trusted relationships, brought together to further her artistic journey.
To me, Jasmine is a sister, someone I’ve shared laughter, chicken lo mein, joints, and anti-white supremacists rants with. To accompany her on this journey and witness her growth as a performing artist and community organizer was deeply affirming for me.
Amongst other endeavors – such as producing “The Brown Skin Lady Show,” creating the Black People Fish series, and running the Black Horror Movie Club, to name a few – Jasmine has been meticulously crafting her music since 2015, before the 2018 release of her three-track EP, Retrograde. It’s a boom-bap blend of Black girlhood and nostalgia that, in many ways, served as “The Big Bang” whence her upcoming debut album Black American Beauty will be birthed.
Produced by another Chicago legend, Studio Shapes owner and Renzell, and blessed by world-class musicians such as pianist Joshua Jessen, bassist Kurt Shelby, guitarist Ekoliii, and drummer Ryan the Person, Black American Beauty is not-so-quietly shaping up to be a truly phenomenal body of work. Its release is scheduled for 2027.
But hell, don’t take my word for it. Ask the crowds J Bambii packs into some of Chicago’s most iconic venues, such as Sleeping Village, Thalia Hall, and The Metro, or the thousands of followers she’s amassed since the release of her debut single, 2023’s “CHAOS,” and its 2024 follow-up, “CHURCH FAN.”
Better yet, holler at multi-Grammy Award-winning artist Miss Jill Scott who, after catching wind of Bambii’s work via a viral Instagram post, invited her on 2026’s To Whom This May Concern World Tour as a supporting act. To date, she’s performed in over 10 shows in eight cities, including Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and New York – and she’s not done yet!
All Chicagoans — at least, those who consume, create, and support Black artistry — should take a moment to celebrate the gravity of this milestone.
J Bambii, a dark-skinned, queer and plus-sized woman, has built her following brick by brick, without the financial backing of a record label nor the societal benefits of being a little bi-racial girl. Rarely is she offered the same access to venue space as her male counterparts, nor the same brand sponsorship or journalistic support as artists who’ve made far less social impact.
As far as first-ever tours go, this one has gone remarkably smoothly, largely due to J Bambii’s management team and her own operational and logistical coordination skills. Personalities and group dynamics mesh well. Although male-heavy, the gang supports Bambii as both a sister and a Black woman, while Kinn Marie’s presence — and “Love Island” commentary — offered a much needed balance of feminine energy.
And yet, J Bambii’s work is far from over. It isn’t easy transitioning from battling houselessness a few short years ago to performing across the country with one of America’s biggest stars. Without community support, it’s nearly impossible to sustain.
Production expenses, marketing, and day-to-day living can quickly run into the tens of thousands of dollars, and are the real costs incurred by artists. It’s critical, now more than ever, that J Bambii’s homebase find ways to support this journey. Most immediately, by visiting her website and purchasing merch, but also by offering access to venues and brand sponsorships, or at least genuine words of affirmation. Our artists shouldn’t need to leave Chicago to feel the impact and validation of their craft.
As for a more systemic solution, local venue owners, event curators, and brands must be first in line to build the infrastructure necessary for artists like J Bambii to survive — not first in line to impose predatory, exclusionary tactics on our most vulnerable creatives. Black-owned organizations like Renzell’s own Studio Shapes do an AMAZING job at this by providing wraparound support to artists and their teams, as well as offering affordable rates for venue rental and production costs; many white-owned venues, like (insert your racist Chicago venue of choice), not so much.
As a Chicagoan, I extend a sincere thank you to Ms. Jill Scott for inviting one of our very own on tour, and for continuing to change her life. You are a model for how Black celebrities must pour into their communities and the next generation of creatives. If all emerging artists experienced the guidance you’ve given J Bambii, the industry would be a much healthier space.
And to Jasmine Barber, a.k.a. “Oprah Underscore Gucci,” a.k.a. J Bambii, how fitting that you’ve chosen the five-pointed Black Star as your motif. You’ve survived the cold and the dark, at times nearly collapsing under the pressure – as every star must. Now, things are heating and speeding up. This is the space where future worlds will be born. If you remain on track, nuclear fusion is inevitable. Hydrogen atoms will collide, helium will release massive amounts of energy, and you, a Black American Beauty, will shine – as every star does.
J Bambii is still on tour. Visit J Bambii’s Instagram to find a list of upcoming dates and cities.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of names and to correct a line about touring income.
