When Matteson, Illinois rapper Jay Wood hears his 2023 debut project “Nowhere, Fast,” he sees green. His upcoming project, “Paradise Don’t Last Forever,” out later this year, is red.
“I have this thing people call synesthesia, where I heavily relate music to colors,” he said. “I don’t know if that makes sense, but it makes sense to me.”
Wood has risen quickly in the local scene for his authentic lyricism and energetic live performances. While rolling out his projects, Wood, 27, puts just as much thought into the visuals — and his apparel — as the music. “Nowhere, Fast” featured cameos from his Chicago Heights alma mater Marian Catholic High School, specifically the band and football field, and the title came from advice given by his former high school football coach. Naturally, Wood gravitated toward varsity jackets and collegiate patches during his “school” era.
“As I grew and my fashion sense matured and my music matured, it became more intentional,” he said. “I feel like you should be able to look at me and tell what the music sounds like.”
Wood says the visuals and fashion for his upcoming project “Paradise Don’t Last Forever” take inspiration from ‘90s crime dramas like “Belly” and “Heat.” The first taste of what’s to come arrived in May with his high-energy single “Hands Up!!!” Noting he approaches all of his releases like movies, Wood described the song as “the bank robbery” portion of the project.
“I think it definitely is a mirror to the times that we’re in, and just the energy I feel from other people,” Wood said. “I do think that it evokes feelings of wanting to move and do something and be inspired.”
Before the single’s release, Wood stopped by Vocalo’s studios to discuss his rap origins and his streetwear-influenced style.
Intro to styling
Before he began working with Chicago stylist J MaKenzie, Wood started his personal style journey in high school with thrifted jerseys and “dad” button-ups.
Similarly to his music, everything in Wood’s wardrobe is intentional — down to white tank tops, which he attributes to DMX and 50 Cent music videos he watched growing up. He even cites films starring both rappers, “Belly” and “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” respectively, as visual influences for his upcoming project.
Now, Wood describes his style as “a mixture of things that don’t make sense on paper, but make sense when you see it”: Streetwear, workwear and athletic clothing, with some skater influences.
Outfit to love
Wood worked with MaKenzie to curate the ensemble he wore to Vocalo’s studios: A structured dark blue denim jacket with whimsical embroidery. The jacket was layered over a white tee, with pleated wide-leg gray jeans and classic tan Timberlands.
Wood says he’s appreciative of MaKenzie’s help, especially when it comes to putting his style ideas into words.
“I feel like she understands certain things that I don’t know how to articulate in the fashion world,” he said. “It’s good to have someone that is super tactical.”
Go-to sources for new pieces
Wood loves shopping in-person at Chicago shops such as Round Two, The Goody Vault, Notre and SVRN, partly so he can get to know the people who run and work at the stores. But his real cheat code? Thrifting near where he lives in the suburbs — or better yet, out of town in Indiana.
“Down here, it’s too much saturation, too much competition,” he said. “In the ‘burbs? It’ll just be me in there.”
On the “wants” list
Whenever Wood sees a clothing item he likes on Instagram, he texts the link to himself — mostly jackets and big pants. He has his eye on a pair of Kody Phillips “Curve” jeans.
“They always sell out,” he said. “I’ve never quite gotten my hands on them.”
Styling advice
Wood’s first piece of advice is to be yourself. But he recalled in middle school, a friend told him: “It looks better if you don’t match.”
“At the time, I was like, ‘You’re wrong.’ But as I’ve matured, I’ve seen the light. He was 1,000% correct.”
“Getting Dressed with Vocalo” is an ongoing series highlighting Chicago musicians who have standout personal styles, from Khaliyah X to Chillona. Get ready with us.