Next Wave: Jahi Gilkey 

 “I’m not just here to make noise, I’m here to make frequency,” Jahi tells us. “Everything I create is an offering—from the heart, for the people.”

Jahi describes his sound as hood philosophy. Think trap bounce laced with ancestral wisdom and spiritual elevation. His movement, “Fruit Music,” nourishes more than ears. It feeds souls. 

“I’m not here to preach—I’m here to remind folks of their power, their purpose, and their potential,” he explains.

Jahi’s single “Law of Attraction” has been on repeat, reminding listeners of their internal power with uplifting affirmations and wise reminders. His art is rooted in legacy and love, calling in dreamers, visionaries, and overcomers who believe in compassion, growth, and soul nourishment.

His inspirations range from Tupac’s poetic rebellion to Earth, Wind & Fire’s celestial harmonies, and Outkast’s cosmic Southern eccentricity. But Jahi’s evolution as a creator came from surrender. 

“I stopped chasing perfection and started honoring growth,” he shared. “Every song, every visual, every line is me processing something, releasing something, or speaking life into something.”

Beyond the booth, he’s a servant-leader, whether teaching in classrooms or pouring into his community. “I show people you can be creative, conscious, and cool at the same time. It’s God work, really.”

In an industry driven by algorithmic noise, Jahi moves at the rhythm of his spirit. The month of May puts a spotlight on Mental Health Awareness and Jahi explains why mental wellness an afterthought isn’t. Instead, it’s a sacred altar. Meditation, journaling, skating, and “creating without pressure” keeps Jahi grounded. 

“Sometimes my music saves me first, then it goes out and saves somebody else,” Jahi adds. “That’s the sacred part—it’s not just expression, it’s exchange.”

When we asked Jahi what he’s most thrilled for as he continues pursuing his art, he answered with excitement to bring fruit music to the world. 

“I’m just excited to see the seeds I plant in people become trees that bear their own fruit,” Gilkey answered. “’m excited to create worlds. I want “Fruit Music” to turn into something global. I’m excited to build a legacy that uplifts people long after I’m gone. And to connect with other visionaries who move with love, strategy, and soul. The future is golden, and I’m walking in alignment.”

As he continues to cultivate this movement with intention and depth, Jahi leaves us with this: “Don’t chase the wave, become the current. Treat your art like a sacred mission, not a trend. Study the greats, but don’t copy, create. Protect your energy, trust divine timing, and never be afraid to be different, which is just being yourself. The world doesn’t need another version of what already exists. It needs you, the most unapologetic, highest-frequency version of you.”

Stay tapped in—because Jahi isn’t just next up. He’s here to feed a generation. Be sure to follow his journey here.