Jharrel Jerome, widely recognized for his powerful portrayal of Korey Wise in the acclaimed miniseries “When They See Us,” has taken a bold leap into the realm of music.
Jerome, known for his exceptional acting skills, has embarked on a new creative endeavor as he transitions to the world of hip hop with his debut full-length project, “Someone I’m Not.” This exciting move not only showcases his versatility as an artist but also allows fans to explore an entirely different side of his talent. Jharrel Jerome’s decision to explore music should come as no surprise to those who have followed his career. Beyond his acting achievements, Jerome has always demonstrated a deep appreciation for music, especially hip-hop finding inspiration from artists such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Drake, Pharrell, Timbaland and others. “I’m not trying to do TikTok rap, I’m here to stay. I’m just looking for respect – if Kendrick [Lamar] respects it, that’s a win,” Jerome said.
Jerome’s debut project, titled Someone I’m Not, serves as a deeply personal exploration of self-identity and introspection. Each track is meticulously crafted to encapsulate the emotional rollercoaster Jerome experienced while delving into his own psyche. The album’s title itself reflects his desire to break away from societal expectations and embrace his authentic self. “Someone I’m Not plays on the fact that as an actor I’m always playing someone I’m not and lately I just feel like people think I’m someone I’m not,” Jerome shared. The project will be unveiled in a 4-part series of packs this year – titled Rap Pack, Trip Pack, Love Pack, and Trap Pack – each showcasing a different side to Jharrel.
The music in Someone I’m Not is a fusion of various genres, showcasing Jerome’s eclectic taste and musical influences. The Rap Pack kicks off with a sense of nostalgia. The strong focus on lyrics showcases the Bronx native’s roots and brings you back to the 90s era when artists focused on storytelling and straight raps, no gimmicks. The lyrics are introspective, offering listeners a glimpse into Jerome’s vulnerabilities and innermost thoughts. Trip Pack follows Rap Pack and demonstrates his artistic versatility, listeners might stop and think, wait is this Jharrel? “I like that, I like that it might make people say, this you? – it shows that I can’t be put in a box,” Jerome said. The ‘Chinatown’ rapper shares that the Trip Pack is his favorite. While Jerome may have been inspired by Tame Impala for this pack, a Kendrick Lamar collaboration would fit seamlessly. The Love Pack maintains that strong homage to true hip hop but with a focus on women. The four-part project ends with the Trap Pack that can only be described as energy. “Energy, it’s just straight energy. This is loud and in your face. I wanted to end things on; bruh I’m really here,” shared Jerome.
Jerome wouldn’t necessarily say that he has “transitioned” into music considering his love for music came first, however he was patient and waited for the right moment highlighting his dedication to honing his craft. He has invested considerable time and effort into mastering various musical techniques and has immersed himself in the creative process. This commitment to growth has resulted in a project that showcases Jerome’s evolution as an artist and solidifies his place in the music industry. As Jharrel Jerome’s debut hip hop project, Someone I’m Not, resonates with listeners, it has the potential to make a significant impact on the music scene. Fans who have admired his acting prowess will undoubtedly be intrigued by his musical offerings, eagerly embracing this new chapter in his career.
