In hip-hop tradition, the place expertise typically goes hand in hand with perseverance, Lil JSean, a Texas Southern College scholar, is entering into the limelight as a contestant on Netflix’s Rhythm + Move. This groundbreaking music competitors, hosted by artists Cardi B, Probability the Rapper, and TI, showcases undiscovered hip-hop expertise.
On the present, contestants journey by auditions, challenges, and performances, culminating in deciding on one winner, who receives a $250,000 money prize and the chance to launch their music profession.
The Journey to Netflix
Lil JSean’s path to “Rhythm + Move” got here by probability. A casting name posted by a Houston radio host caught his eye, prompting him to use with out realizing the present’s identify or format. After a rigorous five-month casting course of crammed with auditions and background checks, Lil JSean acquired the life-changing information that he could be a part of the competitors. “Me, my mother and sisters had been excited,” he recalled.
He discovered his musical voice in his teenage years, freestyling over beats utilizing GarageBand on a household pc. The tragic lack of his older brother, Dougie, turned his pastime into one thing extra critical. “He would inform me preserve going, bro. Your music is tough, so when he handed away in a motorbike accident, his phrases caught with me, and I by no means gave up,” he shared. Influenced by legendary figures from the 90s rap period, equivalent to Tupac, Biggie, and Nas, Lil JSean’s sound is each nostalgic and refreshing.
The Message Behind the Music
As an HBCU scholar, Lil JSean goals to embody the essence of his tradition by his music. “I wished to be clear about who I truly am—a younger Black male that likes to study, that likes to learn, likes to handle my physique and pays consideration to what I’m consuming,” he mentioned. His holistic method is clear not solely in his lyrics but in addition in his vegan food regimen way of life.
Competing on “Rhythm + Move” hasn’t been with out its challenges. Sustaining focus and memorizing lyrics are essential, however Lil JSean views these hurdles as alternatives for progress. “Collaborating within the present gave me quite a lot of confidence as a result of I used to be acknowledged out of tens of hundreds of candidates,” he famous. “It goes to point out if you’re dedicated to self-growth, you’re going to get acknowledged ultimately.”
By way of his performances, Lil JSean hopes to convey a robust message: “It’s cool to be your self and that you just don’t must ever slot in.” His authenticity will resonate with viewers and throughout the broader HBCU neighborhood, the place discussions round social points are more and more very important. “Music has a huge effect on shaping conversations round social points as a result of, to a sure diploma, the general public seems to be to entertainers as considerably of a voice for them,” he defined.
Trying forward, Lil JSean has ambitions past music, and successful the money prize may assist expedite his targets. He plans to open a vegan restaurant and set up psychological well being amenities to assist the African American neighborhood. As he continues his journey on “Rhythm + Move,” this TSU scholar goals for musical success and strives to uplift and educate others within the business.
Control Lil JSean—that is just the start of his unbelievable story.
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