Santa Ana rap music icon Jay Taj is carving out his path in hip-hop, despite not being raised on the genre. With a newfound passion for rap that emerged in his teens, Taj’s recent success on Netflix’s Rhythm and Flow and the release of a fresh EP signal that the 33-year-old artist could be the next breakout star from Orange County.
“I’m continuing to just push the boundaries when it comes to being an artist,” Taj said. “And I’m definitely going to carry the city on my back until the day that I die.”
Taj, of Chamorro (Guam) descent, rose to prominence after securing second place on season 2 of Netflix’s Rhythm and Flow, a highly competitive hip-hop reality show. The season, which debuted on November 20 and aired its final episode in early December, saw Taj face off against over 30 talented rappers. His performance was judged by some of the biggest names in the hip-hop industry, including DJ Khaled, Ludacris, Latto, and guest judge Eminem.
Reflecting on his journey, Taj shared his initial doubts about being chosen for the show. “I submitted some audition videos, rapping and doing the typical song and dance of auditions for a TV show. I wasn’t confident at all that they were going to be into me,” he confessed. “I was 32 years old, I’m racially ambiguous, I sound like a Black dude, I look like a Mexican, and I’m covered in Samoan tattoos,” he laughed.
Despite his early reservations, Taj’s appearance on Rhythm and Flow has cemented his place in the hip-hop world. His story of perseverance and self-belief reflects his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an artist. As he looks ahead, Taj is determined to represent his hometown and continue his rise in the music industry.
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