Jahi

Jahi’s career began after becoming the first local Cleveland Hip Hop artist to perform at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 as a result of winning a competition. At soundcheck, Jahi met Public Enemy and connected with Chuck D backstage.  Jahi went on to release underground solo projects, and also one album, Soulhop The Breakthru, on EMI Denmark to critical acclaim with the Danish supergroup Nobody Beats the Beats in 2006.

Sharing the same stages with Yasiin Bey, Blackalicious, Common, Talib Kweli, The Black Eyed Peas, Jay Z, The Roots, Mary J. Blige, Chuck Brown, Chaka Khan, Floetry, Raheem DeVaughn, Ab-Soul, Dead Prez, Jennifer Johns, Snoop Dogg, Zion I, KRS-One, Outkast, Goodie Mob, Public Enemy and many more as an independent artist provided opportunities for Jahi to find his voice and hone in on his craft.

Returning to the states, Jahi reunited with Public Enemy as the official opening act and MC for the 20th Anniversary Tour.  It was here where the seeds were planted for PE 2.0.

Strong Songs. Meaningful Movements. Better Mindsets.  These are the phrases that capture the focus for this new branch on the iconic tree of PE.  Jahi’s task is two-fold.  One is to take select songs from the PE catalog and cover them or reVisit them.

Two is to create new songs over new production and classic PE-Bomb Squad tracks to bring new consciousness, culture and spirit to Hip Hop worldwide.  Backed by a band in Oakland called The Life, and musical collaborations with the original members of Public Enemy like DJ Lord-turntables, Davy DMX on Bass, T-Bone on Drums, and Khari Wynn on guitar, with special guest appearances by Professor Griff and Chuck D, PE 2.0 continues the legacy of PE.

Coming off a great music sharing run with PEople Get Ready, performing with Yasiin Bey, Public Enemy, and KRS-One, PE 2.0 released multiple videos from the album including  “Yo,” and “What They Need.”  PE 2.0 now delivers insPirEd, which is simply social commentary over boombap. The lead single “Survival” speaks to the need for people to fight back against tyranny.

insPirEd music producers are the legendary Easy Mo Bee and Jam Master Jay, Divided Souls, DJ Pain 1, Chyskilz and many more from the original PE catalogs.

Jahi is also a leader in his community.  As a Program Manager for The Office of African American Male Achievement/Oakland Unified School District, the first program in the nation to serve African American boys in a public school district, Jahi manages the Manhood Development program in 16 school sites in Oakland, California.