Exclusive Feature & Interview
By fujimollotti
In a city known for producing influential artists and cultural trailblazers, Envy Jazzo has emerged as one of Cleveland’s most accomplished and versatile entertainers. Known professionally as “Big Jazzo — Neva Da Lil One,” the East Side native has built an impressive career that spans music, acting, radio, fashion, media, and entrepreneurship.
Hailing from Cleveland’s historic St. Clair neighborhood, Envy Jazzo was raised in a musically diverse family that helped cultivate her passion for entertainment from an early age. Today, she stands as one of the Midwest’s most recognized independent female artists, earning respect through relentless dedication, undeniable talent, and an unmatched work ethic.
A Multi-Faceted Force in Entertainment
Unlike many artists who focus on a single lane, Envy Jazzo has successfully built a brand that extends far beyond music.
She is a rapper, singer, live performer, actress, creative director, media personality, commentator, writer, and entrepreneur. She is also the founder of Big Jazzo Apparel and serves as a radio personality with The Nerve DJs, further establishing her influence throughout the entertainment industry.
In May 2026, Envy Jazzo secured a single distribution deal with Virgin Records, marking another major milestone in her rapidly growing career.
A Resume Built on Excellence
Between 2022 and 2025, Envy Jazzo earned an impressive 27 awards recognizing her contributions to music, entertainment, performance, media, and entrepreneurship.
Career Highlights
- 5X Battleground Champion
- Best Collaboration featuring Krayzie Bone
- 3X Best Female Artist
- 3X Best Live Performer
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Most Dedicated Artist
- Most Improved Artist
- Best Radio Personality
- Best Supporting Actress
- Next 2 Blow Award
- Famous Friday Champion
- Stop the Violence Showcase Award
- Trappy Award Winner
- Woman in the Industry Award
- Four Certificates of Appreciation
She also received a Gold Plaque from Johnny O after performing at the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Record-Breaking Recognition
In 2023, Envy Jazzo made history at the Ohio Entertainment Awards, setting the all-time record with eight nominations in a single year, a record that remains unmatched.
In 2025, she earned five additional nominations:
- Best Female Artist
- Best Collaboration — CLE featuring Krayzie Bone
- Song of the Year — Let Me See It (HO3Z) featuring Pooh Gutta
- Best Female Actress
- Best Live Performer
She also earned six nominations at the Midwest Talent Awards:
- Female Artist of the Year
- Breakthrough Artist of the Year
- Song of the Year (CLE ft. Krayzie Bone)
- Video of the Year (Let Me See It (HO3Z) ft. Pooh Gutta)
- Live Performer of the Year
- Midwest Music Contribution Award
She later captured Best Female Artist and Best Live Performer honors in Detroit.
Success in Film and Television
Beyond music, Envy Jazzo has established herself as a talented actress with appearances in 17 films and television productions, including:
- Is Temptation A Real Thing
- In My Mind
- The Circle
- Back Too 2005
- Land of the Skinny Jeans
- The Last Song: Maxi’s Revenge
- Madam of the Land
- Take The Girls
- She Never Believed
- Bread The Movie
- The Capp
Her work has been featured on Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube, helping her reach audiences far beyond Ohio.
The Battleground Champion
In 2023, Envy Jazzo appeared on a billboard challenging competitors to dethrone her as the Reigning, Undisputed, Undefeated Battleground League of Ohio Champion.
Years later, she continues to proudly hold that title, a testament to her performance ability and competitive spirit.
Education and Influence
A graduate of Ohio Media School (2018), Envy Jazzo has successfully translated her education into a thriving entertainment career.
Her music has received radio rotation on:
- 95.9 FM
- Z107.9 FM
- 106.1 FM
- 93.1 FM
Throughout her journey, she has collaborated with respected names including Krayzie Bone, Sam Sylk, and Pooh Gutta.
Exclusive Interview: 20 Questions with Envy Jazzo
1. Growing up in Cleveland, what experiences shaped you the most as a woman and as an artist?
Envy Jazzo: Growing up on the East Side of Cleveland taught me resilience, hustle, and how to survive through adversity. I saw people overcome obstacles every day, and that shaped my mindset. Being raised in a musically diverse family also inspired me to pursue entertainment. Cleveland gave me my toughness, my creativity, and my voice.
2. When people hear the name “Envy Jazzo,” what do you want them to immediately think or feel?
Envy Jazzo: I want people to think of authenticity, versatility, and determination. I want them to feel inspired because everything I’ve accomplished came from hard work, consistency, and believing in myself when others didn’t.
3. Your music sounds very personal and believable. How important is authenticity to you in this industry?
Envy Jazzo: Authenticity is everything. People can tell when you’re forcing something or living a character. I make music based on real experiences, real emotions, and real situations. That’s what helps people connect with me.
4. What’s the hardest struggle you had to overcome before people started taking your music seriously?
Envy Jazzo: Getting people to see me beyond just another local artist. I had to prove my dedication year after year, perform everywhere I could, build my brand, and keep producing quality music until people couldn’t ignore the work.
