Record labels are continually seeking new talent to bring to the forefront. Jae Skeese, a rising hip-hop musician, comes from Buffalo, New York. He is the first artist signed to Conway The Machine‘s Drumwork Music label. He released his most recent album, “Ground Level,” on Aug. 16, 2024.
Skeese created “Ground Level” at a key point in his career, and he more than rises to the challenge, delivering his biggest and best effort yet while simultaneously rising higher.
“Ground Level” highlights Jae Skeese’s growth as an artist, combining real emotion and narrative with advanced production. The album features high-profile collaborations with Big K.R.I.T., Dave East, Sauce Walka, Jay Worthy, Project Pat, Smoke DZA, Statik Selektah, Che Noir, Lloyd, and Ski Beatz, who provide an unmistakable dynamic variety to the project.
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This rising artist appears to have previously collaborated with a number of well-known performers. As an emerging artist, this is a fantastic way to obtain notice. Furthermore, all of the musicians on Jae’s album have worked in the music industry for a while. As a result, they may be able to give significant insight into how they rose to such prominence, as well as the complexities of being a musician.
“Ground Level” Embodies Jae Skeese’s Mindset
“Ground Level” is a portrait of Jae Skeese, reflecting both his current position and the highs and lows of his journey that formed and affected him, all given with Skeese’s creative wordplay. Presentation is essential, whether in the form of words or images. If you want visitors to know more about your project and be interested in it, you must make an effort to do so. That is how you get noticed and increase popularity.
“”Ground Level” is me taking the next step from coming up out of the basement and building on top of the foundation I have been laying the last three years; finally being able to say okay, I’ve laid the foundation. I’m here now, how many more levels can I reach now that I’m finally at the first floor,” Jae Skeese contemplates. “Everyone has a starting point, whether you are a med school student, an NFL prospect, or even a manager at Dunkin Donuts. The Ground Level mindset is a testament to overcoming obstacles and reaching new heights, while staying grounded and remembering that there are always new levels to achieve.”
The project’s opening track, “Situated,” which features Sauce Walka and Big K.R.I.T., is now accessible and establishes the mood for “Ground Level.” Additionally, the “Situated” video is now accessible below!
From “Abolished Uncertainties” To “Ground Level”
When we reach a particular point in life, we often reflect on how we got here and where we are today. Jae Skeese looks back at his journey:
“I remember when I dropped my Drumwork debut, “Abolished Uncertainties,” (2023) last year right after “Pain Provided Profit: (his collaborative album with Conway The Machine) it felt like the Bills just won the Super Bowl- FINALLY!”
After years of working hard, grinding, and forging his own way with challenges that were seemingly stacked against him, Skeese eventually released his debut “Drumwork” album, following one with one of hip hop’s best rappers. It makes no difference who does not support you; the only one who can stand in the way of your advancement is you. Jae is an example of that since he managed to survive despite the obstacles piled against him.
“But what I learned after dropping “Abolished Uncertainties” is that that album was just another brick in the wall, said Jae. “I was building another piece to the foundation. “Ground Level” is a reflection of that. I highlight things I’ve been through, talk about the people I’ve lost, my mindset as I’ve elevated to the position you see me in today, how people have changed, my reasons for why I want to elevate in life and of course I talk about the things that make me, me.”
Albums that convey a meaningful message always earn recognition as masterpieces. Everyone has a story, as we all come from different backgrounds, and no one can tell our stories better than ourselves.
Jae Skeese continues to grow his reputation and prominence in the culture, and with Ground Level, he moves up a level! Where were you when you discovered the ability to level up? Certainly, many of us are heading in that way right now.
Listen to “Ground Level” below, and discover more about Jae Skeese on his socials!
Written by Nikiya Biggs | Twitter | LinkedIn | Muck Rack
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