Jae Preme

Hip-Hop is all about expressing culture, experiences and life. The only way one can do this successfully in a sea of competition is not just rap or even sing about it but be passionate about it. Reliving the words and relaying these experiences to an audience is key. Jae Preme is a new key in the world of Hip Hop today. Jae Preme’s unparalleled perspective brings his heart and soul through the microphone to the audience.

Jae Preme’s passion comes from a life we can call ‘lost and found.’ Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1986, Jermane “Jae Preme” Beckford was raised along with his older brothers and sister by both his mother and father. One of the worst parts of Brooklyn called Bushwick was where Jae Preme and his family called home during the 1980’s-1990.

Bushwick fell hard and fast in the 1970’s. The New York City blackout of 1977 caused citywide rioting, looting, and fires in and around the majority of Bushwick. The damage to Bushwick was significant. Because of this in the 1980’s and 1990’s Bushwick was labeled “New York City’s poorest neighborhood.” During that time rats ravaged the city of Bushwick labeling it the “rat capital.” Unfortunately improvements to the city would prove unsuccessful in warding off crime, youth gang violence and particularly the crack epidemic.

Preme’s parents’ strong belief in Christ was the structural basis of teaching in his home. Although his family did not attend church regularly his parents would often send him to church with neighbors. Preme’s adolescent years proved challenging as his blatant departure from his childhood teachings was becoming more and more apparent. Preme’s infatuation with the street life (nice cars, fresh kicks and clothes) led to an unending cycle of trouble.

Basketball and Hip Hop seemed the only ways of making it out of the “hood.” As with many of the kids in Preme’s neighborhood he began playing basketball and rhyming. It was at the age of eight Preme developed a genuine interest in Hip Hop. Preme developed his talent for years battling in school lunchrooms, street corners and anywhere an opportunity presented itself. Preme’s pursuit in a full-time rap career began after his gift was revealed during a talent show at his high school William H. Maxwell. From the crowd’s reaction, Preme knew for sure music was his calling.

Preme’s pursuit in music did not stop him from his unending trouble with the street life. Preme’s parents decided to change his environment hoping to set him on the right track. His family relocated to Orlando, FL in 2003 when Preme was seventeen. The move proved to be beneficial for Preme. He was on the right track and worked hard to clean his life up.

Only a year later Preme found himself in a deep depression and back into the street life when his father died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm. His father’s support was like none other he’d known. Unfortunately years after this nothing could pull him out of this lifestyle until his encounter with Christ. Preme’s encounter with Christ sparked an irreversible change in him unrecognizable to those who knew him.

Preme now uses his gift of music to glorify God. Preme shares the gospel’s truth in the paralleled reality of the youth who are living the same way he once did. Preme is working on his debut album entitled “Life Investment” with producer Edsoulja. Together they created Steady Grind Empire Music Group. This group reaches the youth and environments they once were apart of destroying. It is Preme and Edsoulja’s hope God will use them to touch the ends of the earth.