By Rihaab Mowlana

When Sri Lankan-born, LA-based rapper Jay Princce dropped his verse on the Naana Vile English remix, he didn’t expect the track to go viral - or for one cinnamon-spiced lyric to light TikTok on fire. But the song, and Jay himself, have sparked something bigger: conversations about representation, beauty standards, and what it really means to rep an island you no longer live in.

In this candid conversation, Jay talks about growing up with The Gypsies on his walkman, navigating the gatekeeping that comes with being a diaspora artist, and why he’s done waiting for permission to belong. From underdog grit to global dreams, here’s what he had to say.

1.⁠ ⁠First up - Naana Vile is everywhere right now. TikTok’s obsessed, streams are climbing. Did you feel it in your gut that this one would hit different?

When I was writing my verse for 'Naana Vile,' I just wanted to come up with something that all Sri Lankans could connect and resonate with. I wasn’t really expecting it to blow up like it did. It’s amazing to see the reactions from people everywhere, from Instagram, TikTok, streams, all of that. I’m super grateful to Pasan, Cheythana, and everyone else who brought me in on the English remix. The love has been surreal. 

2.⁠ ⁠The title alone - Voice of the Island - is a statement. Who or what were you channelling when you wrote this track? Was it for the diaspora, for Sri Lanka, or for you?

I’ve been making music professionally since 2020, and every year since then, I feel like I've been progressing and getting better at my craft. With 'Voice of the Island,' I was channelling my most authentic self. I wanted to make sure I stood out and for Sri Lanka to know who I am and what I bring to the table as an artist. I have always felt like an underdog with something to prove, especially because I don’t think I have ever felt fully accepted by some of the bigger artists who have been in the industry, and that is okay. It just pushes me to keep going and prove why I am who I am. I am going to keep persevering, keep working, and keep becoming the best artist I can be. With time, everyone will see where I will be and what I will be able to accomplish.

3.⁠ ⁠There’s that one line: “call her my kella, the skin tone is cinnamon” - The TikTok community has lost all chill over it. Some are inspired, others are fighting over who gets to claim the song. Did you expect that one lyric to stir this much heat?

I definitely didn’t expect that line to cause such a reaction, but it’s been great to see how people are responding to it. When I wrote it, the intention was to uplift and show love to all Sri Lankan women, in every shade and colour. It was about celebrating our beauty and diversity, and it has sparked conversations about redefining beauty standards in Sri Lanka, which is really amazing. I know traditionally, fair skin has been favoured, but 'Naana Vile' empowered women of all shades, celebrating the beauty of brown-skinned women and challenging societal norms. Melanated skin should be celebrated more within our culture, and I hope that women with darker skin appreciate their beauty more.  Living in the States, I have seen so many different ethnicities that are considered brown, and it really made me realise how many variations of beauty exist within that spectrum. That’s something I wanted to reflect in the song, too.

4.⁠ ⁠Diaspora artists often get gatekept by both sides - "not Lankan enough" here, "too Lankan" there. Ever felt that tension personally? 

Absolutely. Making music in English has definitely made it harder for me to connect with some Sri Lankan audiences. Am I too Western for some, not Western enough for others? That tension really pushed me to think about how I could bridge that gap. I started focusing more on lyric videos and visualizers, creating visuals that reflect what I’m saying in the music so people can not only hear it but also see and feel it. It has been about finding new ways to connect and making sure my message resonates regardless of language.

5.⁠ ⁠You’ve described your sound as a mix of island soul and global grit. How would you define Jay Princce to someone hearing you for the first time?

The more music I make, the more I realise I don’t have just one specific sound. I like to think of myself as versatile, able to adapt to different styles while still keeping my essence. If I had to define it, I’d say it’s a blend of West Coast vibes with a cultural twist.

6.⁠ ⁠A lot of your work balances vulnerability and power - Albums like Unintended Consequences vs. the energy of LAX to CMB. What drives those emotional shifts?

My music is a reflection of my life experiences. I try to stay as authentic as possible, letting who I am as a person reflect through my music. 'Unintended Consequences' and 'LAX to CMB' represent two very different periods in my journey. 'Unintended Consequences' was my debut album, so it was incredibly personal and special to me, but I was still figuring out my sound and finding my voice as an artist. By the time I dropped 'LAX to CMB,' it was my seventh project, and I felt more polished, more confident in my songwriting and overall artistry. That growth from raw vulnerability to a more refined expression is what drives those emotional shifts in my music.

7.⁠ ⁠Your visuals and artwork are always intentional. How important is the look of your music to the message you’re trying to send?

The visuals and artwork are just as important as the music itself. I put a lot of thought into blending elements from both the States and Sri Lanka to really show who I am. I’m incredibly proud of my Sri Lankan roots, and I want that to come through in everything I create. It’s not just about the sound, it's about the whole experience, making sure the look and feel align with the message I’m trying to send.

8.⁠ ⁠How do you stay grounded creatively? Any rituals, routines, or moments that pull you back when the industry noise gets loud? 

Staying grounded is all about keeping my circle tight. I lean on my closest friends, the ones I consider my brothers, whenever I need advice or perspective. If something is really getting to me, they’re the ones I go to, but for the most part, I try to block out the noise. If it’s just trolls on social media, I'll block them with the quickness because they are not about to mess with my peace, haha.

9.⁠ ⁠Which Sri Lankan artist - new school or old - would you drop everything to collaborate with?

If I could collaborate with any Sri Lankan artist, it would have to be the Gypsies, rest in peace to Sunil Perera. I grew up listening to them, even after moving to the States. I used to listen to them on my Walkman all the time. They are absolute legends, and their sound is so iconic. Working with them would be a full-circle moment for me, bridging where I come from with where I am now. I really admire how the Gypsies music was not just baila but also about shedding light on certain issues happening in the country. They spoke their mind and stayed true to who they were, and that kind of authenticity is rare.  Sunil was such an incredible person and artist. His impact will always be felt.