Jeristotle “Less Ego, More Understanding”

Jeristotle, a hip-hop entrepreneur from Texas, released his first album at the age 40. Breaking traditional norms and proving that it is never too late to embark on a journey of self-expression and impact, he became a self-released rapper and a living proof that nothing is impossible in life. So, his album “The Birth Of An Artist”, is literally a back up to this claim. A collection of hip-hop songs which delve into the intricacies of his life, at the same times showcasing the wisdom and insights he gained over the four decades of his life. I spoke to Jeristotle about this transition between two completely different lives and how the change affected himself and his creativity.

Bartek: You released your debut album at the age of 40. What was your life before then?

Jeristotle: It really depends on which life you’re talking about as I’ve had the pleasure of living a lot of lives. I always had a passion for music but earlier in life it felt like I couldn’t be my authentic self in a business setting so I was living two different lives. I like to joke that I was kinda like Batman. By day, I had a 9-5 job in the technology space. I did some government contracting for a while as well but can’t talk too much about that. By night, I had fun with my creative friends and loved making music with them but I never thought I would make my own album. 

What inspired you to transition to music?

I’ve always been a huge fan of music. Earlier in my life I liked to hang out with artists of all types. I dabbled around making music with friends but then the real world came knocking and everyone gave up on their dreams and started their “real life” with a “real job”. I tried to go that route myself but it never really felt right to me that is why I branched off to become an entrepreneur. 

I started a watch company, developed websites, and am part owner of a music venue but no matter how many different projects I took on, they never really satisfied me like making music did. 3 months before my 40th birthday I decided I would make a surprise album as a gift for all of my friends that were coming to celebrate with me. The process of making that album for my friends ended up being the best gift I could ever give myself. 

From that point I knew I needed to make music a full-time part of my life. 

Could you describe how it felt straight after that change? How did your family and friends react?

I’m always the wild card in my circles so I think people aren’t really that shocked when I do something out of the ordinary. One of the biggest reactions was “So you’re giving me a gift on your Birthday?”, and I was like “Yea!!”, because I didn’t realize how weird that was, haha. I just thought it would be fun to do, so I did it. 

Working on the album was electrifying. It had a lot of ups and downs and bright moments and dark moments but I think the way in which I went about it was low pressure because it was just a cool gift to my friends. I think that allowed me to open up and really experiment with the album and have fun with it. 

What would you say were the advantages and the disadvantages of entering the music business at that moment in your life?

One of the main disadvantages, I would say, is I don’t have the energy to “grind it out” like someone who is in their 20s. The advantage to that though is I’m a lot smarter and more intentional with my time. I also actually have money to put behind my music which I definitely couldn’t say in my 20s. I believe that music is often a young person’s game but we really don’t have the best lessons to teach until we are older. 

I am so much wiser and more comfortable with myself as a person now. Way less ego and more understanding which I think will positively show in my music. I also think the path is different for everyone, so part of the true goal of any worthy journey is self-discovery. Through music, I get to learn more about myself and share what I learn with others which is a worthy endeavour at any age.  

Would you ever go back to the life before music?

I wouldn’t go back but I also wouldn’t change what I’ve gone through either. I couldn’t be the person I am today without the struggles and lessons I learned along the way. I hope to share that through my music. 

How did your life change after releasing your album?

I felt more purpose in life. I always had things to do but none of it felt full. Once I created the album and shared it with my friends it was a great feeling of gratitude and fullness. I forgot how great sharing your creations makes you feel. There is nothing quite like it. That is the feeling that helped me decide to release the album, and share it with more people. 

Music-wise, who was your biggest inspiration and did that inspiration have any impact on your life choices?

One of my biggest musical influences was one of my really good friends X, who passed away recently. He was always that guy who pushed me to pursue my creative passions and always cheered on the results. In a weird way his passing gave me the strength and motivation to release this album. 

He also definitely had multiple impacts on my life choices for the good and bad but we don’t have to go into all that. 

What is the story behind “Kitsungi Beauty”?

Kintsugi beauty is actually loosely based on a true story you could say. I’ve always been into Asian culture whether through food or kung fu movies. I learned about the art of kintsugi through a friend who also shares the same interests. Later on, I met a girl who inspired the idea that even though sometimes people are broken, it’s their broken parts that ultimately make them beautiful souls. That is the same philosophy of Kintsugi although it is usually applied to pottery where the artist uses gold to reassemble a broken piece of pottery, which accentuates its flaws in a way that makes it more beautiful and unique than it was before. 

I think we are all broken in some way but it is the strength to fix ourselves up and not be afraid to honor our flaws that makes a truly uniquely beautiful soul. 

If you were to name one Artist who you would like to share your music with, who would that be?

Honestly, I don’t think about sharing my music with any artists in particular. I think I care more about sharing my music with people who aren’t artists or people who would listen to the music and it makes them feel heard, understood, or gives them words that they couldn’t find themselves. Words that might help transform their lives for the better. 

I love artists. They are my people. But I find that my heart often lies with the everyday struggles of everyday people.

What’s next for you in terms of your musical plans? Where would you like to go from where you are at now?

My philosophy for the rest of my life is: “I want to make cool shit with cool people”. Currently, I am working on a film titled “The Birth Of An Artist” that will be a companion to the album. I also plan to continue to release at least one song per month for the rest of my life. 

One of the other avenues I am super excited about is getting my music into TV and Film, so I am working with a sync licensing agency to make that dream a reality. I plan to release as much music as possible because as I used to tell my friend “If we don’t do it it’ll never be done”. 

Photo: press release