On the latest episode of the Bounceback podcast, Boston-born artists Blessencee and Jah 2X sit down with host B-Luke to trace the powerful path from athletes to aspiring rap stars. It’s a raw, motivational conversation touching on everything from grief and growth to music, mentorship, and mental health.
The two artists first connected in high school, bonding in a broadcasting class where Blessencee was freestyling. Both were standout athletes—Blessencee in basketball, Jah 2X in football—and made the move from Boston to Quincy to escape the pull of the streets. “We were ballin’ before we were rappin’,” they say, reflecting on early childhood dreams and the discipline sports instilled in them.
But the transition from the field to the mic came with personal losses. Blessencee opens up about the passing of his father, calling it a “pain nothing else compares to.” Jah 2X recalls losing both his grandmother and uncle—who was also a rapper—and how those moments shaped his outlook. Raised in single-mother households, both artists credit their moms for helping them stay grounded.
Their music journey began over a decade ago with SoundCloud drops and birthday party performances. Their breakout track “Talk Down” caught the attention of teachers and opened doors for college shows, eventually leading them to stages like UMass Amherst’s extravaganza. Now, they’re working on a collaborative project titled Make Music Fun Again—an intentional pivot away from clout-chasing and back toward authenticity.
Blessencee is also working on a solo tape titled Told You, laced with Caribbean and Nigerian sounds. While he takes the lead on performance, Jah 2X steps in as creative support and management, helping with visuals and studio logistics. Together, they emphasize accountability, saying their success comes from constantly pushing each other.
“Music is therapy,” they stress. Rather than mimic the violence often glorified in hip-hop, they aim to tell stories of growth, loss, and love. Their influences range from Kanye West and Meek Mill to rising names like No Cap, Nick Bugs, and local legends like Millyz and Joyner Lucas. They also speak candidly about Boston’s music scene—packed with talent but held back by internal conflict and lack of unity.
Beyond music, the two are building a lifestyle brand called WWT (Who Would Have Thought) and staying tapped in with fitness, family, and creative discipline. Jah 2X—now a father—finds fuel in doubt and hate, while Blessencee says, “Don’t be afraid to try—people only respect the ones who attempt.”
The episode closes with an a cappella freestyle from Jah 2X that cuts deep into themes of faith, loyalty, and resilience—solidifying what the whole conversation proves: for this duo, the bounce back is just the beginning.
