East Cleveland, Ohio, born / Oaktown, California, based emcee-international artist-author-educator-curator, Jahi [Kiswahili for ‘dignity’], is a protégé of Public Enemy front-man, Chuck D, who he first met at a sound-check for the 1999 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With more than 25 years in the game, 19 musical projects to-date, Jahi is also a founding member of Kingmakers of Oakland, runs Kingmakers Music, as well as Youth Voice and Leadership.
First things first, August 11th 2023 marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
It meant that the culture that mainstream media said 50 years ago was a fad made a significant milestone in terms of time. Culture-wise, there’s a lot to celebrate. Industry-wise, there’s reason for pause, calibration and an opportunity to ask where are we going in the next 50 years.
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
I absolutely saw 50 years of Hip Hop because I know my history. Black music and culture is the unbreakable DNA in us that by nature creates movements in music. Hip Hop is no different.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
Too many. My top three that come to mind is the Gods of Rap tour with PE, De La, Wu-Tang and DJ Premier in 2019, the release of my first major release, Soulhop – The Breakthru, which turns 20 next year, and seeing The Roots Live in Washington, D.C., with Jill Scott when she sang “You Got Me.”
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals for the 2025 season?
My main focus now is Kingmakers Music distributed by Tuff Gong International and powered by Kingmakers of Oakland. I want to do what DJ Jazzy Jeff said, meaning leave the world an empty vessel. One of the ways I can do that is to impart what I’ve learned to young people who are open and willing to listen. Also I’m still doing music, but exploring in other genres like Reggae.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
It’s deep, for the past two weeks I’ve just been listening to my music from my Forward Future album I put out in 2020 to early releases. And, it’s still the same. Socially conscious, life affirming, introspective, high level lyrical skill to motivate, inspire, and make you think more than dance. Cerebral rap over celebrity. What I hope people can receive from my music more than anything is a reminder to go for your life’s dreams.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I’d like to collaborate with Stephen Marley because he truly represents the bridge of knowing the roots and culture of Reggae, and knowing how to forward that energy in the music, style, and vibration. To keep it balanced, Angélique Kidjo because her vibration and world unity in her music speaks to my soul.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Isle of Wight because I want to see if I can accomplish musically what Miles Davis did at his concert there. Also, one venue I haven’t played that is life goals is Red Rocks.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
I am. Mostly because of my perspective, and what I choose to listen to and tune into. Hip Hop is a house with many rooms. I spend most of my time in the rooms you won’t see in the so called mainstream, but these rooms are full of creativity, knowledge, strategy, and also is a safe haven from some of the other rooms which are out of control.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
I think the key to my longevity is once I decided to define things like success for myself on my own terms, everything changed. Now I see myself as a musical journeyman in a long line of those who’ve come before me. You know when you find an artist, then realize they have a vast catalog that resonates, then you ask yourself why didn’t I know about this artist? That’s the artist I want to be. I think having new audiences discover you builds longevity.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
My alter-ego is a nature photographer. Also I got into museum curation, which I want to continue to explore. I have my first permanent exhibit at the Black Panther Party Museum in Downtown Oakland called ‘Each One Teach One.’
What’s an average day like for you?
My average day is working with my team at Kingmakers of Oakland to serve Black boys, and the overall community with access to our world class facility, Kingmakers of Oakland, and our studios. From e mails, to meeting with colleagues, to grooming future talent, to running the strategy for our record label, Kingmakers Music, to making time to take a nature hike and cook my own plant based meals; each day provides something new.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part of my life / work is empowering others to go for their dreams. My least favorite is working with adults sometimes, especially those who are more ‘yes people’ than innovators.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t. Follow your own.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Five years from now, my hope is I’m fully immersed in writing books, playing bass in a Reggae band, and also, God-willing, owning a camp in nature to bring people for African centered health and wellness. Also, although as long as I am in the United States I’ll be in Oakland, California, five years from now may be the start of building the House of Hip Hop Schools all over Africa. Our family members on the continent need us more than we know.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
Look for me at kingmakersmusic.com, and check out our latest album Black Love. It was led by Oakland native, Zo1, and features over 20 different Bay Area artists representing, peace, love and unity.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
I know this may be a surprise, but shout-out to Joe Biden! He posthumously pardoned Marcus Garvey. That meant a lot to the world, and Hip Hop. Garvey said, “Look for Me in the Whirlwind.” We are in a whirlwind of a time in this country, but Garvey always knew, even in Hip Hop, that we could survive and thrive through it all — Jahi
