We recently connected with Jah Born and have shared our conversation below.

JAH, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes – I have been able to earn a full time living from my creative work.
It was not like that on day one. I started off making beats in the early 90’s. it was a hobby back then..

Ive earned a living from consulting, licensing beats, streaming, sync, collaborations, music education, and royalties..

Build relationships & Cultivate them. that is a great way to start earning money as a creative. spend alot of time growing your brand. making contacts, and investing time and money.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Jah Born, and I am a music producer, artist, and sonic storyteller. Music has always been my way of connecting with the world, of turning emotions into something tangible that people can feel in their souls. My journey into the industry wasn’t exactly traditional, or easy..but it was authentic—rooted in passion, love for the craft, a deep respect for music’s history, a desire to reach my goals and dreams.

Growing up, I was surrounded by music. Jazz, soul, hip-hop, disco, & reggae. My Dad was a DJ back in the day. My sister was a respected disco dancer. I was in orchestra as a child -playing the violin, cello, and bass…I spent time listening to records, learning about sounds, and studying instruments. Eventually, I started experimenting… At first, it was just messing around with old drum machines or chopping samples from old records.. But soon, it became clear that creating music wasn’t just a hobby—it was my purpose..It was the mission..it’s my journey.

Getting into the industry was a blessing. I produced “On & On” for Erykah Badu and ended up in some great recording studios and situations. The song went on to win a grammy. I have worked with many artists since then, local and worldwide. Ive been in many studios with great producers and artists. I evolved from just being a studio producer and started playing my MPC in bands and on stage. I have toured playing my MPC as part of Erykah Badu’s & RZA’s (Wu Tang) band, and RC & The Gritz… and I am grateful for the experiences and blessings that came from them.

Today, I offer a range of products and services for artists, creatives, and brands…mainly my beats—custom-tailored instrumentals designed to fit the vision of whoever I’m working with. I also release instrumental projects and beat tapes, which are available on all major streaming platforms. I am a Music Production Coach and I work with The Keep Spinning DJ Academy (AKAI MPC Classes) , Spin The Spectrum (we teach autistic/neurodivergent students how to make beats and DJ) , and Maker’s Gym (creative complex) in that capacity.

Beyond that, I offer one-on-one consultations and production mentorships. And for those in need of sound for visual media, I create custom tracks for film, TV, and commercials.

What sets me apart is my attention to detail and my ability to create music that truly resonates. I’m not just making beats—I’m building vibes and creating soundscapes. Whether it’s a smooth chillhop vibe, a soulful hip-hop beat, or a jazzy instrumental, every track I create is made with a deep respect for the art. I have an amazing team of co-producers that I work with and their amazing minds are part of the process – We build great music. Shoutout to Jordache Grant and Da Dreak, my teammates.

If you ask my fans, they’ll tell you my music has a way of sticking with you, like a conversation you keep replaying in your head. They’ll say it’s soulful, nostalgic, but also fresh—something that honors the past while staying firmly rooted in the present. And they’d be right. I want my listeners to feel something when they hear my music, to get lost in it, to find themselves in it.

My brand is built on integrity and passion. I’m not here to chase trends or make quick hits; I’m here to create timeless music that connects with people on a deeper level. I want my work to be a reminder that music is an art form, not just a commodity. So whether you’re a fan, an artist, or someone who’s just discovering my work, know that everything I create comes from a place of love, respect, and dedication to the craft.

If you’re here, you’re part of the journey. Let’s build something beautiful together.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my audience on social media by consistently sharing beats and giving people a glimpse behind the scenes of my creative process. I connect with fans through beat breakdowns, live sessions, and stories about what inspires me. Collaborating with artists, using hashtags like #chillhop and #lofisoul, and interacting with my followers regularly helped me grow. By staying authentic and offering value through music tips, exclusive previews, and real engagement, I cultivated a loyal and supportive community.

When you’re just starting out, focus on being consistent, authentic and ready to learn. Share your work regularly and show your process…people love seeing how things are made. Engage with your audience by replying to comments and messages. Collaborate with others in your niche, use relevant hashtags, and post content that adds value, like tips or behind-the-scenes moments. Stay patient and keep going, fam!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing how something you made connects with others. Whether it’s a beat that inspires, a song that moves someone, or a moment of recognition from fans, it’s knowing that your art has an impact. Turning ideas into something tangible and sharing passion with the world makes every challenge worth it. It’s about creating and connecting with the peoples.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jahborn.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jahborn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodLordJahBorn/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jahborn7
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jahborn