Interviews Next Wave

Silk, Soul & Summer Vibes: Meet Rosita & P.U.R.P.

Mississippi’s finest are stepping into the spotlight with a bold debut collaboration. Born in Jackson, MS, and raised in

By TCR Staff

June 21, 2025

Silk, Soul & Summer Vibes: Meet Rosita & P.U.R.P.

Mississippi’s finest are stepping into the spotlight with a bold debut collaboration. Born in Jackson, MS, and raised in Inglewood, CA, Rosita got her start in the entertainment world after returning to the south to study music at the University of Southern Mississippi. Though an interest in journalism briefly took her off her musical path, leading her to New Orleans’ bustling film scene, where she worked behind and in front of the camera, her true calling never faded. “I always knew that music was my passion,” she says. Enter P.U.R.P.—rapper, songwriter, engineer, and a friend from her university days, born and raised in Hattiesburg, MS. The two reconnected when Rosita returned to LA and shared a creative chemistry that sparked this effortless collaboration. Their signature sound is a seamless fusion of R&B, soul, and funk: smart, groovy, and dripping with personality—just what this summer has been waiting for. Their debut single “Jody” puts all that flavor front and center, not only introducing Rosita and P.U.R.P. to the world, but making it clear—they’re an emerging force to be reckoned with.

Their debut single just so happens to feature another Mississippi standout, an up-and-comer who’s taken the world by storm with his 70s nostalgic branding. Akeem Ali joins Rosita & P.U.R.P. for a silky-smooth verse, helping unravel the tensions of a complicated love triangle. Wrapped in a sultry blend of lo-fi R&B and modern-day flair, “Jody” follows the hearts of two men entangled in a no-strings-attached romance love affair, yet, both more than willing to sweep “their girl” off her feet when the moment calls. It takes a lot of courage to break new ground, yet, despite being new to the game, Rosita’s steady, self-assured delivery stands on its own two feet. Her vocals are silky and expressive, carrying the cool confidence of a woman who knows exactly what she wants. P.U.R.P.’s decadently smooth flow glides on a mellow bassline, soft keys, and shimmering synths, crafting a track that glistens with a summer sheen, evoking smiles and late-night laughter. Then Ali steps in: charismatic, candid, and commanding, laying it all out without room for confusion. The chemistry between all three artists is unmistakable. The track oozes grown-and-sexy energy without losing its playful charm, making it the perfect track to keep on repeat all season long.

Rosita’s film background and sharp eye for visual storytelling truly shine in the “Jody” music video. Presented almost like a mini-film, this tangled, dramatic love affair comes to life on screen: where both “Jody’s” discover that they’re not the only ones. As soon as her man leaves for work, “Jody” escapes for a sultry, romantic getaway, free from the dull constraints of her relationship. But there’s a twist: her other lover, played by Akeem Ali, assumed he was the only one. Perplexed and furious, the first love interest calls in reinforcements, suspicious of her two-timing ways. The video has all of the elements that keep viewers hooked: intrigue, surprise, and a touch of humor are just a natural part of the experience with these three. But beyond the storyline, it offers a rare glimpse into the magnetic personalities of Rosita, P.U.R.P. and Akeem Ali—vibrant, quirky, and full of life—with much more to come.

How did you two first meet, and what sparked this creative partnership years later?

Rosita: We first met in the Music Industry program at The University of Southern Mississippi where we were classmates. We had mutual friends and acquaintances as well. I randomly messaged him on social media one day and asked if we could collaborate on a project together. He left me on read at first, but I was persistent. We met at the studio a few weeks later and have been working together since then.

2. Rosita—Was there a specific moment when you knew you had to follow your calling to make music?

Rosita: In 2023, I was spending more time in Los Angeles again and the film strikes happened. I was like, okay, it’s now or never and took it as a sign that I should start pursuing music. It was always my passion, but acting fell into my lap while I was in New Orleans so I stuck with it. But I always felt as though something was missing.

3. P.U.R.P—How has your experience as an engineer and songwriter influenced your approach as an artist?

P.U.R.P.: The attention to detail. As an engineer you have to hear everything from how it can sound, how it will sound, to what’s missing so it along with the songwriting taught me to keep an open mind and not be afraid to try something.

4. Your music has been described as “dripping with personality.” In your opinion, what sets your artistry apart from others?

Rosita: I really put my personality into it. I enjoy listening to different genres of music and I merge those different genres into my works. During the writing process, I usually choose a beat first. I love bizarre, unconventional beats. After listening to the beat, I will know what story I want to tell. My songs are based on real life experiences.

P.U.R.P.: I tell my actual life story with my artistry so when you hear it you’re actually getting the real me. The good, the bad, and the ugly with no filter.

5. There’s an undeniable chemistry between you two and Akeem Ali. What makes you three work so well together?

Rosita: All three of us are multidisciplinary artists and we take our crafts seriously.

P.U.R.P.: And it works because we’re each able to adapt while bringing what makes each of us unique together without compromising anything.

6. How Did Infuse Your unique personality into the visuals for “Jody”? Do you feel like the video represents your shared artistic identity?

Rosita: We each played our roles in the video effortlessly. From wardrobe choices to props, everything blended flawlessly. I remember sending Akeem an outfit that I thought would work for the video and asked for his sizes. He was like, “I already have that in my closet.” That is when I realized that all three of us were on the same page.

P.U.R.P.: My role in Jody was to be myself and bring my normal laid back and witty yet somewhat romantic personality to the screen. So how I acted in the video is basically how I am on a date.

7. All three of you are from or have roots in Mississippi. How are you hoping to carry the torch for your state?

Rosita: Mississippi has some of the most talented musicians. I try to work with as many as possible. My dream is to make a Mississippi based team, consisting of producers, engineers, writers, and recording artists. I also plan on having events in Mississippi soon, including shows and workshops.

P.U.R.P.: I definitely hope to work more with other Mississippi creatives and help to bring more light to a place I feel has been overlooked for so long.

8. As your debut music video, how does “Jody” set the tone for what’s next?

Rosita: Expect songs and videos that tell stories of some of the wildest times of my life, told from a comedic perspective.

P.U.R.P.: I think Jody sets a standard of saying that you won’t know what to expect besides the fact a story is going to be told with the visuals.