Jai Rian recently rebranded and took down all his old music. He released the album WHO I AM as an introduction to the new artist he is. We had the opportunity to ask him a few questions, and he dug deep into his motivations and outlook.
You recently did a clean slate of your artistry. You wiped away all your music, changed your name, changed the sound a bit, etc. Why was this something you did?
I really wanted a fresh start. A clean slate to build a foundation on that is more personable and relatable. With that, I found my voice or niche and plan to build off of this sound going forward. My album Who I Am is really the footprint for what is to come, and I want to make sure that everything I do from here on out doesn’t feel forced or uncomfortable.
What has been the reaction to this switch so far? Do you ever foresee putting some of that old music out again, maybe even remaking it?
So far, the feedback has been great and noticeably more impactful. Dropping the MIA from my artist name has helped listeners identify who I am more easily without the confusion. I do have some songs that I plan to remake, mainly the songs that have featured artists.
You said this was the first of three projects that tell your story. Is it a beginning, middle, end sort of sequence, or are you chasing a different theme?
The thought process here is to build a timeline from the past, present, and future. The theme is a time-lapse into my life, my testimony, and my truth. I feel that there are not enough artists out there in the CHH space that are raw and transparent, let alone truthful about their past life or current lifestyle. I really came up in the streets, I really sold drugs, did drugs, stole cars, robbed houses, hit licks, been shot, and did what I speak about and don’t sugar coat or exaggerate as a lot of artists do. I’ve struggled my entire life and still have battles, and I want my story to be told through these projects.
Your album is called WHO I AM? How long did it take you to figure out who you are?
I’ve always known who I am and have been walking with God since a young age. I have been fire tested and found myself in the fire a long time ago, but the purpose of this album is to introduce myself to the listeners. I want the listener to know who I am and what I have overcome with the help of God’s grace and favor.
What are some of the takeaways you want people to learn from this album?
I really want people to know that it is normal and ok for us to struggle, to fall short, to fail, without giving up, because as long as you seek our Father in heaven, He will see you through. I want people to know that real change comes with Jesus and that people are not alone in the dark. I’ve been there many times and sometimes find my way back into the dark room.
You have a strong visual style. Do you have a background in it, and where do you come up with the concepts?
I have always been a visionary when it comes to my music. I see the visuals in my head while I am writing records. It just comes to me naturally. I typically come up with the concepts and ideas for my visuals as the Creative Director and work alongside my brother Roberto Lee Cortez, aka Lenzantic, to bring my visions to life, and I am very grateful for his talent behind the lens. I’ll assist when filming with ideas and sit in on the editing sessions to give my input and direction. I really give credit to God when it comes to my creative direction.
Everyone has a certain outlet to express themselves. What need/role is music fulfilling for you?
Music, for me, like many others, is therapy, and that is the fulfillment I want the listener to feel when they listen to my music. I am trying to connect with the brokenhearted, the hurt, the forgotten, and the ones who are left out. My music is not for everybody, and I don’t pretend that my life is perfect and happy-go-lucky. My life is raw, and that is what you will get from me.
What do you need everyone to know about Jai Rian, and what can we expect in the future?
My goal as an artist is to be authentic and transparent. I want people to know that I am real, that I understand hardship, and that my music comes from lived experience. I give my all to this process because I am deeply aware of what God has done in my life, and I want others to see not only where He has brought me from, but how He continues to work in and through me.
In a world that can be fake, even within the Christian hip‑hop space, I am committed to standing on truth. What you can consistently expect from me is music, content, visuals, and creative work that honors God and reflects the ongoing journey of being cleansed, redeemed, and forgiven. Every step of the process is rooted in faith, integrity, and a desire to glorify Him through honest expression.
Listen to Jai Rian WHO I AM Below:
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About Jai Rian:
Jai Rian is a Christian hip-hop artist based in Las Vegas, NV. Known for his purposeful lyricism and authentic storytelling, Rian blends hip-hop production with faith-driven introspection to reach listeners navigating their own journeys of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
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