“I Never Expected This”: 22nd Jim’s Path to Hip-Hop Success

22nd Jim sat down with VBC for a candid conversation about his music career, his upbringing in Oakland, and his struggles with being a perfectionist when it comes to releasing music. While known for his hard-hitting tracks and undeniable presence, Jim admitted that his biggest hurdle is himself.

The Struggles of a Perfectionist

Many artists struggle with self-doubt, but for Jim, it has been one of the biggest obstacles in his career. "I think I'm my biggest critic," he shared, explaining why he doesn’t release music as frequently as fans might hope. "But I'm getting out that phase, though. I just gotta give them what they want."

Despite sitting on a vault of unreleased music, 22nd Jim revealed that real-life issues often make him question whether he even wants to continue making music. However, he’s learned to use those experiences as fuel for his art. "Instead of just not doing music, I try to take what I’m going through and put it into the music so it all resonates."

This mindset shift is significant for an artist who has gained momentum but has struggled with consistency. Jim admitted that he often overthinks his work, worrying about whether a track is good enough. "I be in my head a lot," he said. "But at the end of the day, the people want the music, and I got to stop overanalyzing it."

First Time in the Booth

Unlike many artists, 22nd Jim never planned on being a rapper. "I wanted my friends to rap, and I just wanted to support them," he recalled. His rap journey began when ALLBLACK, a childhood friend, invited him to hop on a song. "It took me hella long to do it," he laughed. "People in the studio were going to sleep waiting on me."

Despite his initial doubts, a pivotal moment in San Jose changed his perspective. "A bunch of people came up to me like, ‘Oh, you on that song with Black!’ That’s when I realized I could probably do this."

Jim’s early days in music weren’t glamorous. He had to learn the ropes quickly, from writing lyrics to developing his flow. "I was writing everything back then. Punching in? That wasn’t even a thing for me yet. I would sit there for hours just trying to get my verse right."

Even though the process was slow, Jim saw the potential. "That first song I did with Black—it was a classic. That made me think, ‘Okay, maybe I can really do this.’"

Coming Up in Oakland

Growing up in Oakland’s "dubs" neighborhood, 22nd Jim was surrounded by both love at home and a tough environment outside. "My block was the block," he said. "We stayed in a rough neighborhood, but inside my house, it was all love."

He described witnessing the allure of street life at an early age, admitting he was fascinated by what he saw around him. "I thought I wanted to play sports, but what I was seeing outside looked better than that. I always wanted more."

Jim explained how his curiosity led him down different paths. "I was always watching. I was nosy. I wanted to know everything that was happening around me." This awareness of his surroundings gave him a sharp mind, something that would later influence his music.

The Transition to a Full-Time Artist

Despite early success and major co-signs, Jim didn't immediately embrace the idea of being a full-time rapper. "I already was who I was before music. I never expected to make money from this or do shows," he admitted. It wasn’t until he saw fan reactions and industry recognition—like being featured on an OVO playlist curated by Oliver El-Khatib—that he began to take his craft seriously.

"That OVO moment was crazy," he said. "I just saw Oliver quoting my lyrics, and I was like, ‘Wait, what?’ Then I see Travis Scott and all these people commenting. I couldn’t believe it."

Jim had been making music casually, but after that moment, he realized the industry was watching. "That made me feel like, ‘Okay, people are paying attention. I gotta lock in.’"

Future Music and Staying Consistent

Though he has a loyal fanbase, Jim recognizes he needs to drop more frequently. "I should be giving them more. That’s what I’m on now."

His next project, Vacuum to the Money Counters, is already in the works, and he’s focused on making music for the people who have been rocking with him since day one. "I’m really just trying to cater to my core fan base and not the people just jumping on board because of features."

Jim also touched on the pressure of keeping up with today’s fast-paced music industry. "Fans be asking for new music like a week after I drop something. It’s wild. But I get it. The attention span is different now."

Finding Inspiration and Navigating the Industry

Jim’s music is deeply personal, often inspired by his real-life experiences. "Everything I rap about is real. It’s either something I went through or something I’ve seen up close."

He also spoke about the importance of surrounding himself with the right people. "I send my music to a few people before I drop it. I trust their ears. They’ll tell me straight up if it’s fire or if I need to fix something."

When asked about what makes someone’s opinion credible, Jim said it’s about knowing who really understands music. "Some people just like everything. I don’t need yes-men. I need people who really know music."

Moving to New York and Expanding His Horizons

A few years ago, Jim made a major move to New York, living there for four years. "I love New York. It’s different from the Bay, but in a good way. The energy, the culture—it’s crazy."

He spoke about how living in New York influenced his style. "They get everything first out there. The fashion, the music—it’s all moving fast. I started dressing different just being out there. It opened my eyes to a lot."

Though he’s back on the West Coast, Jim still makes frequent trips to New York. "That’s a second home for me now. I always got love for the city."

Advice for the Next Generation

For aspiring artists, 22nd Jim emphasizes the importance of patience, networking, and authenticity. "Stay focused, put your craft first, and when you get in the room, take advantage of it. If you’re in the room, you belong there."

From his early days hustling in Oakland to collaborating with hip-hop heavyweights, 22nd Jim’s story is a testament to talent, perseverance, and trusting the process. With his upcoming project on the way, fans can expect more of the raw storytelling and authenticity that set him apart.

"I appreciate everybody that’s been rocking with me since day one. This next project? It’s for y’all."