Christian Rap and Boy Bands Served as Unlikely Inspirations for Jeanomusic

As the rap game continues to widen in Miami — showcasing a spectrum of new talent ranging from Robb Banks to Denzel Curry — one South Florida artist is banking on his unique style to make him stand out from the rest. Jeanomusic, or simply Jeano — a Haitian-born MC — found his musical inspiration close to home.

“My brother, he used to be in a Christian rap group back in Palm Beach County,” Jeano says. “I used to always sneak into little clubs where he would perform, and I always looked up to him. That’s how I really got into rap.”

Although Jeano has roots in Palm Beach County, he currently lives in Miami. His love affair with music extends as far back as grade school. “In the fifth grade, I picked up music,” he says. “I never really had any musical talents. I didn’t know how to play the piano, the drums, the guitar, or any of that stuff. But I was always a big fan of the Backstreet Boys, ‘NSync… I’m going to be honest with you, they were my inspirations.”

Recently, the 27-year-old released his newest single, “Paradise Train 2.” While Jeano’s music is a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and pop, he’s determined not to be confined to one sound or genre.

“Free” is the word he chooses to describe his music. “There shouldn’t be a label on music, I feel. God gave me the talent to be able to sing R&B, do pop the next day, and the next week, do rap. So I think [my music] is just a mix of all of that.”

Pursuing a career in any genre isn’t easy in Miami, where big-name acts tend to dominate all the space, leaving only scraps for up-and-comers. It hasn’t dampened Jeano’s outlook, though. The singer is extremely optimistic that his style of creativity will be a force to be reckoned with.

“My mother always told me, no matter what, don’t worry about fitting in,” he says. “My focus is really on being myself. I plan on continuing to do what I do. If I fit in, I fit in. But I prefer to just be in my own lane.”