Born Marquis Jackson on September 27, 1996, 199X is a name quickly gaining momentum in the American music scene. Raised in Wichita, Kansas, 199X’s story is one of tenacity, shaped by the trials of life and cultural experiences. His rise as a rapper, producer, and songwriter reflects a journey of resilience and determination.
Wichita, a city defined by its street culture and sports, was where 199X’s roots began. Yet, it was his eventual relocation to Atlanta, Georgia, that significantly influenced his artistic vision. Immersed in Atlanta’s rich music culture, he soaked in the diverse sounds that would later shape his craft. But just as he began discovering his musical voice, a life-altering tragedy struck—199X lost two younger cousins in a drive-by shooting. This devastating event shifted his focus, pushing him to channel his grief into his music and take his artistry to the next level.
After finishing high school, 199X made a pivotal move to Orlando, Florida, with dreams of launching a professional music career. Orlando’s bustling music scene became his new playground, and he collaborated with some of the city’s most prominent artists, including Tyla Yaweh, XXXTENTACION, and WifisFuneral. This environment offered him the opportunity to sharpen his skills in both songwriting and production, laying the groundwork for his future success.
At 19, 199X took another leap of faith, relocating to Los Angeles. Life in the City of Angels proved challenging, as he faced homelessness early on—a common hurdle for many aspiring artists. During this period, he shifted from focusing on his music career to working behind the scenes as a producer and songwriter. Collaborating with industry heavyweights, he slowly built his reputation, gaining invaluable insights from luminaries like Ronny J (OMG RONNY) and the Grammy-nominated duo “TheHitList.”
His time in Los Angeles was a period of growth, both personally and professionally. Selling beats and hooks, he carved out a niche for himself in the highly competitive industry, all while developing a distinctive sound that set him apart. Despite the success he found behind the scenes, 199X felt an undeniable pull back to center stage. However, his ties to the streets momentarily sidetracked his progress, creating a back-and-forth struggle that shaped his evolution as an artist.
The turning point came when 199X caught the attention of rising star That Mexican OT, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. This connection led to an incredible opportunity: joining That Mexican OT on tour in 2024 as an opening act. This platform allowed him to showcase his music to a broader audience, and his track quickly climbed the charts, landing the #1 spot on iTunes’ Hip-Hop/Rap rankings.
Following his success on the charts, 199X is now gearing up to release his much-anticipated project, “I NEVER FORGOT WHAT YOU TOLD ME.” The album promises to be a deeply personal reflection of his journey, combining raw storytelling with a unique sound that will resonate with listeners.
199X’s story is one of unwavering determination. From his beginnings in Wichita to his breakthrough in Los Angeles, he has endured the highs and lows of an artist’s life, navigating personal loss and professional obstacles to rise in the music world. With his forthcoming releases, 199X is set to leave a lasting mark, offering music and a narrative of hope, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. As he continues his ascent, 199X is an artist to watch, inspiring others with his perseverance and passion for music.
The post Who is 199X: Forging a Path in Music Through Hardship and Passion first appeared on .
The post Who is 199X: Forging a Path in Music Through Hardship and Passion appeared first on .
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