New York Artist Puma Juma
Q: Where did the name Puma Da Vinci come from? What is the story behind your name? Was this always your name?
A: Puma Da Vinci was inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci, the artist who made the Mona Lisa. That piece of artwork inspires me because it is timeless and I want my music to be the same way. Puma Juma basically comes from the fact that nobody knew how to say Juma so I used to just say call me Puma w/ a J.
Q: How did you balance your music life with your college life?
A: Haha. The funny thing about that is I dropped out. Balancing music and college is not hard, but I decided to focus on one. When I was in school I would write verses in class and draw up merchandise because I could not focus. It is definitely doable but my passion took over.
Q: What was your experience like in the studio, and making a video, during our time of social distancing, and your song Quarantining?
A: It was not easy. Going to the studio was a risk I was willing to take as long as the people around me believed in me. Recording the song I knew the height of it. Because it was a sign of the times, type of song. My guys David and Jabari believed in my vision and helped my vision come to life.
Q: What do you like and dislike about social media?
A: I love connecting with people. I love being exposed to art concepts and ideas I would not usually see. I think social media helps us learn about things that we want, and I love learning from others. I do not really enjoy cancel culture. I think it is pushing the world into making us think we need to be perfect one hundred percent of the time. If everyone had a magnifying glass on them all the time we would all be canceled.
Q: How does fashion intertwine with your music career?
A: In my opinion fashion and music are like soulmates. Fashion can be the expression of how we feel. how you represent yourself can draw people closer to your music. When I dress I just be myself and whoever feels me, feels me. Like my bro Rob said “JEANS IS EVERYTHING Tho” haha.
Q: What made you decide not to study music during your college career?
A: When I got into college I still did not know what I wanted to be in life. I was making music, playing soccer and working a couple jobs. It was only when I hit 21 I decided to tunnel vision
Q: What does SSK stand for? What made you decide to make this the name for one of your projects?
A: SSK IS SING SING KINGS. I made this the name of my first project because I am from Sing Sing, raised there, so I wanted the people to be able to hear that from me and know what I was talking about. SSK Is a way of life, it is a culture, it is a mindset.
Q: How do you bring where you are from into your music?
A: I bring where I am from to my music by finding a way to bring my roots to the beat. I always try to find a way to represent my many home bases to the music. Whether it is certain lingo or native language
Q: What is most important to you when making videos?
A: Close ups, and engagement and making sure the vibes are real. I want the audience to wish they were a part of it. I want the faces and scenery to tell the story of the song. Like it is a moment for everyone.
Q: Would you ever be featured on somebody else’s track? Why or why not?
A: Yeah, for sure I love working with other artists especially in person. This year be ready for more and more Puma Juma on all different vibes.