Album Review & Interview: Itz Jaleel Keeps It REAL

When an artist names their project REAL, you expect authenticity, and rising hip-hop artist Itz Jaleel delivers exactly that. This EP isn’t just a collection of tracks - it’s a proclamation of purpose and a reflection of the consistent grind that defines his undeniable rise as an independent artist. With a runtime clocking in at just over 13 minutes, Jaleel doesn’t let a second go to waste on this EP. His rapid-fire delivery, lyrical precision, and motivational messages make it clear that he’s not just making music: Itz Jaleel is building a legacy.

The EP bears lyrical themes of perseverance and grit, but it’s Jaleel’s technical skill that immediately grabs your attention, easily floating on timeless beats that never overpower his voice or message. His expertise in breath control and enunciation elevates each song, allowing him to deliver complex bars without once sacrificing clarity.

He openly describes the sacrifices and challenges of the independent grind, but there’s no bitterness - only drive and self-belief. Even the first bar of opening track “WhatYouMissin’” hits hard as he declares “I’m on a come up / I’ve been running like a marathon.” Each song underscores relatable experiences in the pursuit of success, with lines like “To the struggles people holding / I know the fam hoping / This hustle what I’m soaked in / I’m following my purpose / And my path was never golden” from the final track, “Blessed.”

What makes REAL so compelling is that Jaleel clearly knows exactly who he is and what he brings to the table. If you’re familiar with his earlier work, this EP feels like a natural evolution of his artistry – sharper and more focused. Jaleel’s emotional honesty makes REAL a classic project that sets him apart in the independent hip-hop landscape.

REAL isn’t just another EP - it’s a statement of intent. Many listeners will identify with exactly where Jaleel has been, and by the end, they’ll know exactly where he’s going, too. He’s not just rapping about the grind - he’s living it - and REAL is proof that staying consistent and true to yourself always pays off.

Check out OCM’s interview with Itz Jaleel below, where we dive deeper into his journey as an independent artist.

The following transcript has been excerpted and edited for clarity.

Rachel: The first time I heard your music was live at a performance, and I was totally blown away by your enunciation. You were performing songs from REAL, and “WhatYouMissin’” really stuck with me. How do you prepare for a set like that? It’s such a technical performance—it’s like an endurance thing.

Jaleel: Yeah, well, it's just repetition, a lot of practice, a lot of rapping in the mirror. Growing up, I was always rapping along to songs, so it just always seemed natural. Even when I’m performing my own songs, I’m just having fun with it. But yeah, it’s a workout for sure.

Rachel: Do you ever get tongue-tied or trip up?

Jaleel: I have before, but once I’m locked in, I’m locked in.

Rachel: You’ve been in this industry for years—“Fam First” dropped in 2018. Was that your first single?

Jaleel: On distributors, yeah.

Rachel: So that’s, what, seven or eight years now? Besides keeping up with your enunciation, what other skills have you had to master?

Jaleel: Just learning more about myself. Music is therapy for me, so over the years, as I’ve grown, my music has evolved too. I started around 16 or 17, now I’m 26—those are pivotal years. There’s a lot to say, but you have to figure out the right words and how to say them. Storytelling is something I’ve always worked on.

Rachel: Is there a specific milestone you’re working toward right now?

Jaleel: I want to sell out a show.

Rachel: You got a venue in mind?

Jaleel: The Basement would be cool. Marathon, that’d be dope. Brooklyn Bowl too.

Rachel: Alright, Nashville—get your tickets for Itz Jaleel!

Rachel: Tell me about your first performance.

Jaleel: It was a showcase, like a contest. A company was going state to state, and they stopped in Nashville. I had just put music on SoundCloud, and I wanted to perform.

Rachel: Were you nervous?

Jaleel: Oh yeah, I was hella nervous. But I was more excited than anything. I brought some of my close family members, and it was their first time seeing me on stage. They were blown back. From that moment, I knew it was possible—something was there.

Rachel: Do you still get nervous before performing?

Jaleel: Sometimes. There’s always a little bit of nerves, but never overpowering. Honestly, I’d rather have them there—if they weren’t, it’d feel weird.

Rachel: What’s your creative process like in the studio? How do you know when a track is finished?

Jaleel: Man, if you were a bug on the wall, you’d get tired of hearing the beat played back. I run it over and over. My writing process varies—sometimes I finish a song in one sitting, but most of the time, I have to sit with it. I trust my gut. If I feel it, I feel it.

Rachel: Your music is really motivational—you talk a lot about hustle and self-belief. What do you want listeners to take away?

Jaleel: I want them to feel motivated. A lot of times, people feel like they’re the only ones going through something. That’s why I keep my music real—people connect with authenticity. Life isn’t always positive, but it’s about perspective. I want to give people a different outlook and the motivation to keep pushing.

Rachel: Where do you see yourself in 2025? Any new projects?

Jaleel: For sure. I’m working on some singles and collabs. Hopefully, a little tour coming up. The feedback on REAL has been great, and my show set is getting crazier.

Rachel: What would your younger self say about where you are now?

Jaleel: Probably, “Damn, what you gonna do next?” I’ve made a lot of progress, but there’s still more to come.

Rachel: Itz Jaleel, based in Nashville. Streaming on all platforms, itzjaleel.com. Go check him out!

OnSight Collective Music is on a mission to educate, empower, and showcase independent artists like Itz Jaleel—artists who embody the grind, the passion, and the belief that success comes from staying real and putting in the work. We elevate together when we learn and grow together. 🚀🚀🚀