OnlyJaleelSmith: A Good Time in Every Track
- Alexandria Anglade
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
Written by Alexandria Anglade
OnlyJaleelSmith’s journey began in childhood when he first picked up a guitar and discovered the beauty of sound and vibration. That early fascination grew into a deep love for music that never faded, only intensified over time. Today, it has become more than a passion; it is his life’s pursuit, and he is fully committed to making it the centerpiece of his future.
When it comes to creating music, OnlyJaleelSmith approaches each song with patience and intention. The process can take months, with countless hours of listening and refining. He admits he is not yet the most tech-savvy when it comes to production, so he relies heavily on his engineering team. The collaboration often begins with him bringing in a beat idea or receiving one from the team. Once the rhythm is selected, he fine-tunes it to match his vision.
His creative spark begins with a faint mental version of the song, almost like hearing it in the distance. As he works, the music becomes clearer and louder until it feels as real as if he were listening through headphones. The writing stage is the most meticulous, breaking down syllables and flow until everything aligns perfectly. After drafting rough versions to compare with his mental concept, he records final takes with more precision, mixing, and mastering until the track is ready for release.
He describes his sound simply as a good time, a blend of dancehall and trap, rap, and hip hop. Inspired by artists such as Popcaan and Ding Dong in dancehall and Lil Wayne and Eminem in rap, his style is rooted in fusing genres to create something vibrant and full of energy. While his influences span across many different styles of music, lyrics remain a central focus, and the power of words is something he always emphasizes in his craft.
More than anything, OnlyJaleelSmith wants his listeners to feel inspired to enjoy life. His music is about motivating people to live without regrets, to embrace the journey of self-improvement, and to create meaningful moments along the way. Each track carries his goal of encouraging people to chase experiences that make them feel alive while uplifting others whenever possible.
The road, however, has not been without its challenges. Learning to navigate the music industry, developing a trustworthy team, and securing funding have all been uphill battles.
He has dedicated years to studying the business side of music to avoid common pitfalls, and he has built his team by staying true to himself and fostering genuine partnerships. Funding remains a grind, but he reinvests his earnings back into his art, believing that steady progress, no matter how small, is worth the effort.
The most rewarding moment so far has been seeing his music go live. After all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices, having a project released to the world stands as proof that the journey is real and the dream is alive. Those moments of seeing the results of his effort are what drive him to keep pushing forward.
Looking ahead, OnlyJaleelSmith aims to expand his reach and have his music heard by audiences worldwide. He is inspired by the idea of strangers, people he has never met, choosing to play his songs and connect with them personally. Beyond music, he wants to begin building his legacy, leaving a mark that outlives him. With a focus on growth, creativity, and purpose, he is determined to use his path to make a real difference while continuing to inspire others through sound and vision.
Instagram: @onlyjaleelsmith
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