DRAFTING W/ JABOUKIE

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When the Grammy-winning artist Doechii needed a script for her special stage show, she called one writer: Jaboukie Young-White — the New York-based comedian, whose cultural intuition moves as fast as his humor. What began as a voice of the internet (specifically through his expert trolling) has evolved into one shaping nearly every corner of entertainment, from music to TV and film. His current slate of projects reflects an artist whose work has already earned him first name recognition.

Recently, Jaboukie starred in The Threesome alongside Zoey Deutch and Jonah Hauer-King, and appeared in an episode of Abbott Elementary. Fans of The Love Hypothesis can look forward to seeing him in the forthcoming film adaptation of Ali Hazelwood’s hit romance novel. He’s also set to join Caleb Hearon and Zooey Deschanel in Trash Mountain, a newly announced comedy. All this comes on the heels of his 2023 debut album, All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel, featuring “not_me_tho.”

For DRAFTING, Jaboukie texted us glimpses into the everyday moments — old and new — that continue to shape his creative practice. From odd footwear to inside jokes and a never-before-heard demo, the artist offers an unfiltered window into his personal life and work.

Brand new pair of Flintstones. Questions?

This is the oldest photo in my phone that’s not a meme or an upload from a used digital camera that’s clock is stuck in 2008. I love taking pictures of random shit on the street. My finger is fucking up this shot, but I’m loving the two framing of the two women. Vivian Maier teas.

This is the oldest voicemail I have on my phone. The Apple voicemail translator used to be so bad, it’s really come a long way. Basically, these are parting words from the therapist I was seeing when I lived in LA. I never found an existential therapist. I did, however, end up finding a really good psychoanalyst who I fully thought was gay until about a year in when I said, “Wait, you are gay right? Because, if so, then that would save me a bunch of time in explaining what I’m about to say.” Then he (yes) was like, “Why do you think that would be important to know?” And I was like, “Stop, time out. Are you gay?” And he (I know) said, “No.” I got queerbaited by a therapist.

My (old) Tinder profile led with a boomerang to attract older guys.

These are some of my most recently liked songs — a little electronic, a little baile funk, a little dembow, a little indie, a little rap… a lot of talent.

This is the most recent text I’ve received. It’s from my mom, who is a teacher.

An inside joke with a bestie. I’m not explaining.

Can someone please tell me how to unsubscribe from everything on Gmail?

I made this demo late last year with Alex Poeppel, a goated producer and bestie. I had just gotten back from an inspiring Euro trip. I had a life changing visit to the Prado museum in Madrid, where I just sat and stared at the Carvaggios and Goyas for hours. Once I got back to New York, I knew I had to make something that communicated the sublime.