Jane Handcock: Snoop Dogg’s Protégé Reviving the Soul of Death Row Records

When you think of Death Row Records, the legendary label that gave us Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg, the word “iconic” often comes to mind. But under Snoop Dogg’s leadership, Death Row is evolving, and at the center of this transformation is Jane Handcock—a soulful artist from the Bay Area who’s as versatile as she is extraordinary. Recently, Jane sat down with Sway on “Sway in the Morning” to discuss her journey, her music, and what it means to be the first lady of Death Row under Snoop’s reign. Let’s dive into her inspiring story.

On “Use Me,” Jane flips the narrative on being resourceful: “I’m okay with being used, just don’t misuse me. We’re all here to be utilized in some way.” This ethos of self-worth and boundaries resonates deeply, especially in an industry that often demands more than it gives.

Raphael Saadiq, Anderson .Paak, and the Power of Collaboration

Jane’s musical journey has been blessed with mentors and collaborators who believe in her talent. Raphael Saadiq, a music legend in his own right, has been instrumental in introducing Jane to industry heavyweights, including Snoop. “Ray told me, ‘Don’t sign anything. I’m gonna walk you into the right rooms.’ And he did.”

She also shared the story behind her collaboration with Anderson .Paak on the track “Stare at Me.” “I wanted to do something like ‘Funkin’ for Jamaica.’ Anderson and his team brought that vision to life in the studio. It was the first time I saw music created like that—on the spot. It was incredible.”

Facing Rejection and Rising Above

The path to success hasn’t always been smooth. Jane opened up about facing criticism in the industry for not fitting the mold. “I’ve been told I needed to lose weight or change my look. People said I wasn’t a Beyoncé or didn’t look like what the industry wanted. But those comments only fueled me.” She added, “I can’t let it dagger into me too long—I use it as fuel.”

Her resilience shines through both in her music and her outlook on life. “I’m ready for Season Two,” Jane declared, hinting at her next project. “It’s gonna be a little less insecure, a little more seasoned.”

The Future of Jane Handcock

What’s next for Jane Handcock? In addition to touring It’s Me, Not You, Jane revealed that a movie inspired by the album is in the works. Directed by Snoop Dogg, the film will bring her music to life in a whole new way.

And, of course, there’s more music on the horizon. Jane wants to amplify the Bay Area’s rich history of soul and R&B while continuing to honor her roots. “The Bay has so much soul. I want to amplify that.”

Conclusion: The One to Watch

Jane Handcock is more than an artist; she’s a storyteller, a fighter, and a beacon of authenticity. From her soulful upbringing in Richmond to her groundbreaking work with Snoop Dogg on Death Row Records, Jane is unapologetically carving her own path. “I want to do stuff that makes people feel,” she said. And she’s doing just that—one song, one story, one soul-stirring performance at a time.

What do you think of Jane Handcock’s journey so far? Are you excited about her role in the revival of Death Row Records? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to follow Jane on Instagram at @msjanehandcock to stay updated on her latest projects.