Jaee Da Rapper, born Jaekwon Gilchrist, is a Brooklyn native raised in Jamaica, Queens, a product of two New York neighborhoods that shaped both his resilience and his voice. Now 28, his story is rooted in rough blocks, public school hallways, and a deep connection to words that started long before a microphone ever entered the picture. While the environment around him pulled many in the wrong direction, music became his escape and his focus — a way to stay grounded when everything else felt chaotic.
His love for writing began with poetry. At just eight years old, Jaee was already obsessed with rhyme patterns, cadences, and the way words could bend and snap together. That passion quickly turned into songwriting, and by age ten he was performing solo at Public School 40 in South Jamaica, Queens. The moment stuck. After that first performance, he became the go-to student in his ELA class, helping his teacher craft poems and even doing classmates’ homework for free, as long as it involved rhyming. It wasn’t about showing off — it was about sharpening his skill. After school, you could find him in rap cyphers with other local kids, trading bars and building confidence in the community that raised him.
The name “Jaee Da Rapper” came naturally. Among his childhood friends, there were plenty of “J’s,” but he was the only one who rapped, so the title stuck. His real name carries even more weight. Jaekwon was inspired by Raekwon of Wu-Tang Clan, with his father keeping the initial, while his middle name, Nasir, pays homage to Queensbridge legend Nas. Hip-hop wasn’t just something he listened to — it was embedded in his identity from birth.
By 12 years old, Jaee began recording music, officially stepping into hip-hop as more than just a passion. Influenced by artists like Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Papoose, Jay-Z, and Otis Bruno, he developed a style that values lyricism, versatility, and originality. He prides himself on standing apart from the crowd, never settling into one sound or lane, always pushing to evolve.
Much of Jaee Da Rapper’s catalog has been recorded in Long Island City, New York, moving through various studios while staying rooted in the energy of the city that made him. His upbringing was spent between familiar neighborhood spots like PS40 Park, IS8 Park on 179th Place, and 165th Street in Queens, with time also spent in Brownsville and Bushwick, Brooklyn — places that taught him survival, awareness, and authenticity.
His most recent release, Waterslide, marks another step forward in his journey, with much more music on the way. Jaee is clear that he’s just getting started and feels energized by what’s ahead. Along the way, he’s quick to give credit where it’s due, showing love to his mom and dad, Otis Bruno, Kyla Simone, Brandon Gilchrist, Cash, and countless others who supported him, believed in him, and helped shape the artist he continues to become.
Jaee Da Rapper’s story is one of focus, discipline, and deep respect for the craft. From schoolyard poems to studio sessions, his path reflects a lifelong commitment to words — and a determination to make sure his voice is heard.
