“I was able to conquer so many inner demons by just being honest with myself through art.”
Jawan is a rapper and musician from Edinburg, Texas, and a communications major at Texas Southern University, the nation’s second largest HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).
Jawan began honing his craft during his early teens when he started writing poetry and eventually turned to making songs. Driven by musical influences like Jimi Hendrix, J. Cole, Bob Marley, Kendrick Lamar, Prince, Michael Jackson, and 2Pac, he uses his music to unpack his innermost emotions and desires and convert them into auditory art. Clever lyrics bridge the listener into his worldview as he examines the morality of those around him, the intimate truths of his character, and the unwavering strength he finds through music.
His favorite original track to date, LIFE, details the trials and obstacles he has so far faced, and embraces the long road that remains ahead of him. “I aim through every song to showcase a different part of myself, while helping others to cope with similar emotions they may be experiencing.”
Press the five vinyl images on the wall to play Jawan’s tracks. Read the short descriptions by clicking the “i” button and listen closely to his words.
Jawan grew up in Edinburg and McAllen. “I would love to see the Valley have more respect and appreciation for its black community.”
Jawan perceives #BlackLivesMatter as a simple request to acknowledge the immorality of what’s happening in the United States. “And if one can’t make a simple statement about my life having meaning, I refuse to associate myself with them.”
Scroll down to listen to Jawan's works.
