Ms. Jade

Despite facing widespread doubt about her ambitions, Ms. Jade refused to abandon her musical goals and eventually secured a recording contract that placed her work before a broad audience. Born and raised in Philadelphia’s Nicetown neighborhood, she had been urged by skeptics to abandon her aspirations for stable employment with the city or to put to use the certificate earned at a Center City beauty school, yet neither suggestion interested the emerging rapper. A recommendation from a friend led her to India.Arie’s Acoustic Soul, where the song “Strength, Courage, and Wisdom” produced an immediate surge of resolve at a particularly discouraging moment.

Attempts to gain entry into the music industry brought further resistance, including repeated comparisons to fellow Philadelphia native Eve and questions about why another artist from the city was needed. Ms. Jade remained convinced of her own distinct potential and persisted until 215 Entertainment’s Terrance Glasgow offered an opening. Glasgow arranged a meeting with Missy Elliott in Manhattan; after hearing her perform, Elliott contacted Timbaland, who signed Chevon Young—now renamed Ms. Jade—to Beat Club Records.

As a child Ms. Jade listened to rock recordings by Pat Benatar, but before she turned ten she became absorbed by Janet Jackson’s Control, memorizing every track and presenting the material at school talent competitions. Prior to her teenage years she also absorbed the work of Queen Latifah and MC Lyte. While still in high school she won first place in a talent contest with “How Could You Call Her Baby,” the song featured in the film Waiting to Exhale. By the time she graduated in 1997 her list of favorites had grown to include the Notorious B.I.G., Foxy Brown, Lil’ Kim, and Mase. For a period she supported herself by selling counterfeit designer handbags.