Meet J.Melo

Today we’d like to introduce you to J.Melo.

Thanks for sharing your story with us J. Melo. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Like many true artists, I started off singing in church. My whole family has an anointing musically. They are all pretty much singers and play instruments of all types. I fell right into place. I learned to have a soul in my singing and really feel the words I was singing from the church. Also, at a very young age, my big sister Ja’Quosha started taking me over to an advanced choir at her school and I realized I was talented when other people couldn’t sing like me.

Other children and teachers would ask me to sing special songs for them and Quosha kept bringing me back. She loved songs by Brandy and My Mom & Aunties would pay us a couple of dollars to sing songs by Boyz To Men, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder and all their favorites too. Still singing in church, I wanted to expand. I tried to sing to at least one person per day and I wanted to get in the studio. My most known qualities are that I’m a very mellow guy and my voice has a unique Melody, so I decided my Artist name would be J.Melo. I started uploading videos of me singing on line and things just kind of caught fire after that. I was asked to write and sing hooks for various artists, R&B Cyphers, Birthdays, Weddings and more. It’s my actual last name too, “Hooks,” so I guess my destiny chose me in a sense. Even better, I started getting paid. My big brother Jahod, who’s artist name is Mobalotti, used to write with me and J-Luv had shows for me to perform at. Marshae and ghetto government were a 2nd home for me too and an outlet to perform or record. My brother Mob introduced me to artist Trap House. We immediately began making music in the studio.

During this time, I was also thinking about church. I knew I couldn’t do both. I decided to have my own personal relationship with God and continue to pursue music everywhere. I would sing with other RnB artists and shine on stage. That’s when I met people of influence on the music scene like Mercedes Taylor and Irin Daniels. They were full of knowledge. I started opening concerts for people like Pretty Ricky, Twista, Rich The Kid, Jagged Edge, Dru Hill, Music Soulchild, Ginuwine, Pleasure P., Paula DeAnda and Day 26 just to name a few. I released my own music on platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube and more. I started getting contacted for hooks and ghostwriting. I explored singing in other languages and that took off. I was featured on local news stations singing and started doing American and Spanish radio interviews and working with Arabic Artists. Music began paying a few bills but I was doing what I loved and that was the greatest reward. Plus, my Fiancé Lacey January and two daughters have continued to support me 100%. We’re “The Melos,” and I sing at all their fashion shows and talent shows as they continue to accompany me to my awards shows and performances.

I’ve won trophy’s and plaques for being the #1 RnB singer for the state of Arizona, first place in the rock the mic contest, AZMT awards and honorable mentions for singing at charity events, hospitals and hospices. My music was now playing and currently still playing on the radio here in Arizona. Shout out to 101.1 the beat, Pokafase showed my music a lot of love. I started getting air time in the surrounding states and furthered to the UK, Puerto Rico, Mexico and more while still being an independent artist. People reach out to me for hooks or vocals with artists as big as Snoop Dog or as local as their cousins. I work with everyone with the same amount of professionalism every time. Without Music, I don’t know where I’d be, so I continued my journey. I kept doing shows, I would always be in the best of the best studios with my brother J.Slugg and I kept creating with Trap House and producer Dev. Trap introduced me to other artists and some I knew already in his group TBF and we collaborated as well. We made hot tracks and Radio Bangers featuring me like “Bando” with Dub Fuego and Mobalotti, my big brother, “Westside” with Trap and Dub, “Choose Up” with J Reese, “Netflix and Chill” with Trap and so many more.

Trap House and I also did a project with rapper Isiah Acosta and the Children’s Miracle Network entitled “Oxygen To Fly,” which went viral telling Isaiah’s story. (With the help of bleaksounds.com) It even hit the billboards, we’ve performed it everywhere and his story gave so much hope and inspiration internationally. I was happy to be a part of that for sure and the Acosta family is truly amazing. Trap and I continued to create and perform on stages everywhere, including the Arizona Hip Hop Festival. Unfortunately, he later passed away in early 2019 but will forever be a part of my musical history and the sound of Arizona. My big sister Quosha unexpectedly passed away in January 2020, which also crushed me. She was and is a huge part of my start in music. I often hear her singing in my ear or telling me to keep going. Through it all, I just keep singing. It’s what they would want me to do. Music has truly saved my life and I’ll never stop creating. I’ve graced the stages musically in and out of state and I’m going to keep going.

