Born and raised in Northern California (Oakland/Tracy); joMi is an independent artist/songwriter and poet who offers intelligent lyrics, socially conscious content, and a tough, yet unforced delivery over acid hip-hop jazz-inspired tracks.
The North Cal artist is of Mexican descent, which is evident throughout his music as he depicts in detail certain struggles within minorities.
joMi is a very versatile artist who has the ability to create hard-knocking bass tracks layered under aggressive vocals as well as just giving you soft and melodic undertones throughout a track; both in Spanish and English.
Home Grown Radio recently caught up with joMi to talk about his upbringing, getting into music, showcasing his culture roots in music and much more.
For those who don’t know, who is joMi?
joMi: So joMi stands for “Journey of My Imagination.” It’s pretty much conceptual in the way that everything that I write, there’s a lot that goes behind on whatever concept I want to talk about. So with every track I do, there’s a lot of research that goes on behind it. It’s a well-thought out process.
How do you think being from Northern California has influence your music and you as a whole?
joMi: I think it’s more around the lines of ethic and what it takes for a human being to see something develop. Through the fruition of whatever you put work into. If you really put your heart and soul into something, it’s going to develop into something great. Another thing that I’ve been influenced by is to do things because you want to and not because somebody is telling you. And if you do it, make sure you get it right and give 100% percent into it.
As for my music, oh man… EVERYTHING! (laughs) I’m born and raised in Oakland so just imagine being a little kid, my parents are immigrants, I’m first generation so seeing your surroundings and growing up there gave me a different mentality. It also got me grounded because I know what’s real.
Now let’s talk about your music. You’re very vocal when it comes to it. Your songs “Anchor Babies” and “If Tupac And Selena Had A Baby” are a testament
joMi: Growing up, I never really had someone older of my color/race speak to me or guide me. I also have a son, a one-year-old son and I feel like little kids at a young age need to be exposed to what’s out there. And I honestly think that’s why it’s so important to me because I want to be the most honest and truthful with everything in my life.
Has there been any lessons you’ve learned early on in your career? If so, which ones?
joMi: Surround yourself with a team that actually cares about you and your music. Sorround yourself with people who want your best interest. Because I think we all need to have people in our lives to tell us things raw and honest. And once you have people like that, it will translate in everything you do.
Is there as artist or a song that you connect with and why?
joMi: It would have to be Kendrick [Lamar]. I’ve been following Kendrick since the early days. I remember he did a take of Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn We Go Hard” and swithced it to “Compton.” It’s things like that which keep me connected. Another thing, I’ve followed his career since the early stages so I feel like appreciate him even more because I’ve seen him develop and I take that to heart.
When it comes to your music, what inspires your creative process?
joMi: I like to put a lot of concepts in my songs. There’s lyrics and songs that I’ve creative throughout weeks and I let them sit there and they eventually become something and something meaningful and powerful. It’s also to say that if I hear a dope beat, I’m going to get inspired immediately. Either way, my creative process speaks for itself.
Any other exciting projects you may be working on, aside from music?
joMi: Right now, I’m working on my second album. Produced mainly by
Now you know we’re Home Grown Radio, what does “Home Grown” mean to you?
joMi: Your roots and family. Taking care of the people who show love to you, that’s Home Grown. I picture a big ol’ hug with all your people. Doing things because you truly love it.
Stay connected and follow joMi on all social media platforms @officialjomi and on here.