J.K. The Reaper 309

North Carolina rapper J.K. The Reaper aligns provoking lyricism with 808 engulfed hi-hats and synth melodies that typically induce simplicity, much like contemporaries Joey BadA$$, Denzel Curry, and Earl Sweatshirt. Born Jabril Kenan, he first found a passion for hip-hop through his father’s all genre-encompassing, record collection that endlessly grew as his father pursued his own passion of holding parties down on the ones and two’s. A home life where music discovery was the ultimate currency undoubtedly influenced the development of J.K. The Reaper’s knack for putting rhymes and beats together, with unshakable inspiration drawn from the likes of Nas and Outkast.

Before acknowledging ‘The Reaper’ within, illustrious dark and intellectual lyrics drew internet fans in through a stream of Soundcloud releases he recorded in his childhood bedroom. Those bedroom recordings necessitated creativity beyond the technical means at hand and consequently landed him the sole collaborator on Miami-area, Raider Klan rapper SpaceGhostPurrp’s ‘Blackland Radio 66.6.’ Collaborating with Raider Klan affiliates, birthed J.K.’s most recognizable song to-date, ‘Gankin,’ featuring Denzel Curry, who took him on the road with support acts such as Joey BadA$$.

In October 2014, ‘Exodia’ was premiered by tastemaker, Pigeons and Planes. The track has been streamed over 1 Million times and was included on the later released mixtape ‘Grim Shady.’ That relationship led him to work with fellow-once-bedroom-producer Kaytranada, who created ‘Dressed 2 Kill’ with J.K. and Denzel Curry. ‘Dressed 2 Kill’ furthered J.K.’s reach and has been streamed 3 Million times.

J.K. continues to build on the unshakable foundation of collaborations acknowledged by the likes of XXL, Mass Appeal, and New York Times in his projects. Bandcamp recently named him amongst the top five notable artists establishing a scene in his North Carolina hometown. “J.K.’s drive to bless your ears with something unheard of is unmatched,” says Revolt. The fire of anticipation that his followers light around each and every release burns bright and, the heat was no different when it came to his “Surrounded By Idiots” project that dropped November 2018 and features the Childish Major produced ‘Pull Up’, the Idle Kid produced ‘Hellhound’ and, the Supah Mario produced ‘Body Bag’.