Jamaican Artist Storming America!

NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ Jel.Ani Official Website) - Upon first glance he is distant, mind wandering in the clouds as he submerges himself in an ocean of thought. A tall, lean character lost in a time too unfamiliar for him to completely grasp. His fro never completely round, glasses never completely straight, and style distinctly different - meet Jel.Ani, the artist you've never heard. Birthed in the heart of New York City into a large religious family and son of Jamaican parents, Jelani quickly became fond of music, art, and writing.
His fathers love for music and the arts was constantly present in his environment. Records and casette tapes became ambience, and the lights of the city became a stage. Jelani relocated with his family to Atlanta during his childhood, marking the first transitional period during his life.

As the years passed, Jelani became heavily active in the arts - first playing the Jazz Clarinet (for 4 years), then picking up Dance (3 years), and finally guitar. Meanwhile, writing short stories, prose, and poetry which would eventually lead to songwriting and spoken word. The foundation was built, and the growth began when Jelani auditioned and was accepted into the Dekalb School of Performing Arts. It was his first time being exposed to many different groups of people, all united through the arts.
In 2004 Jelani graced the stage of the Hip Hop Appreciation Week Awards held in Atlanta; performing a piece that garnered attention in the short-run underground "Neo" Magazine.
The event marked the beginning of a string of events in which Jelani would begin to nurture and develop himself as a productive human first, and an innovative artist second.
Fast forward to 2006 - High School Graduation. Jelani made another significant transition, on the dawn of his 18th birthday, he packed up and said goodbye to Atlanta. Relocating by himself to Chicago for college. However once in the Windy City, Jelani realized that there was a new problem to face - the 21+ factor.
Determined to continue his artistic endeavors, Jelani remained silent and worked on honing his craft & strengthening his ability while he waited. 200 songs, endless poems, numerous canvases, and four videos later - Jelani finally emerges. Out of the shadows and into the light. It is in this moment that all things become clear - stop existing and start living.