David T. Farr
I usually find myself writing about established artists who continually evolve in their music or take it to the streets with big tours. Sometimes I get a little wrapped up in aspiring artists who make it to the TV talent shows in the hope of getting noticed. But once in a while, I’m drawn to those who go it alone, trying to carve their own niche in the industry.
Jubae is one of those shining hopefuls with a world of possibilities before him.
I was introduced to Jubae and his journey from a mutual friend. The young artist hails from Elkhart, Ind., and is already making waves locally with his music. His passion didn’t happen immediately but was borne from his life experiences.
He was born Jubae Augustine. His life wasn’t easy as the young man endured a rough childhood, living in government housing and witnessing substance and domestic abuse frequently. He gives himself much credit for not following in that direction.
Music came to light when he moved in with his father at age 11, he said about his earliest memories with rap.
“I’d listen to Eminem on his iPod,” he said. “I was fascinated by his wordplay and how he would just say whatever without caring what anyone thinks.”
It was moments like these that ignited a fire in him. He then embarked on a quest to learn how to make beats while putting pen to paper.
“About two years later I found out about FL Studio. That stayed pretty steady all the way through college,” Jubae said. “I stopped doubting myself and discovered I really do have a way with words and it would be a disservice to myself if I didn’t use it to my truth and reach those who can relate.”
After a lot of hard work and feeding this fire inside, he started putting some of his music out there. “I started figuring out ways to get myself recorded with better quality, even though all I had was an old ass laptop and no microphone,” Jubae said about testing the waters.
I can’t think of any successful artist who didn’t have some sort of hurdle to jump and Jubae isn’t any different. It just might have been the extra fuel to make the fire inside a little stronger.
I looked up his music when I learned of his debut EP, “Lone Ranger.” He’s definitely a hip-hop artist with a smooth groove and a knack for clever spoken word. I enjoy a wide array of musical styles, but will admit that my interest in hip-hop and rap is limited. But, this was different to me. I could feel the influences of Eminem, Logic and J Cole. The beats are stellar and the rhymes resonate with a relevance to current times.
The five-song EP consists of the title track, “Bestie,” “Exhale,” Marshawn Lynch” and “Contentment,” a track I believe is radio-worthy now. It’s such an awesome song.
“It’s about my highest and lowest points in my life,” Jubae said about “Contentment.” “I went from having everything I could want — I was happy with life. Then, I lost it all pretty fast. I lost the first woman I loved, my apartment, my dog, and my job. Everything was just gone and I had to learn to be content before I could keep pushing forward.”
My friend invited me to an intimate performance where Jubae and several other rising hopefuls performed before a live audience. Since I had never attended something like this before and I was intrigued by his story, we went. I’m certain I was one of the oldest people there, but it didn’t matter. Everyone was there for the same reasons we were there.
It was a typical setting with a small stage and some basic lighting. We watched a couple of rappers before Jubae took the stage. I was immediately impressed with his personable side and his interaction with the crowd. The moment he started “Contentment” I was in awe. It was a game-changing moment for him and for me. He’s a natural on stage and to think of how he got to this moment was nothing short of inspirational.
You can find his music on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, Deezer, Apple Music, Boomplay and other streaming services. He’s definitely an artist on the rise and one to watch out for in the near future.
— David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com.
