Singer Jojo‘s recent interview with Uproxx revealed some shocking details about the life of the “Leave (Get Out)” performer, who confessed that she went through a lot of struggles during her first years as a music star.
The 29-year-old musician first came to prominence at the age of 13 and after the successful launch of her first two albums, Jojo in 2004 and The High Road in 2006; the singer found it difficult to release new material.
Reportedly, Jojo’s career initially took off with a contract with Blackground Records, and according to the singer, the label was started by the uncle of late R&B artist Aaliyah, Barry Hankerson, because nobody else would hire such a young musician.
According to Jojo, when she turned 18, the company stopped releasing her songs, even though she had created more than enough new material.
The 29-year-old Vermont native also shared how back at the time, she had a meeting with the president of the Blackground office, who told her it was required from her to look as healthy as possible and should change her eating habits.
Even though the young celebrity allegedly had some objections, in the end, she was convinced to follow the diet plan of a nutritionist, which allowed her to consume only 500 calories per day.
She explained: “I was like, “I’m actually the picture of health. I actually look like a healthy girl who eats and is active. And I don’t think this is about my health. I think that you want me to be really skinny. And he’s like, ‘No, I wouldn’t say that,’ blah blah blah.’ But I ended up getting put with a nutritionist that had me on a 500 calorie a day diet, and I was on these injections that make you have no appetite.”
The singer confessed that initially, she thought the reason her songs were not released was that she was not skinny enough and started doubting herself.
As a result, Jojo quit working with Blackground in 2014 and continued her career at Atlantic Records, where she stayed until 2019 when she transferred to Warner Records.
Currently, the singer is preparing her fourth studio album Good to Know, which is expected in the following months.
Supporters rushed to show love to the talent and are hoping that she will land a documentary on Netflix or elsewhere.
One of them stated: “Wow! I have followed you since Leave (get out) and you’ve been one of my inspirations ever since. I love that you are sharing your story with the world and overcoming all obstacles! ?”
A second commenter explained: “Thank you for not giving up, it is inspiring, you were born to do what you are doing and that encourages me to do the same on my own path, of course ???.”
A third comment read: “Jojo! You’re amazing! You have a beautiful voice and you are such a resilient woman! You inspire us all every day!! Please continue singing we got your back!”
Some artists like “Pretty Wings” singer Maxwell have reached out to Jojo after she shared her story.
