JIREH, the 24-year-old rapper hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been on a musical journey since he was 16 years old. Unlike some of the cliché rapper stories, JIREH's upbringing was typical, growing up with the average family problems and being raised mainly by his grandmother, these experiences shaped him into the artist you see today. But it wasn't until the age of 19 after graduating from high school, that he decided to take his music journey seriously. Even then only finding the true direction for his music a couple of years following.
Throughout his musical journey, JIREH credits the biggest influences as his brother and his father. Growing up in a family that had a strong connection to the arts and music, his father being a DJ, radio host, and poet, while his brother is the one who introduced him to the process of writing and recording music, JIREH knew that music was in his blood. Seeing his brother in the process of creating music only helped him realize how attainable his dreams were and set him on the path to pursuing music wholeheartedly.
The latest single “Parking,” holds special significance to JIREH. Feeling burned out by the pressure to create songs that would appease playlists or others in the industry, he decided to take a different approach. He wanted to recapture the fun and excitement he had when he was 16, making music for himself without external expectations. "Parking" served as a means for him to express his emotions and get out what he had to say to those who won't put respect on his name. It was an authentic, raw, and personal project that allowed him to be true to himself.
This past March, JIREH also released his album "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints", a 9-track project that showcased his lyrical talent and creativity. He mentions that the business side of the process was relatively straightforward, but the emotional toll it took on him was immense. He was driven to make the album successful and pushed himself relentlessly, even to the point where friends expressed concern for his well-being. Despite the challenges, JIREH persevered and poured his heart and soul into the project, determined to make it a reality.
Among his favorite artists to work with is his brother, Tre Louis, who has been by his side since the beginning. Their chemistry and working relationship have been instrumental in helping JIREH find his signature sound and hone in his craft. Tre's influence has been evident in JIREH's recent works, and their collaboration continues to strengthen musical endeavors.
Reflecting on his journey, JIREH wishes he could tell his younger self to love and respect himself more. He advises others to prioritize their own happiness and not to be driven solely by the desire to please others. JIREH says learning to love and respect himself has been a transformative lesson, allowing him to grow as an artist and as an individual all around.
As JIREH's career continues to evolve, he remains committed to making music that is true to his authentic self, unapologetically expressing his experiences and emotions through his art.
Check out his latest single "Parking" down below!
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