YVNG JRIP

Young, Valuable, ’N Gifted

Story by Serafina Piasentin
Photography by John Liviero

Known as Jaxon Henderson in the streets of Chatham-Kent but as YVNG JRIP (Young Drip) in the music sheets, this 17-year-old rapper accidentally stumbled into his moment of fame when he was noticed by legendary hip-hop producer, Timbaland. Though 16 at the time, Jaxon remembers the interaction with as much shock, excitement and awe as when it happened, considering Timbaland has worked with 50 Cent, Justin Timberlake, Kanye and more. “This is the GOAT!” Jaxon exclaimed. Through a mixture of luck and the loyalty of a friend, such a big name wound up not only listening to but loving Jaxon’s music. 

“All the props go to Marcell Johnson,” Jaxon said. TheRealMarcell is an artist and producer from Detroit who Jaxon bonded with over a livestream. The two of them now make music together, including the song Timbaland heard, “When It’s All Over,” and their latest drop (release), “Starlight.”

Jaxon didn’t think anything of it when he joined Marcell’s TikTok livestream on October 2, 2023, but he quickly noticed his friend wasn’t alone—he was co-streaming with Timbaland. “And when I joined, I just heard my voice,” he recalled, referring to the then unreleased song, “When It’s All Over.” Since it wasn’t the final version, Timbaland suggested different adjustments to mix the rap song, believing it had the potential to be “gold.” 

Jaxon began to screen record the livestream, and while he was having his “little geek moment,” Timbaland received word that Jaxon was watching the interaction and requested that he join the stream. “After I realized he was talking about me, I was like, ‘do I join this?’ I was so scared.” But of course, he accepted the invitation.

The first thing Timbaland said to him was, “You’re 16!” showing that he was genuinely impressed with Jaxon’s talent. Jaxon on the other hand, still under that haze of astonishment, began to gush over the celebrity: “I kind of embarrassed myself, saying ‘It’s an honour to talk to you! I’ve followed you since I was a little boy.’” To this, Timbaland laughed, saying, “You’re still a little boy!” 

Ever since he was young, Jaxon was surrounded by music. His oldest brother pursued a musical career before falling out of love with the art. Still, Liam taught Jaxon much of his producing skills including how to ‘punch in,’ a recording technique that ensures the singer won’t run out of breath. His grandfather, Rick Kitchen, was in an R&B group called Glaze in Detroit and says they opened for the Jackson Five. It was Rick who taught him “the soul aspect of music” as he always brought the energy into a room. Jaxon admits “we created this brotherhood over music” that helped him gain momentum in his career.  

Both these family members served as inspiration for Jaxon, but they also introduced him to artists he enjoys like Michael Jackson, Al Green and Otis Redding. However, Jaxon added, “I get inspiration off the people around me. You don’t know who celebrities really are.” He would rather look up to those he can truly see. When prompted to consider how he would react to being a possible celebrity in the future, Jaxon joked, “Disappear. No, no, I’ll handle the spotlight privately. Out here, I’ll be an artist, but at home, I’ll just be me.” 

Jaxon learned how important it is to remain true to himself through the vehicle of his songs. He wrote his first song, “Kanada” when he was eight or nine after listening to Liam’s music and visualizing himself creating his own. Originally, he preferred producing and making beats as opposed to writing lyrics. “It’s always come naturally. I don’t know if it’s ADHD or what, but I’ve always been tapping on desks or anything I could find to make a rhythm with my hands. It’s not always a breeze—the writing comes a little harder.” Eventually, he found success in freestyle. Initially, he would sing about what he thought others could relate to, but as he entered a flow state, he began to personalize his verse. This pivot occurred with his song, “Lemme Talk,” in which he turned the focus onto himself. “My music represents a lot of emotion. I realized I created my own outlet and that I don’t always have to drop my songs. Sometimes, though, I get so comfortable to think that others will care what I have to say, so I do.” 

Jaxon intends for his music to shatter stereotypes about what it means to be a man. “I want younger generations to hear my music and know they don’t have to live under these preconceptions. I’ve never cried in front of another man, but we don’t always have to be tough.” Jaxon admits that his listeners might think he has a lot of aggression due to his use of profanity, but he assured, “I’m a nice kid. I’m never not smiling. I don’t cuss to be cool; it’s how I feel. Feelings matter.” 

However, it is his artist name, YVNG JRIP, which truly encapsulates Jaxon’s personality. “No one’s ever asked me what it stands for before,” he said. The “YVNG” stands for “young, valuable, ’n gifted.” Some thought this was endearing, but his intention was to sound cool. “JRIP” is tacked on to put the ‘hip’ in ‘hip-hop.’ He said, “I’ve always been into fashion and trying to make something cool out of nothing. People call that ‘drip’. And with my name being Jaxon, I just combined the two words.” 

Regardless of what people think of him, Jaxon will continue to make music. He graduates this year from Chatham-Kent Secondary School and intends to take a gap year to work and save money. “Growing up I wanted to be a forensics photographer,” he said, laughing at how different his career path looks now. With the recognition and approval from Timbaland, Jaxon is motivated to get the ball rolling. He is planning on creating music videos, wants to put out an EP called “Noir,” and is looking to perform at gigs or parties. “You need to have some motion to your name,” he stated, and although he is not in contact with Timbaland, this fluke interaction boosted the young rapper’s confidence. “We are not buddies,” he said, “but he followed me back two days after the livestream. I thought, aw, he’s thinking about me.” Timbaland asked Jaxon and Marcell to send him more music, which is a step in the right direction for YVNG JRIP. Though it isn’t a business contract, it may be a budding connection for Jaxon in his journey through life’s grand symphony. 

To follow YVNG JRIP or to hear his music, go to songwhip.com/yvng-jrip.