JSWISS

Who is JSWISS?

“[JSWISS’] whole vibe and energy, it’s now, but it’s reminiscent of what I loved about hip hop . . . It’s a pleasure to be working with someone who’s bringing that part of the music forward and making that statement today. It’s needed” - 2x Grammy-winning trumpeter, Nicholas Payton

Called a “gifted storyteller” by hip-hop legend Chuck D of Public Enemy, Dobbs Ferry, New York native JSWISS is a global artist who just might be the most versatile emcee on the scene today, with a career unlike any of his peers. He has both recorded and performed with the likes of Elvis Costello and Nicholas Payton, graced the legendary stages of The Apollo Theater and Blue Note Jazz Club multiple times, and received the coveted hip-hop stamp of approval of having his music videos played on Video Music Box.

Since releasing his first mixtape in 2009, while a freshman journalism student at UNC-Chapel Hill, JSWISS has received praise from notable music authorities such as The Source, NPR, Complex Magazine, Hip Hop DX, Ambrosia For Heads, BBC Radio 6, FIP Radio, Soultracks, and Weekly Rap Gods.

A writing and journalism background has been an asset toward crafting his keen approach, and thought-provoking content. A dope delivery and his lyrical prowess take centerstage on his own projects, but also make him a favorite collaborator of standout bands and musicians at the intersection of hip-hop, soul and jazz.

Accomplished talents like Maurice “Mobetta” Brown, Ben Williams, Marcus Strickland, Keyon Harrold, Nicholas Payton, Nate Smith, E.J. Strickland, Marcus Machado, Daru Jones, DJ Logic, Chris “Daddy” Dave, Mark Whitfield, Casey Benjamin and more, have astutely pegged JSWISS a lyricist who can effortlessly fall in where most MCs can’t. Two notable examples of this are his Bona Fide collaborative project with Grammy-winning trumpeter, producer, and composer Michael Leonhart, and Somebody’s Gotta Do It project with Grammy-winning saxophonist, producer and composer Sly5thAve.

“JSWISS’s pen game is one of the sharpest out. Pay Attention!” - Grammy - winning Drummer Daru Jones, (Jack White, Nas, Pete Rock, Black Milk, Jamie Lidell)

JSWISS is also a seasoned performer with a must-see, live show. He’s routinely backed by a live band of top-notch instrumentalists, and has graced the notable stages of the Apollo Theater, Blue Note Jazz Club, Nublu, The Jazz Standard, Preservation Hall, international festivals, and more. Even the landmark New York Botanical Garden welcomed JSWISS as the first ever hip-hop artist to perform there in its storied history.

JSWISS has proven appeal to hip-hop purists and new hip-hop audiences alike, with  emcee/producer Erick Sermon of the legendary duo EPMD saying he’s “what hip hop needs” immediately after catching him perform for the first time. Hip Hop specialists, 2DopeBoyz also proclaimed “JSWISS has incessantly proven time and time again that he has both the skill and diligence to carry the torch of his esteemed idols.”

His music can also be found prominently placed in Ubisoft extreme sports video game Riders Republic, the Red Bull TV-backed documentary "Raise Up: The World Is Our Gym”, the NBA TV-premiered "Hoops Africa” documentary, and more.