Rising music artist and YouTube favorite Lil JSean released a new single called Perfect Vision/ Spike Lee a week ago as a tribute to legendary basketball superstar Michael Jordan and famous film director Spike Lee. The music video has a 90’s feel to it but carries a modern twist that is suited for millennials in the present generation.
Lil JSean is best known for his single Trust ‘Em, featuring his sister Aesja, which generated a whopping 1 million views on YouTube four years ago. The young artist intends to do the same with Perfect Vision/ Spike Lee that has gotten thousands of views since it was released a week ago. With his knack for making viral videos that easily capture a wide range of audiences worldwide, he is expected to create a phenomenal impact with the release of his new song.
Born J. Sean Essix, Lil JSean started taking his music seriously after his older brother Dougie passed away. To pay homage to the memory of his beloved brother and to honor the man that he was, the young artist spent endless hours creating his unique brand of hip-hop music that is often straightforward and carries a serious message that awakens the consciousness of listeners to pressing social issues. In 2012, he released a viral music video titled #CPNATION to honor the astounding effort of his high school basketball team that finished a season undefeated. #CPNATION generated thousands of views and became the motivation for Lil JSean to continue to create captivating videos. A year after that, he won a talent show at Blinn College.
His other notable accomplishments on YouTube includes his single Freestyle Friday that was posted nine years ago and got 10k views. In 2013, he released one mixtape called Flight. The following year, he introduced two EPs, Black Friday and Yellow Tape. The song Winner’s Circle from the Yellow Tape EP became the official walkout song of MMA fighter Brennan Ward. Over the years, Lil JSean has been recognized for his exciting journey in the music industry and has been interviewed on Great Day Houston and CW39’s Eye Opener TV. He was also featured in the Houston Press for its Best Music in March section. Billboard also did a significant story on him and his unexpected success in the hip-hop world.
His unstoppable popularity in the music industry has opened many exciting opportunities for Lil JSean to include doing opening acts for well-known artists such as Nipsey Hussle, Waka Flocka, Riff Raff, and T-Mills. He also did a remarkable performance at West Virginia University’s Spring Fling back in April 2016. Four years ago, he did a major collaboration with Cyhi the Prynce together with Ana and Aesja for the song Long Damn Time. Cyhi the Prynce is a well-respected rapper and songwriter who was under Kanye West’s GOOD Music label when Long Damn Time was produced.
Lil JSean looks forward to one day signing a couple of artists who are very promising, to his independent record label. He wants to encourage aspiring rappers to pursue their dreams even without the support of a major recording label just like he did. All that is needed is the support of a committed and skilled team that is willing to make things happen.
Check out Lil JSean’s YouTube channel to learn more about his music. Follow him on Instagram to get updates on his latest projects.
Opinions expressed by NY Weekly contributors are their own.