Today we’d like to introduce you to Itz Jaleel.
Hi Itz, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Jaleel Cunningham, a.k.a. “Itz Jaleel,” a 23-year-old rapper from Nashville, TN. I’ve lived in Tennessee my whole life in various spots around Nashville. Music has always played a part in my life from the time I was 5 years old rapping 50 cents “P.I.M.P.” to when I was in middle school bumping James Brown on my first CD player.
In my household, my Mom was always playing old R&B soul music like Marvin Gay and MJ, while my Dad played New York hip-hop legends like Biggie and Run DMC. And I say that because I feel like the music I grew up listening to and the memories I share with certain songs are part of what created my passion for rapping and hip-hop culture.
In my own music, I create songs with raw emotion, originality, and energy just by being myself and writing about what I go through in life. In high school, I released my first track on Soundcloud and kept it going from there. Then sometime in college, I decided I wanted to pursue my music career, and I released my first album, “You = Me,” months before graduating from Tennessee State University.
In recent months, I’ve been performing heavily at hip-hop events around Nashville at places like “The Cobra”, “Janes on Top”, “Zeppelin” and more. My first single of 2022 releases (with a video) on April 15th a song called “Bossin Up”. All my music is available on all platforms such as Spotify, Apple, Tidal, Youtube, etc.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Personally, pursuing a career in rap music as an Independent artist is rarely smooth.
From creating art to researching, to planning, and networking can be very time-consuming, but I feel like it’s the grind of it that can make or break an artist.
It can be very hard sometimes to build a fanbase and a team of people around you, so I’m blessed to be where I’m at today and I’m moving forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m known by most as a rapper, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far but I know I’m far from my peak.
I’m grateful for all the places I’ve performed in so far and for all the people I’ve met that has helped me along the way. I feel like my personality, music, and work ethic is what sets me apart from others.
I’ve always been one to follow my own trend instead of others, by chasing my own dreams and putting in countless hours of work for my music.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
If anyone wants to work with me, you reach me via email at itzjaleel.real@gmail.com. For my supporters, you can download and listen to my music, and follow me on social media. My music is available on all major music streaming platforms.
Instagram: I@tz.jaleel
Facebook: Itz Jaleel
Youtube: Itz Jaleel
Contact Info:
- Email: itzjaleel.real@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ItzJaleel
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itz.jaleel/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItzJaleel/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn4f95CKFPh3LDZqUbloFMA
Image Credits
The Exclusive Artist Network, Isaiah Christ, and OfficiallybyGrey