In Arizona, I’ve done shows at Celebrity Theatre, The Monarch, The Marquee Theatre, Club Red for the AZMT Awards and I still sing for my Momma. I will hit an open mic at Poetic Soul and The Underground just the same. I went on to make more singles and do more features for artists such as Snoop Dog, Big Wax, J Slugg, King Los, FTK Khaliq, Play Loco, Denzel Davis, C Los, MC Magic, Boss Fetti, Vonni G, Devastation, Kruush, BC Been Cold, Yog Westwood, T.Y.G Trapps, J. Rydah, Mac Tha Pharaoh, Sam King, Ponce, 5280 Mystic and more. I am the most featured artist in Arizona hands down, and I just want to continue sharing my voice with the world. I am notoriously known for not writing any lyrics down and knocking out hooks in one take. I’ve pulled all older music and projects from platforms to release new music. I send music from J.MeloMusic1@gmail.com and if you reach out, I can put you on my creative release list as well. I offer hooks, vocal coaching and ghostwriting for sale. I still create solo projects and I think its time for another one, so just stay tuned.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I wish I could say it has been a smooth road. In a world full of rappers, I sing. I rap too, play instruments and dance but I always have to prove myself when it comes to singing. I learned to just sing right on the spot. People didn’t really get it like oh he sings? He must be soft or emotional, so I had my share of fights and coined phrases like “Don’t let this RnB fool you” lol. Plus, in today’s society, statistically, I should be an absent Father, dead, or in jail. As a young black man, I fight that every day and continue doing what I love and getting paid for it. I just want to ease people’s lives by allowing them to get lost in my lyrics for a moment. Sometimes I’ll do projects and people won’t even acknowledge that I sang or wrote my hooks. Good thing is that people know my voice, so whether I’m mentioned or not, you’re going to know this is some J.Melo Music. With God, though everything works out for the greater good.

Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I am J.Melo, a King, a leader and an RnB singer. I offer hooks, tap out sessions, vocal training, ghostwriting and reference tracks. I also do samples for producer’s portfolios. I am most known for the unique melody of my voice and being the most featured artist in AZ. I have worked with over 50 local artists and big names in the industry as well. I have unreleased music with over 20 artists and I will keep going. I am most proud of the coverage and exposure I have had while being an unsigned artist and without management. What sets me apart is that I’m consistent. On social media (@JMeloMusic), you will always see me posting clips in various studios or posting my famous tap out calendars. I give back to the community and partnered up with a few anti-bullying campaigns. You can catch me at all the talent shows and Fashion shows singing and supporting the youth. I’m always grinding and will continue too.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
God, of course, I know my gift comes directly from above. My whole family, as well. My Mom and my Dad always allowed me to express my talents and never talked down on my goals and dreams even to this day. My sister Ja’Quosha who realized my voice was special and pushed me. My Aunt Diana & Uncle Ezrel McCowan, who always took me to church and are still an active powerhouse gospel singer and preacher duo with the Church of God In Christ. My Fiancé Lacey January, who is a star in her own right and my two daughters who push me every day to reach higher heights. She and the girls are always by my side, never give up on me and keep me inspired. “The Melos,” they are my reasons why. To all of my followers, fans and friends, I truly thank you. Your positive feedback keeps me going. Thank you for musically allowing me into your hearts, homes and radio playlists. Lastly, myself for never being afraid to share my gift and always being consistent.

Contact Info:

• Email: J.MeloMusic1@gmail.com

Image Credit:
Photographer Christopher Nez
Digital art by The Art Of Raheem

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