Some artists find a city. Others, the city finds them. For LJ1S, Memphis wasn’t part of the plan, but it was the reset he didn’t know he needed.
“I don’t think I chose Memphis. I think Memphis chose me,” he says.
Originally from Chicago, LJ1S arrived in the Bluff City during a pivotal moment in his life. The move pulled him away from old patterns and gave him space to start building something new. It didn’t take long for Memphis’ rich music community to wrap him up and make him feel at home.
His sound reflects that journey. Deeply soulful, full of emotional texture. The kind of music you feel in your chest.
“I’ve been told a lot over the years that my music… you can feel the soul in it. Memphis has a lot of soul, so I think that makes sense.”
❤️ From Fan to Family
LJ1S knew about UNAPOLOGETIC. from day one, meeting founder IMAKEMADBEATS early on.
“Since that moment, he’s been like a big brother,” he says. “Always invited me to be around.”
When the collective announced its internship program, LJ1S was at a crossroads. “It was now or never,” he decided. Out of the four interns who started, he was the last one standing. The experience sharpened his skills, but even more importantly, it cemented his place in a team where the chemistry was undeniable.
“I love everyone here. It legit felt like I was welcome. It was like a family. It just made sense.”
👀 An Epic First Impression
Before officially joining the crew, LJ1S witnessed a moment that captured what UNAPOLOGETIC. is all about: a producer showcase at Railgarten.
“It was CmaJor, IMAKEMADBEATS, and Kid Maestro performing on the train carts. It was pretty epic,” he recalls. That mix of creativity, city pride, and out-of-the-box execution left a mark, and it’s the energy he still sees at every UNAPOLOGETIC. event.
🚀 Looking Ahead
As UNAPOLOGETIC. hits the 10-year mark, LJ1S is ready for the next chapter.
“I’m excited to see what’s next. Even though I’m part of the team, I’m still a fan. It’s beautiful to see how everyone grows… everyone strives to be themselves.”
That’s the core of why UNAPOLOGETIC. works and why August 16 at UNAPOLOGETIC.10 is going to be one for the books.
📍 UNAPOLOGETIC.10
🗓 August 16, 2025 | 5–10PM
📍 Memphis Made Brewing Co. & The Ravine
💵 Free.00
Stay tuned to Choose901 for our UNAPOLOGETIC.10 Artist Spotlight Series, featuring more on LJ1S and his fellow creatives leading up to the big day.
