Barcelona-based VanMilli, born Gerald Nwosu, is a master of transcending genre and meshing cultural influence, crafting a sound that effortlessly connects listeners around the globe. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, VanMilli developed his global spirit by traveling the world young and spending time with family residing in cultural hubs like Brazil, England, and the United States. Despite being artistic-minded from a young age, VanMilli took after his father’s military ventures, enrolling in military academies through high school. His education gave him discipline and drive, but did not spark an interest in joining the military. Moving forward, VanMilli discovered his love for making music from scratch, uncovering inspiration for melodies and lyrics in personal experiences and passions. Inspired by music legends Drake, J. Cole, Damian Marley, and more, and equipped with a worldly mentality strengthened by years of diverse cultural immersion, VanMilli makes music that doesn’t fit in a box or belong to a country, but speaks directly to one’s humanity.
For VanMilli, Mary Jane is more than a muse. He describes her as “the love of his life” in this thoughtful expression of desire for the lover who offers him comfort, relief, and a life where there’s “no longer pain.” This love song may not be traditional, but it’s exceptionally romantic. The gently strummed melody resembles a Spanish love song, backed by a rhythmic hip-hop beat and smooth, low-key vocals. With every line, listeners experience the calming high of Mary Jane’s enduring love. The song cleverly plays with the idea that VanMilli and Mary Jane are untangled in a secret, thrilling, yet seemingly forbidden love in a world divided on the benefits of marijuana. But VanMilli loves her unapologetically—a sentiment that resonates deeply with lovers of all kinds. With “Mary Jane,” VanMilli shares a vulnerable, genuine side of himself, strengthening his bond with listeners everywhere, and coming into his own as an artist.
The “Mary Jane” music video trades expected grittiness for intimacy, emphasizing the affectionate nature of VanMilli’s love for Mary Jane. Singing by himself in a warmly lit recording studio, director Katherin Wermke draws the viewer’s attention to VanMilli’s soulful, heartfelt confession. His passion is apparent in his body language—eyes closed and leaning into the mic, he sings as if serenading Mary Jane herself. As an artist, VanMilli is a savant of intentionality—no detail goes unnoticed. His all-black, “outlaw” attire hides most of his body, symbolizing how the world compels him to hide his love. Though his infatuation may seem shameful to some, VanMilli is not ashamed to profess his fondness for the one he adores. VanMilli’s admirable honesty allows viewers of any culture and background to connect with him on a human level through the universal experience of love.
How does “Mary Jane” reflect your background and artistic journey up to this point?
“Mary Jane” reflects the fusion of influences that have shaped me as an artist. My multicultural upbringing and life experiences in different parts of the world have exposed me to diverse sounds, languages, and storytelling styles. This song is a blend of all those influences, and it’s also a reflection of my growth as an artist, exploring deeper, more personal themes.
You’ve referred to the song as a “love letter” to Mary Jane—was there a particular moment or experience that inspired you to write such a personal piece?
The song was born out of a period of introspection. There wasn’t a singular moment, but rather a series of experiences that made me want to express my relationship with “Mary Jane”—which, in this context, symbolizes a sense of comfort and escape. It’s personal because it touches on the complex emotions and experiences I’ve had in life, using Mary Jane as a metaphor for coping, for finding peace in chaos.
Can you describe the process of producing “Mary Jane”? What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
The production of Mary Jane was a journey in itself. I wanted to create a laid-back vibe while maintaining the emotional weight of the lyrics. Balancing those two elements was tricky. One of the biggest challenges was finding the right sound to match the intimate feel of the song—something mellow but impactful. I refined the sound until it felt just right.
Who were your musical influences for “Mary Jane”? What inspires you to make rap music?
For Mary Jane, I drew from a mix of contemporary artists like Drake and J. Cole, artists who were able to weave personal stories into their music. What drives me to make rap is the ability to tell stories—whether it’s my own or reflecting on broader social themes. Rap feels like the most direct way to convey my thoughts and emotions.
The song has an intimate, low-key vibe—what emotions or themes were you aiming to capture in the track?
The intimacy of the track is intentional—I wanted it to feel like a conversation, almost like you’re sitting in a room with me, hearing my thoughts. The themes are about self-reflection, escape, and navigating life’s struggles. I was aiming to evoke feelings of calmness but with an underlying tension, like that moment when you’re trying to unwind but your mind is still racing.
Can you describe the creative process behind the “Mary Jane” music video? How did you and your director bring it to life?
For the video, I wanted something that would complement the song’s intimate tone. The director and I worked closely on creating visuals that feel personal and almost dream-like, representing the haze and clarity that Mary Jane offers. We shot at a location that felt close to home.
How do the visuals in the “Mary Jane” music video amplify the song’s message? Which visual elements were you passionate about presenting?
The visuals emphasize the song’s themes of solace and escape. We incorporated a lot of close-up shots, focusing on facial expressions and subtle gestures to create a sense of vulnerability. One element I was particularly passionate about was theme and use of light.
What do you hope listeners will take away from the “Mary Jane” music video and song?
I hope listeners can connect with the song on a personal level. Whether it’s the lyrics, the vibe, or the visuals, I want people to feel understood, like they’re not alone in their experiences. Mary Jane is about finding peace in whatever form that takes, and I hope listeners feel a sense of calm and reflection after hearing it.
As a multicultural and multilingual artist, how do you hope to inspire listeners around the world with songs like “Mary Jane”?
I hope my background can serve as a bridge for people from different cultures and experiences to connect through music. Being able to blend different languages, styles, and cultural influences allows me to create something that’s universally relatable while still being true to myself. I want to show people that music transcends boundaries, and songs like Mary Jane can resonate no matter where you’re from.
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