We were lucky to catch up with Jenae Inez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jenae, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I knew I wanted to pursue hip-hop when I was in kindergarten. Even as a kid, I knew I wanted to use my therapy as a way to entertain people. My mother was a rapper and extremely talented at it. Growing up, she would teach me to rap as a way of sharing her passion with me. Once I started attempting it on my own as a way to journal my emotions, I was hooked. I was five at the time, and to this day, I still feel the same way I did when I first started learning.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who may not be familiar with me, I’m Jenae Inez—an artist, storyteller, and creative dedicated to using music as a form of connection and healing. I got into hip-hop at a young age, inspired by my mother, who was a rapper herself. Music became my therapy, a way to process emotions and experiences, and over time, it evolved into my purpose.

Through my work, I create music that blends raw emotion, deep storytelling, and thought-provoking lyricism. Beyond just rap, I focus on crafting immersive experiences—whether through performances, visual storytelling, or events centered around community and mental health awareness. My goal is to provide something more than entertainment; I want my art to resonate with people on a personal level, making them feel seen and understood.

What sets me apart is my ability to merge vulnerability with strength, creating work that doesn’t shy away from darkness but instead embraces it with honesty. I’m most proud of the impact my music and storytelling have had—whether it’s helping someone through a tough time, starting meaningful conversations, or inspiring others to express themselves authentically.

At the core of everything I do is the belief that art should move people, and I want my fans and supporters to know that I’m committed to creating work that is both real and transformative. Whether it’s through my music, performances, or creative projects, my mission is to connect, inspire, and build something lasting.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Being busy is not a good thing.

When I transitioned out of the military, I threw myself into work, convinced that staying busy would keep the anxiety, depression, and PTSD at bay. I believed that if I just kept going, I could outrun it. But no matter how much I accomplished, the weight never lifted—it only got heavier. The turning point came when I realized that healing required stillness, honesty, and allowing myself to feel instead of just do. That moment reshaped how I approach my craft, my life, and my understanding of true strength.

Have you ever had to pivot?

There was a point in my life when I walked away from music, convinced that it wasn’t the right path for me. I thought if I focused on something more “practical,” I’d find fulfillment elsewhere. But no matter what I did, I kept feeling this pull back to my art. The turning point came when I realized that I would rap for free and still feel an overwhelming sense of joy. That’s when I knew I wasn’t just making music—I was living my purpose. That pivot back to my craft wasn’t just about returning to rap; it was about embracing what truly makes me feel alive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jenaeinez.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenaeinez
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenaeinez
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4pcgxd0mm9bMi1-49yLL5g
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jenaeinez