JRok IMB: Rising above the stigmas of reality TV and putting it all into the music
- Greg Lewis
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
By: Greg Lewis @Greg.l.lewis
Published on April 2, 2025,12:00p.m. EST
JRok IMB is a rapper and reality television personality from Jennings, a small town in St. Louis, Missouri.
“I feel if you can survive here, you can survive anywhere. I’m not gone lie, St. Louis is a hating ass city and it’s sad cause this city is what made me who I am; but it’s some people here that would jam with you to the wheels fall off.”
The artist started writing music around 12-years-old along side the other multiple talents that he has.
According to the rapper, he’s always been an entertainer. The entertainer was involved with stepping, talent shows and played football back in school.
“Kevin Gates was my favorite rapper and made me want to start rapping.”
Q. You released your first debut project titled “Back 2 Back” on all streaming platform back in 2022. Tell us, what inspired this project and who produced it?
“By that time, I already was at 19k on YouTube and my fanbase was growing. My first viral video on YouTube hit over 250k and I always told them I wanted to be a rapper.”
“My subscribers have been telling me to drop but I know it wasn’t the right time in 2018.”
Around 2022, I wanted to give them something. My old engineer produced it, and it was just a glimpse into my life, a little bit at that time.”
Q. You followed up with another released titled “Taurus” in 2025, including songs such as Cause & Effect, Aint Hard and Fresh Cut to name a few. Tell us, what inspired this project and who produced it?
“This project I feel like I found my sound. That’s a big thing with this music sh*t, I know you must be distinct.”
“After losing my first channel in 2022 I was kind of losing hope, but getting on the show ‘Two Ways with Erica Mena’ at the end of 2024 brought my confidence back.”
“I’m not gone lie. I been holding off on releasing because I wanted it to mean something and have an impact at the right time and that’s what I did.”
Q. What’s your take on artist development… do you think it’s enough of that going on in the music industry or a lack there of?
“My take on artists development is develop yourself first, don’t let them develop you.”
“Everything I did was all me. I made them doors open, and you really don’t know exactly what to do but it will come naturally.”
Q. You recently made your television debut on Erica Mena’s reality TV show titled “Two Ways with Erica Mena,” on Zeus Network. Tell us, what was that experience like for you?
“My experience filming was a lot, I can’t even describe it, but I wouldn’t change it for nothing. When I was filming, I was at my best.”
“I was around people that saw my light and my vision and didn’t try to dim it. Reality TV is not easy though. I’m just grateful and proud of myself for setting a goal and doing it.”
Q. You also auditioned for “Bad Boys.” Rumor has it, the show will be returning to the network. Would you join the cast if offered the opportunity? If so, why?
“To keep it a buck, if it’s Right. Not saying no at all, but reality TV is a lot but I’m learning to not limit myself. So sh*t, yeah if the paper right.”
Q. What are some common misconceptions about you?
“That I’m dumb or that I don’t know what I’m doing. It’s like, if I didn’t know what I’m doing, how would I’ve have gotten so far at my age and this not even the last stop….It’s a lot more to come.”
Q. Do you think reality tv has the power to overshadow your music due to the stigmas and drama that surround reality TV and their personalities?
“Yes, I do, that’s crazy because I was just talking to my barber about this and people who don’t do reality TV don’t know how it takes a toll on what you do outside of it sometimes.”
“If I’m banging with these ni**as every episode and I just drop a single, I promise you they going to be more focus on the drama.”
“You got to set yourself up the right way.”
“Look at DDG, ni**as compared me to him all the time but even though it was hard he transitioned from YouTuber to rapper. Cardi B did it smoothly, two seasons and then she started focusing on music. When your fans rock with you, they’re going to follow in anything you do.”
Q. What can your supporters expect from you for the rest of 2025?
“More music, more shows and more content and I.M.B going Up.”
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