The first time I met Lizzy Jeff I was caught by surprise by her good energy and positive aura. She approached me we here kind words and spoke to everyone in the room. She made everyone feel comfortable and beautiful along with very high, literally and figuratively. I’m not sure why I was surprised because she radiates the same “ball of light” healing energy as she creates through her original music, events, and brand. Lizzy Jeff is the curator of Zen & Kush — “A community and curated healing experience dedicated to ascension via creative expression, hemp, and sensuality,” according to the official Zen & Kush Instagram. On top of that she is also a independent rapper, and just released her second mixtape S.L.A.P.S. which stands for “Spiritual Lyrical Affirmations for Prosperity & Success”.
Lizzy’s music is full of positive affirmations and lyrics about self love and manifesting money, along with that signature west coast sound. But she also uses her music and platform to educate people about the war on drugs and the importance of diversity in the industry. I wouldn’t know how to describe Lizzy in one word honestly because she does not do nor is just one singular thing. She goes by musical medicine woman or rap priestess, but whatever you would like to call her after reading this article you will find out just as I did, she is truly a magical black woman.
Iyana Edouard: You wear a lot of different hats and seem to always be working on multiple things at one time, how do you stay organized and focused?
Lizzy Jeff: My priority is self care and being able to balance that in between all the projects I’m working on. I have a lovely assistant that supports me during events that I’m hosting and curating. I also use a really dope app called Asana that helps me stay organized. Staying focused is never an issue for me because I’m inspired and ignited to do this work. I’m living in my purpose and doing exactly what I came here to do. Once I tapped into that energy, it’s been easy for me to stay focused on my projects. I always set an intention before beginning any project so that the spirit of my ancestors and divine magnificence are infused into everything I do.
Iyana Edouard: When and/or how did you start working in the cannabis industry?
Lizzy Jeff: I started as a budtender at a lovely collective down in Venice Beach a few years ago. I saw the stories of triumph and how people were being uplifted through this sacred plant medicine and it inspired me. That inspiration is what led to me creating my own platform, brand and community for people to learn about the healing powers of cannabis and elevated, intentional living.
Iyana Eduoard: When did you start making music and what was your first experience like recording a full song?
Lizzy Jeff: I started making music around the same time I became a budtender. At the time, I was in school for audio engineering and had access to the studio on campus. I’d get with my brothers and other students to start laying down rhymes. Everything just evolved from there. I think my first full recorded song was “Presence” but I never released it. I was still learning and growing and building my confidence, so it was nice to be around family in those early stages. It was really dope to hear myself on my own fully recorded song.
Iyana Edouard :When did you start adding cannabis and cannabis wellness to the Lizzy Jeff brand and music, and why?
Lizzy Jeff: That’s always been apart of who I am.To be honest, all I did was turn my lifestyle into a brand. I speak my truths in my music. For those that know me, they can tell you that I talk like how I talk in my music. I basically translate my daily conversations and pieces of wisdom into the music. Cannabis has always been apart of my life but only until I started working directly with the plant did my perspective and understanding about it enhance. It was natural for me to talk about my love for cannabis and all of its beautiful healing powers. The more I learn about it and build my own relationship with mama ganja, the more I can include it in my music and other creative expressions
Iyana Edouard: You recently hosted another Zen & Kush event (Sacred Sensual), how did it go and what were people’s responses?
Lizzy Jeff: This was the two year anniversary event and it was beyond all my dreams. It was exactly what I envisioned and more. It was the perfect infusion of community, healing, creative expression, sensuality, black excellence, high fashion, and plant based cuisine. People were radiating in their sensual sleepwear fashions and just truly enjoying the alcohol free vibes. I got incredible feedback from many of those that attended saying it changed their lives.
Iyana Edouard: What 3 artists would you love to work with?
Lizzy Jeff: Nipsey Hussle was top of my list honestly with us being from the same neighborhood and having the vision of uplifting the community through financial progress and self awareness. I rap about him often and give gratitude for all he’s done for our community. For now , I’d choose someone like Erykah Badu , Solange , Betty Davis, LinaFornia, and of course I’d love to vibe out with the Splash Brothers for a week or so and see what kind of magic comes from it. It would be so dope to connect with the musicians of 1500 or Nothin and create a classic west coast album from the divine feminine perspective.
Iyana Eduoard: A lot of your music and message is in alignment with positive affirmations and crystal healing and welcoming spirituality into your daily life. How do you use all these practices and tools in your only daily life and career?
Lizzy Jeff: Depends on the day and what kind of energy I’m calling in. I’ll burn sage in the studio before my session to cleanse the space and also activate the portals for divine feminine energy to flow through. I have a daily morning routine which include stretching, deep breathing and positive self talk. I often times do a lovely CBD infused breast massage meditation. I wear a lapis lazuli around my neck when I’m calling in protection and clarity. I love adorning my waist with beautiful crystals to bring intention around my womb and activating the power of my Yoni. I wear crystal wrapped rings around my fingers to constantly remind me of my greatness and what I’m here to do. These crystals make a huge difference in my life and definitely keep me balance and elevated
Iyana Edouard: And do you feel like these practices have helped you in any way?
Lizzy Jeff: Oh absolutely, I realized, anything I do with intention manifests into abundance. When I make it a habit to acknowledge myself everyday and set a new intention for my day, it makes me feel more guided and connected to my purpose
Iyana Edouard: What is your favorite strain to have when you want to get creative or write music?
Lizzy Jeff: I always enjoy a lovely sativa, anything from Champagne to Super Lemon Haze put me in a very creative space. Any CBD strains are lovely too. I recently released a new line of CBD Hemp affirmation pre rolls. These are powerful for me because I set a new intention before I light it up, then start writing. When I’m setting an intention for clarity and ultimate divine flow, I also open myself up to energies that will assist me in my creative process. If I want to right a song about making love, I’ll light a candle, drop some rose petals, light a CBD incense and call in energies related to Sensuality, love, confidence, and high vibrations.
Iyana Edouard: And what is your favorite strain to have before having an event or a busy day?
Lizzy Jeff: CBD is always a win for me ! I also love exploring different CBD tinctures and herbal teas
Iyana Edouard: What’s next in your with your music?
Lizzy Jeff: I just released a mixtape called S.L.A.P.S (Spiritual Lyrical Affirmations for Prosperity & Success)
It’s a beautiful mixtape filled with powerful and uplifting affirmations of abundance, clarity and perfect health. It’s definitely something you can vibe out to when you need some inspiration and or feel like celebrating life.
To find upcoming Lizzy Jeff shows and events, visit her Instagram or website. You can also listen to and send support for the S.L.A.P.S mixtape at LizzyJeff.Bandcamp.com