5. Cleveland has a lot of talent but doesn’t always get national respect. What’s your opinion on the city’s music scene right now?
Envy Jazzo: Cleveland is full of talent. We have artists, producers, DJs, and creatives that can compete with anybody. The biggest challenge is getting consistent industry attention, but the city is producing stars and creating opportunities every year.
6. As a female rapper, do you feel like you have to work twice as hard to earn respect? Why or why not?
Envy Jazzo: Absolutely. Women often have to prove themselves repeatedly in areas where men are automatically respected. That’s why I focus on my work ethic, performance, and professionalism. Once people see the consistency, the respect follows.
7. What’s something people completely misunderstand about you when they first see you online?
Envy Jazzo: A lot of people assume I’m overly confident or intimidating. In reality, I’m hardworking, humble, and focused. What people see online is only a small piece of who I am.
8. What record or song you made best describes your real life right now?
Envy Jazzo: Right now, I’d say Do Yo Big One because I’m embracing my accomplishments, celebrating milestones, and stepping into bigger opportunities while staying true to myself.
9. Have pain, betrayal, relationships, or survival influenced your music? How deep does that go for you personally?
Envy Jazzo: Very deeply. Every challenge I’ve faced has become motivation. Pain teaches lessons, betrayal reveals character, and survival builds strength. Those experiences influence my writing and help me connect with people who have faced similar struggles.
10. What separates Envy Jazzo from the average female rapper trying to go viral today?
Envy Jazzo: I focus on building a lasting career instead of chasing moments. I’m not just an artist—I’m an entrepreneur, actress, radio personality, creative director, and businesswoman. My brand extends far beyond music.
11. In your opinion, what’s more important: talent, marketing, consistency, or connections?
Envy Jazzo: Consistency. Talent gets attention, marketing creates visibility, and connections open doors. But consistency is what keeps those doors open and builds longevity.
12. Have you ever felt overlooked or doubted by people close to you? How did you respond to it?
Envy Jazzo: Of course. Everyone experiences doubt at some point. I responded by continuing to work, improve, and accomplish goals. Success became my response.
13. What’s the biggest lesson the streets or life taught you about loyalty?
Envy Jazzo: Loyalty isn’t about what people say—it’s about what they do when you need them most. Actions always reveal true intentions.
14. A lot of artists fake lifestyles online. How do you stay grounded while still building your brand?
Envy Jazzo: I stay connected to my roots, my family, and my purpose. Social media is a highlight reel, but real life matters more. I focus on genuine growth instead of creating a false image.
15. If a major label approached you tomorrow, what would they have to understand before doing business with you?
Envy Jazzo: They would need to understand that I’m bringing a complete brand to the table. I’m not looking for someone to build me—I’ve already built a foundation. Any partnership has to be mutually beneficial and respect my vision.
16. What’s one moment in your life that almost made you quit music completely?
Envy Jazzo: There were moments when the sacrifices felt bigger than the rewards, but every time I thought about quitting, I remembered why I started. My passion always brought me back.
17. How important is image, confidence, and visual branding for female artists in today’s industry?
Envy Jazzo: It’s very important because people often see you before they hear you. Your image should reflect your brand, but confidence is what truly makes people pay attention and remember you.
18. What type of legacy are you trying to leave behind through your music and story?
Envy Jazzo: I want to leave a legacy that proves people from Cleveland can succeed on a major level. I want to inspire future artists, especially women, to chase their dreams regardless of obstacles.
19. What advice would you give young women in Cleveland chasing music while dealing with real-life pressure?
Envy Jazzo: Stay focused, stay consistent, and don’t let temporary situations make permanent decisions for you. Protect your peace, keep learning, and never stop believing in your talent.
20. Five years from now, where do you honestly see Envy Jazzo — independent boss, major artist, entrepreneur, or all of the above?
Envy Jazzo: All of the above. I see myself expanding my music career, growing Big Jazzo Apparel, acting in larger projects, creating opportunities for others, and continuing to build an empire that lasts far beyond music.
Final Thoughts
From Cleveland’s St. Clair neighborhood to award stages, film sets, radio stations, and major industry partnerships, Envy Jazzo has consistently demonstrated what can be accomplished through determination, talent, and perseverance.
With a record-breaking award history, a growing entertainment empire, a Virgin Records distribution deal, and an expanding presence across music, film, fashion, and media, she continues to elevate her brand while inspiring a new generation of artists.
For Envy Jazzo, the mission has always been bigger than music. It is about building a legacy, creating opportunities, and proving that a woman from Cleveland can compete—and win—on any stage.
Follow Envy Jazzo:
Instagram: @envy_jazzo
TikTok: @envy_jazzo
Facebook: Envy Jazzo
Artist • Actress • Entrepreneur • Radio Personality • Creative Director • Media Personality
“Big Jazzo — Neva Da Lil One”
Envy jazzo
