Meet Oakland-based emcee/educator Jahi, a veteran in this hip-hop game who is campaigning his new album Reasonings, and new video, “No More.” He’s part of Chuck D.’s group, Enemy Radio, and was featured on the “Fight The Power 2020” reboot that dropped during the summer, that also features Nas, Rapsody, Black Though and YG. Check out our exclusive Q&A with Jahi below!

First of all, congrats on the new album, Reasonings. Before getting to the album, give
our readers a brief background on yourself. Where, when, and how your music career
started?

My career started on the streets of East Cleveland, Ohio in 1982. Facts. I used to rhyme on street corners and be a part of the Funky Fresh Production Crew. I grew up with Hip-Hop. The ’80s which is the FIRST Golden Era which shaped my identity in terms of hip-hop culture. Once the consciousness came with PE, Rakim, KRS, Latifah, The Jungle Brothers, De La, Digable Planets, etc. hip-hop culture became far more important than just rocking mics. It became a lifestyle, a way of life. In 1999 after working for various non-profits doing education work infusing hip-hop, I decided I wanted to return to my journey of music, full time, and make it a part of my lifestyle. It’s much more than just releasing music to the people. In 1999 I became the first local MC to perform at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in my hometown Cleveland, Ohio. I opened for Public Enemy and met Chuck. It all starts from there.

How are you holding up throughout this whole pandemic? What do you think about
2020 so far?

2020 has been a blessing. I released four albums and a book. I didn’t let the pandemic become my pandemic.

Being from Oakland, how is the state of hip-hop in Nor-Cal compared to 20 years ago
in your opinion?

The Bay is still one of the most creative places in the world. From Paris new album to Grand Nationals and Ms Jane Hancock there is something for everyone. I think the biggest difference from 20 years ago is technology.

We love the Rastafarian style of music you add to hip-hop. Where did that come from? Any certain influences you want to mention.

Bob Marley and Ziggy Marley but most recently Chronixx, Protoje, Jahi 9, Lila Ike, Koffee, Agent Sasco and Kabaka Pyramid. Their music is the music of my culture and I used this time to tap deeper into my roots.

Being from the group Enemy Radio, how did your alliance with Chuck D come about?

There’s a lot of press out there that recaps the story. We met in 1999, and continue to be comrades in rhyme until 2007 when I was selected to join the camp and handle hosting duties for PE world tours. Then we set off PE 2.0.

I also am rhyme partner with Chuck on his solo projects as well, and Enemy Radio.

Getting to your new project, it is genuinely different and unique, something that us Hip Hop heads needed.  Describe the creative process and overall message of your project.

It is different. Speaking to the times, giving insight, commentary, and wrapped in a sense of hope and determination. My creative process was to expand and get into producing myself, then continuing what I’ve done for 22 years on the mic, and always save space, like Quincy Jones said, for the Creator to come in. The process was different in that it’s my first self produced album. As a Rasta, I wanted to speak to the times, which is our role and part of our livity.

Let’s talk about your new video and message for, “No More.” It’s dope that you incorporated a live band and the use of powerful images were vivid. How are your fans gravitating to the song? Any particular fans giving your feedback that is worth mentioning?

My process has always been release the music and the people it was meant for it will make it there. I do not concentrate on metrics, likes, etc. I concentrate on the music and the message. The live band you see in the video is from an upcoming experience from New Orleans I filmed at Congo Square. Congo Square was one of the only places in the US during enslavement where Africans could play their drums and speak in their indigenous languages. It’s also the last place Marcus Garvey was before being deported. I’ve always worked with live bands.

How does it feel getting distribution support and backing from Tuff Gong International? What made you want to go through them for, Reasonings?

I always wanted to have a project come out on Bob Marley’s legendary label. I am a Rasta, this is the root of the culture, and shout out to Cedella Marley, Rita Marley and team Tuff Gong for providing this humbling opportunity. I also am focusing on the world, not just America. I thought being on Tuff Gong would help to get the message around the world so people in Africa, Brazil, Jamaica, everywhere we are in the diaspora can hear intelligence and consciousness.

Being an underground niche platform, might as well hit you with our favorite question! What’s your definition of underground hip-hop?

Underground Hip Hop, like the roots on a tree, are the life source of the culture. The deeper you go, the further you spread.

Any future works in the process for the rest of 2020, or next year?

No. Its time to recharge and allow people to digest all I have shared this year.

Any particular shout outs or honorable mentions involving your album, Reasonings?

Shout out to all Rastas all over the globe.

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Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com