When it comes to someone making rap music, a 64-year-old grandmother is not exactly the first person that comes to mind. Despite the unconventional trajectory, the North Carolina native, who acknowledges she always had a way with words, only recently started putting lyrics to beats in the last few years. The result of this recent pursuit is “She’s N Mi Blud,” an easygoing, heartfelt single that debuted earlier this year and draws from her dynamic life and the common thread of love.
Although her entry into the rap world may be far from the norm, Jackson found a comforting place to create “She’s N Mi Blud,” an inspiring track that perfectly captures her remarkable storytelling and courage to overcome setbacks. Reflecting on her past, Jackson shares that after contracting polio as a baby, which left her paralyzed from the waist down in her younger years, she did not allow such physical limitations to keep her from experiencing a happy life. Eventually, she would heal, join the military, travel the world, get married, and revel in new experiences. However, it wasn’t until she was older that she began to channel those experiences creatively, transforming words and emotions inside of her into beautiful poetry and a children’s book.
Everything changed for Jackson in 2021 when something just clicked inside of her. A friend stuck in a creative rut turned to her for help. So, Jackson said, “Give me one word and 10 minutes, and I’ll give you something back.” In the end, she wrote three songs for him, but it also made her realize—if she could write for him, why couldn’t she do it for herself?
So, she did, and that’s when Jackson became a songwriter/rapper. With, “She’s N Mi Blud,” the message is about the love that transcends the traditional standard of what makes a family. “I wanted to express that family isn’t always about blood,” says Jackson. “It’s about the bond. It doesn’t matter what race or religion you come from—if you’ve grown up together, they’re your family. That’s why I spelled “blud” the way I did. It’s not just about blood relations; it’s about deeper connection.”
According to Jackson, “She’s N Mi Blud“ is what she calls a ‘love rap,’ free of cursing, with a universal message of unconditional care and acceptance. The lyrics such as “Love is the biggest weapon” and “Kiss me, love, me, save my soul…” are direct and simple, set to the sounds of reggae and Jackson’s straightforward voice.
When asked about her creative process, Jackson describes it as almost meditative. "I’d be riding down the road, humming, and then the words would just come to me," she says. Within a week, she pieced together the verses that would become "She’s N Mi Blud," humming melodies and scribbling down lyrics whenever inspiration struck.
Her music may be new to the world, but her gift for storytelling isn’t. "I’ve always had a way with words," she says, reflecting on her years as a poet and author. And while “She’s N Mi Blud” is only her second single, following “My Baby” in 2020, Jackson is already making waves. Her grandkids can’t get enough of it. “They sing it—and they are proud of me,” she beams.
What’s next for Chris M Jackson? She is content with “She’s N Mi Blud” being a stand-alone single, though she’s open to future projects. Whether she’s writing songs or stories, the ultimate goal is to make people feel loved and important. “I may be 64, but I’ve got a lot more to say,” she says with the subtle confidence of someone who knows that age is just a number.
Stay up to date with Chris M Jackson and her music by following her on Instagram.
