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Jared Lerman

Artist Highlight: 4KPHIL.

Hailing from upper Manhattan, 26-year-old 4KPHIL. is a testament to the power of storytelling in music. Born to Jamaican and Trinidadian immigrants, his music paints vivid portraits of his everyday life, influenced heavily by his multicultural upbringing and early exposure to iconic rap figures like Nas, LL COOL J, and Wu-Tang Clan. These diverse influences, along with his childhood spent singing in the church choir, shaped his music we hear today. Despite a successful corporate career, 4KPHIL.'s passion for music persisted, leading him to courageously pursue his artistic calling. Today, as a new father, his intention is clear to make heart-centered music that listeners can connect with deeply.


4KPHIL.'s latest single "Johnson & Johnson," which just released yesterday, is a demonstration to his unique blend of lyrical wordplay and deep personal storytelling. The track, a tribute to his journey into fatherhood, emerges from being a victim of a life altering shooting that shifted his perspective on everything. “Johnson & Johnson'' is an intimate look into 4KPHIL.'s life, balancing the joy of his recent fatherhood with the raw honesty of life's struggles.

In “Johnson & Johnson,” he expresses his sentiments candidly, rapping, “I’m feeling like HOVA, the blueprint is mapped,” reinforcing his belief that everyone has the power to shape their own destiny. The track symbolizes 4KPHIL.'s own path, starting as a young boy singing in church, transitioning into a successful corporate life, and finally embracing his lifelong passion for music. His aspiration is not only to leave a rich musical legacy for his son but also to inspire him with his determination and tenacity.


The dedication to his musical craft is laid out in his continually growing body of work, which includes acclaimed hits such as the popular single "Young Picasso", a track highlighted in the NBA2K22 Official In-Game Soundtrack. While his electrifying live shows have mesmerized crowds at renowned venues such as SOB’s, Brooklyn Music Kitchen, and The Meadows. His unrivaled dedication to his work, together with his vivid lyrics and personally crafted beats, persistently propels his talent to the leading edge of the music industry.


Despite his evolving success, 4KPHIL. never forgets his roots. Raised in a household that celebrated music but valued traditional career paths, he was torn between satisfying familial expectations and following his heart. However, a near-death experience changed his perspective, making him realize the value of pursuing one's passion. Today, he uses his music as a platform to convey this valuable lesson to his newborn son. Through his powerful bars and impressive self-production, 4KPHIL. continues to bring the soundtrack of his everyday life to his listeners, reminding them, and his son, that anything is possible if they set their minds to it.


Check out his new single "Johnson & Johnson" down below!


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