Boston Magazine has released its annual list of the 150 Most Influential Bostonians, naming Roxbury’s own Najee Janey among this year’s honorees. Known for blending rap, R&B, and production, Janey has built a steady presence within Boston’s music community.
In 2024, Janey released Break Free, a project that demonstrated his range across different styles. The EP contributed to his nomination for R&B Artist of the Year at the 2024 Boston Music Awards and helped expand his audience, which now includes over 12,500 Instagram followers and more than 1,800 monthly listeners on Spotify.
Janey’s work is rooted in his experiences growing up in Roxbury. Although he is the nephew of former Boston Mayor Kim Janey, his recognition stems from his own efforts. His music reflects the realities of his community, connecting personal narratives with broader themes across the city’s creative scene.
After learning he made the list, Janey shared a statement on Instagram, writing, “Thank You Boston Magazine for ranking me at 132 for ‘Boston’s Most Influential People’🙏🏾🙏🏾 Shout out to all the heavy hitters on the list as well. To even be mentioned with them is truly an honor🫡‼️ The grind don’t stop 🏃🏾♂️”
As Janey continues to release new music and engage with the city’s cultural landscape, his role within Boston’s creative community is expected to grow. His work remains closely tied to his neighborhood, offering a consistent voice within the broader conversation around Boston’s evolving music scene.
