JusMike Fuses Cultures and Eras in New Single “Verbs Over Herbs”
Parlier, California — At just 19 years old, independent rapper Michael Hernandez, known professionally as JusMike, is making waves from the Central Valley’s Fresno County. His latest single, “Verbs Over Herbs,” is a testament to his innovative approach to music, blending old-school hip-hop vibes with contemporary sounds, all while infusing elements of his Mexican heritage.
“Verbs Over Herbs” was inspired by jev.’s track “Jays (Session ’17).” JusMike aimed to capture a similar essence, creating a song that listeners can enjoy while relaxing alone or with friends. The track features a raza-inspired intro, paying homage to his cultural roots and offering representation of his ethnicity in a genre that often overlooks it.
The single also includes a collaborative outro with his brother, adding a personal touch to the project. “It was a fun song to create,” JusMike shared. “I wanted to make something that not only resonates with people but also represents where I come from.”
When it comes to songwriting, JusMike approaches his music with a spiritual mindset. He meticulously crafts his lyrics to fit perfectly with the beat, striving to create a unique flow and rhythm that’s entirely his own. “I always wanted to make my own flow so no one can say, ‘Oh, that’s a Future-type flow or that rhythm sounds like Tyler, The Creator,'” he explained.
While he hasn’t ventured deeply into beat production yet, he’s actively practicing and experimenting. His goal is to ensure that his lyrics and the beat are in perfect sync, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Influences and Inspirations
JusMike’s musical style is shaped by a diverse array of artists. Influential figures like Kendrick Lamar, MF DOOM, Tyler, The Creator, Kanye West, jev., and Isaiah Rashad have impacted his approach to hip-hop. On the R&B side, artists like Brent Faiyaz and Daniel Caesar have contributed to his lyrical depth.
“They helped shape how lyrically I rap in my bars,” he said. “I used a bit of their sound and wanted to add a spice of my culture into creating a whole new sound. It’s kinda like how Travis Scott did it, but I knew I had to create my own sound that no one has heard of.”
Like many independent artists, JusMike faces challenges, particularly in marketing his music. Financial constraints have made it difficult to promote his songs through playlists and social media promotions. “I had to get my songs into playlists, which cost a lot after you get checked if your music is good or not,” he noted.
Despite these hurdles, he remains determined to share his music with a broader audience, relying on organic growth and word-of-mouth promotion.
Milestones
One of the most significant moments in JusMike’s budding career was the release of his first single, “No Heart.” The track garnered positive feedback, with listeners praising his skill and potential. Even industry insiders took notice of his talent.
“It really hit me,” he recalled. “I remember listening to Tyler, The Creator’s song ‘GONE, GONE / THANK YOU,’ where the guy says, ‘I hate wasted potential,’ and it clicked for me. I knew I didn’t want to be like that. I knew I had to be a genius.”
A Message of Hope and Ambition
JusMike is driven by a desire to break stereotypes and inspire others. Coming from a Mexican background, he aims to challenge preconceived notions about his community. “I didn’t want to be a stereotype where a Mexican works in the fields or some other dumb thing,” he stated. “I hated that, and I knew I had to work hard towards my music.”
He seeks to inspire people through his music, emphasizing that with hard work and faith, anything is possible. “I want to get the message of hope into my songs,” he said. “You have to take risks in life to be successful.”
Fans can expect more innovative music from JusMike in the near future. He plans to blend elements of old-school hip-hop with modern styles, creating a unique soundscape. A new single is set to release on the 27th of this month, and he’s excited for listeners to experience what’s next.
Discover More of JusMike’s Music
- Spotify Profile: JusMike on Spotify
- Instagram Page: @jusmike559
- “Verbs Over Herbs”: Listen on Spotify
- “No Heart”: Listen on Spotify
With his passion, unique style, and dedication, JusMike is an artist to watch. His commitment to his craft and his culture sets him apart in a crowded industry, and his future in music looks promising.
