VanMilli Shares New Single “Mary Jane” 

Barcelona-based VanMilli, born Gerald Nwosu, is a master of transcending genre and meshing cultural influence, crafting a sound that effortlessly connects listeners around the globe. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, VanMilli developed his global spirit by traveling the world young and spending time with family residing in cultural hubs like Brazil, England, and the United States. Despite being artistic-minded from a young age, VanMilli took after his father’s military ventures, enrolling in military academies through high school. His education gave him discipline and drive, but did not spark an interest in joining the military. Moving forward, VanMilli discovered his love for making music from scratch, uncovering inspiration for melodies and lyrics in personal experiences and passions. Inspired by music legends Drake, J. Cole, Damian Marley, and more, and equipped with a worldly mentality strengthened by years of diverse cultural immersion, VanMilli makes music that doesn’t fit in a box or belong to a country, but speaks directly to one’s humanity.

For VanMilli, Mary Jane is more than a muse. He describes her as “the love of his life” in this thoughtful expression of desire for the lover who offers him comfort, relief, and a life where there’s “no longer pain.” This love song may not be traditional, but it’s exceptionally romantic. The gently strummed melody resembles a Spanish love song, backed by a rhythmic hip-hop beat and smooth, low-key vocals. With every line, listeners experience the calming high of Mary Jane’s enduring love. The song cleverly plays with the idea that VanMilli and Mary Jane are untangled in a secret, thrilling, yet seemingly forbidden love in a world divided on the benefits of marijuana. But VanMilli loves her unapologetically—a sentiment that resonates deeply with lovers of all kinds. With “Mary Jane,” VanMilli shares a vulnerable, genuine side of himself, strengthening his bond with listeners everywhere, and coming into his own as an artist.

The “Mary Jane” music video trades expected grittiness for intimacy, emphasizing the affectionate nature of VanMilli’s love for Mary Jane. Singing by himself in a warmly lit recording studio, director Katherin Wermke draws the viewer’s attention to VanMilli’s soulful, heartfelt confession. His passion is apparent in his body language—eyes closed and leaning into the mic, he sings as if serenading Mary Jane herself. As an artist, VanMilli is a savant of intentionality—no detail goes unnoticed. His all-black, “outlaw” attire hides most of his body, symbolizing how the world compels him to hide his love. Though his infatuation may seem shameful to some, VanMilli is not ashamed to profess his fondness for the one he adores. VanMilli’s admirable honesty allows viewers of any culture and background to connect with him on a human level through the universal experience of love.

1. How have your experiences traveling around the world influenced your perceptions and dreams as an artist?

Traveling has broadened my perspective, exposing me to different ways of life and forms of expression. Each place I’ve been has left a mark on my music—whether it’s the sounds, the stories, or the people. It’s made me more open to experimenting with different genres and more conscious of the universal themes that connect us all.

2. How have your life experiences influenced the lyrics and overall message of the song?

My life experiences, especially the highs and lows, have heavily influenced the song. I’ve been through moments of joy, struggle, and self-discovery, and I wanted to capture that emotional spectrum in Mary Jane. The song is a reflection of how I’ve learned to cope and find moments of peace in the midst of challenges.

3. What makes “Mary Jane” stand out from other songs in the rap genre?

What sets Mary Jane apart is its vulnerability and focus on introspection, rather than boasting or bravado that’s often associated with rap. It’s a song about reflection, using a more intimate, mellow sound. I think the fusion of different cultural elements in the music also gives it a unique feel that reflects my personal journey.

4. What was your creative process for the song? What genres and artists influenced the sound and style of “Mary Jane?”

The creative process was very organic. I started with the Instrumental then lyrics, which came to me during a quiet moment of reflection. Musically, I blended elements from hip-hop, Pop culture, and even some soul influences. Artists like Drake, J. Cole, and 50 Cent inspired the relaxed yet emotionally charged vibe.

5. “Mary Jane” could be considered a controversial song to some—what encouraged you to address this topic on a personal level?

I knew it might be controversial, but I felt it was important to be honest about my experiences. Mary Jane represents more than just its surface meaning—it’s a metaphor for finding solace, dealing with life’s pressures, and confronting inner conflicts. I wanted to address those themes head-on, even if it meant stepping into uncomfortable territory.

6. The music video has a very intimate and focused feel—what emotions were you hoping to evoke in viewers?

I wanted viewers to feel connected to the experience, almost like they’re inside my mind. The focus was on creating a sense of calm, but also letting the underlying emotions—like longing and reflection—come through. It’s meant to feel personal, almost like you’re witnessing a moment of solitude.

7. What was your favorite part of creating the song and the music video? Did you run into any challenges along the way? How did you overcome these obstacles?

My favorite part was seeing the vision come to life—both in the studio and on set for the video. One challenge was balancing the song’s laid-back vibe with the emotional weight I wanted to convey. Overcoming that required some trial and error in the production process, refining the sound until it felt authentic to the message.

8. What impact do you hope “Mary Jane” has on listeners, especially those who resonate with your story?

I hope it offers a sense of comfort and understanding to listeners. For those who relate to the themes of escape, self-reflection, or finding peace in the chaos, I want the song to feel like a safe space. I hope it inspires listeners to embrace their own journeys and find moments of clarity in difficult times.

9. How does “Mary Jane” reflect your sonic direction and future aspirations as a musician?

Mary Jane is a step toward a more introspective and experimental sound for me. It reflects my desire to create music that’s not only sonically interesting but also meaningful on a deeper level. Moving forward, I want to continue pushing boundaries, blending genres, and telling stories that resonate across cultures and experiences.

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