J’Moris is a rapper from Texas who Your EDM has featured multiple times because of his smooth, chill trap rap style which belies chilling commentary on social issues in his lyrics. His two newest tracks, “Off the Porch” and “Blac Amerikkka” are no exception. With the former being an uplifting anthem of hope and self-sufficiency while the latter makes sure his audience knows that the sting of America’s history is still very much there, J’Moris always has a strong core point, even with his smooth beats and velvet voice.
“Off the Porch” released back in August and despite its stark title, it’s meant to be an uplifting, celebratory party anthem. According to J’Moris, “‘Off the Porch’ means I’m not dependent on my parents. I’m out of the house and in the streets grinding. Basically, you put in work and didn’t wait for handouts. Since you’re in the streets grinding and putting in work, you’ve ‘jumped off the porch.'”
“Off the Porch” also points directly at the stereotype, especially pervasive in the South, that young black men are lazy and unmotivated. J’Moris holds himself up as an example against this stereotype. With his growing popularity, his constant stream of releases, his new label and merch line and his unwavering dedication to make his dreams happen in spite of the current conditions and lack of opportunity, J’Moris deserves this celebration. He hasn’t forgotten that pressure is there, however. The celebration is about beating those incredibly stacked odds. 
“Blac Amerikkka” is a stark opposite to “Off the Porch” in both tone and message. No punches are pulled here as J’Moris teams up with fellow rhymers 254 Assassin and D. Hewitt. All three address the issue of racism in America and the current boiling point of racial tensions. He references almost every case of police excessive force in recent history and explains exactly why the protests have gone beyond being peaceful. Despite the chill, funky beat, the anger and frustration in this track is palpable.
At the end in the equally stark video shot in black and white by @shotbylloyd_, the music stops and it’s just J’Moris speaking: “It seems like we always know what to say until it’s time to say it. Every day is a constant battle, a constant struggle. We see police. They see us as trouble. Shit, when’s enough gonna be enough? They treat us like we’re the problem, and then we become the victim they say we cry about it. But when we stand up for what we believe in they make sure we die about it, and they leave us there. I mean, when you’re gonna continue to kneel on our necks we can’t breathe. That shit don’t fly with me. I’m tired of it.”
As a wordsmith, there may not be anyone right now quite as powerful as J’Moris in Southern hip hop. These two singles represent his own life experiences and struggles but J’Moris is also there to be a voice for the larger struggle for justice and rights for black America. He knows he can’t do it alone, however, so as much as these tracks are personal, they’re also a call for more voices to join his. While highlighting everything that’s going on right now, J’Moris also has indomitable hope. On the website for his new label Black Diamond Music Group, his core value is spelled out plainly: “The embodiment of enduring the trials and tribulations life has to offer. By overcoming & not succumbing to the pressure, a Black Diamond is formed.”
“Off the Porch” is out now on Spotify, Amazon and Apple Music, where fans can also find his other work including his acclaimed LP Blac February. “Blac Amerikkka” is out now on YouTube only and will be available on other platforms in early October.
