Who's working at NiLu? | JSWISS

Meet @jswisshere, a member of the NiLu family since May 2023 and an accomplished hip-hop artist who's been releasing and performing music since 2009.  

Where did you grow up? Dobbs Ferry, NY in Westchester, right outside the city.

Where did you go to school and what did you study? UNC-Chapel Hill. Broadcast Journalism.

Why did you decide to change your journey and become a rap artist?

I found my purpose as an artist partly because I went to UNC. If they didn't have a free studio in the campus library, my hobby may have never turned into a career.

How would you describe your rap style?  I'm a storyteller and an MC, as opposed to a rapper. Of course I'll have slick wordplay that's fun, but often what I'm saying is important too.

What has been your most significant moment as an artist?  Any time someone tells me my music moves them to get past or through something in life. But since we're in Harlem, being invited to perform at the Apollo three times is up there.

What is it that people don’t get about rap music? Quality lyricists are among the most brilliant people in the world. 

How do you feel about the question, Is Harlem safe? I wouldn't have developed so much love for a place I didn't feel safe in. But for such a culturally rich and thriving Black neighborhood, there are issues we deal with that other equally thriving communities with different demographics don't have on the same level.

Macaroni and cheese or potato salad? Mac and cheese.

Where do you hang out after working long and hard at NiLu?  If not at home, then probably a music event I'm either enjoying or performing at myself.

What do you despise most about the music industry?  That the creative part of the art plays as small of a role as it does in impacting the business.

What was your nickname growing up in Dobbs Ferry? JSWISS. Had it since 5th grade, before the bars.

Black Thought vs. Common? Black Thought. Since 2 or 3 years old.

What’s your guilty pleasure?  I'll watch "Married at First Sight" or other questionable reality TV choices on Netflix while I have lunch or dinner.

Which book changed your life? "Manuscript Found In Accra" By Paulo Coelho. I wrote several songs based on it on my latest album "Bona Fide".

What is the most important lesson life has taught you? Nobody does anything great alone.

What is the best gift you’ve ever given? My time.

Where can we find your music?  jswissmusic.com/music or search 'JSWISS' on any major streaming platform.