Jonwayne went out with a bang in 2015 with songs like “Green Light,” featuring the since-exploded Anderson .Paak, and “Beacon.”
At that point, Jonwayne had retired.
Over the next two years, we’d get enough songs to barely get past counting on your first hand, but there were things larger than music the former Stones Throw signee had to focus on. Jonwayne had an alcohol addiction he needed to get control of.
In a note posted on Facebook, he described his darkest moment. On May 25, 2014, Jonwayne promised to never drink again, though it wasn’t as easy as saying it; he had to fully commit himself to getting sober. Thus, “I promptly removed myself from the community and went into exile,” he said in the note.
“In the process I alienated my friends and allies. Opportunity and security slipped through my fingers. Bridges were burned. Momentum screeched to a halt. I was scared. All which I’ve spent my entire adult life building seemingly came crashing down on me.”
Well, now it’s time to grow again.
Over the last nine months, the Cali rapper and producer has shared four songs — some made his new album, some didn’t. In the note, Jonwayne said he was scared. He showed that on “Out of Sight,” the first single from Rap Album Two, the properly named follow-up to his incredible Rap Album One. “Nobody pickin’ up the phone, makes me question if I ever did ’em wrong. Steady lying ’bout I’d rather be alone,” he rapped.
The new set of songs from Jonwayne aim to be as open as his direct messages on Twitter are, which he leaves open for people who struggle with addiction or mental illness to have a relatable voice.
Now independent and looking to gain back the momentum, Jonwayne’s Rap Album Two lands at 12 songs with features from Zeroh, Danny Watts and others. Check it out below and pick up a copy on Bandcamp/iTunes.
