It isn’t easy nowadays to build a brand of rap music that stands out from the sea of artists in the same genre. But one artist has succeeded at creating a unique sound and capitalizing on a backstory that sticks. His stage name is THEUNKNOWN, and he’s out to build strong momentum and solidify his place in the local and hopefully even national and global rap scene.
WoodJerry Brasier is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer who more popularly goes by his artist name, THEUNKNOWN. But there’s nothing “unknown” about him. He has succeeded at making his music known, that’s for sure, as his wavy vocals and outstandingly crafted lyrical plays and rhymes help build a strong case for his music.
Jerry grew up in Orange, New Jersey, and would later move to Boston, Massachusetts, in 2005. There, he started to discover his love and talent for music. THEUNKNOWN immersed himself extensively in other people’s music, gaining inspiration from personalities like Michael Jackson, 2pac, Biggy, Wu-tang Clan, Nas, Eminem, Outkast, G-unit, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, DMX, Kayne West, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, partynextdoor, Juice World, and many others. He started creating music publicly in 2011 with the stage name Kid JeRa, mostly publishing his music independently on online channels.
THEUNKNOWN gradually built up his brand and religiously put out content. However, nothing happened for him overnight as he put in the work and paid his dues. 2017 would be the big turning point for him as he would land on a sound that clicked with him and with a more extensive listenership, which is still the style he carries to this day. Yet he’s also not afraid to venture into new territory sound-wise. “I love the feel of switching up my sound, creating music in multiple different genres. that right there is what keeps me moving on the go,” THEUNKNOWN shares. “I also love opening up to my fans throughout every song, being able to switch up my flow on different beats in different genres.”
Later, THEUNKNOWN would contact Justin Kase, who would help him drop his first single under his new name. The song was entitled “Bass” and would get considerably phenomenal reception, especially on Soundcloud. He later released “Champion” in partnership with producer Azaleh. Other songs on his portfolio include tracks like “Paradise Falls,” “Don’t Hold Back,” “Better Off Alone,” “More Ringz,” and “Celebration,” to name a few others.
Today, THEUNKNOWN is currently working on a new album called Melancholic, which he hopes to release in 2022 if all things fall into place. Beyond his music, the artist also values authenticity above all else and readily shares his story with others regardless of what people think should be the norm. Accordingly, many have marked the motivation and inspiration attributed with his brand because THEUNKNOWN simply bares all. He’s not afraid of what other people feel and remains raw and honest in music and life.
Jerry hopes that more people will start listening to his music and appreciate his unique and authentic sound. More than the perks, fame, and fortune that accompany a music career, he hopes only to do what he loves most and create a legacy that way. Learn more about THEUNKNOWN by visiting his website and Spotify profile.
