“Just give it a crack,” says JJ4K with a confident grin, summing up his approach to music and life. It’s more than just Australian slang—it’s a philosophy that embodies everything he stands for. In our conversation, he emphasizes that this simple advice is for anyone pursuing music or needing a reminder to keep going. It’s about trying something, even when you’re unsure, and embracing the outcome, whatever it may be. This fearless attitude defines JJ4K’s journey so far in the music industry, and it’s clear that he’s just getting started.
Born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, JJ4K is of Samoan and Tongan heritage. His upbringing was shaped by frequent trips between Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa, but Brisbane remains home. Despite only officially stepping into the music industry in January, JJ4K has been steadily working towards his goals since mid-2023. His passion and commitment didn’t go unnoticed—his cousin, seeing the fire in him, stepped in to help. With the right connections and mentorship through Royalty Music, JJ4K has been able to build a network that’s supporting his rise in the industry.
Family is a significant source of inspiration for JJ4K. He recalls how his family introduced him to both local and American musical legends. Annie Grace and Adeaze are among his early influences, but it was the music of Tupac, Biggie, Dr. Dre, Nas, and especially Eminem that truly ignited his passion. Eminem remains his #1 source of inspiration, guiding him as he writes and creates.
When asked about the influence of his upbringing in Brisbane, JJ4K reflects on the city’s lively live music scene. Growing up surrounded by legendary local bands, including the Oti family, who taught him the ins and outs of various instruments, played a crucial role in shaping his musical journey. However, life in Brisbane’s southside wasn’t always easy. He witnessed violence and hardship but chose a different path—one of peace. JJ4K uses music to tell his story, much like Kendrick Lamar, transforming difficult experiences into powerful lyrics and messages. Through his music, he pushes themes of self-belief and peace, especially coming from a rough neighborhood.
As an emerging artist, JJ4K has faced challenges. Early in his career, he encountered people trying to take advantage of him. But with the guidance of his manager, Junior, he learned to stand his ground in the industry. Junior credits their success to divine timing, believing that God placed the right people in their lives at the right moments. Together, they’ve built a strong network of professionals in photography, videography, production, and more. Junior is grateful to be part of JJ4K’s journey, witnessing the artist grow and overcome obstacles with faith and determination.
Releasing his first EP was a significant milestone for JJ4K, but he considers networking to be his greatest achievement so far. He values the connections he’s made and the lessons learned from talented individuals who have helped shape his craft. Looking ahead, JJ4K has ambitious goals. He wants to continue producing music, particularly for others, and aims to put Brisbane on the map alongside artists like Lisi, STNDRD, and HP Boyz. Ultimately, he dreams of making music full-time, not just for himself but for other artists as well.
With new projects on the horizon, including collaborations with fellow artists like Jvyden, JJ4K is staying busy and focused. Despite his demanding schedule, he finds balance by playing sports with friends, visiting family, and taking breaks when needed. His philosophy is simple: make time.
Throughout our conversation, JJ4K repeatedly returns to his mantra: “Just give it a crack.” It’s a reminder that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. For JJ4K, these past seven months in the music industry have been a whirlwind of opportunities, successes, and lessons learned. He knows that if he hadn’t taken that first step, he wouldn’t be where he is today.
When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, JJ4K’s answer is heartfelt. He wants his music to be something that not only he enjoys, but that his family—his mom, his kids, and even future generations—can listen to. He strives to be more than just a rapper; he wants to be an artist who brings fun and joy into his work, making music that resonates across time and generations.
JJ4K’s journey is just beginning, with his blend of humility, fearlessness, and unshakable self-belief, there’s no doubt that he’ll continue to make waves in the music scene. We can’t wait to see what he does next!
