From Psychosis to Musical Freedom

From Psychosis to Musical Freedom: The Journey of JNabe

JNabe’s journey is one of extraordinary transformation—from battling the depths of psychosis to finding his voice as a rising artist in the music industry. Raised in a traditional Asian American household, his early life was shaped by intense pressure and an unspoken expectation of perfection. Over time, that pressure manifested into a mental health crisis that doctors feared he might never recover from. But against all odds, JNabe fought his way back to reality.

It was during this time—through hospitalization, introspection, and recovery—that music became more than a form of expression. It became his salvation. Inspired by the individuals he met during his stays in various psychiatric hospitals, JNabe channeled his experiences into songwriting. With a grounded sense of humility and a commitment to "always paying it forward," he began building a new life—one built on authenticity, healing, and sound.

A Chance Encounter That Sparked a Career

One seemingly ordinary day would change everything. While visiting a Guitar Center in Overland Park, Kansas, JNabe checked the community board and spotted a business card for GFM Recording Studios. On a whim, he cold-called the studio’s owners, Brian and Nic, and asked for an internship. Impressed by his initiative and determination, they invited him in—and ultimately brought him on as a studio assistant.

This opportunity marked the beginning of JNabe’s formal education in music. He immersed himself in the creative process, learning from local Kansas City artists and observing the magic of writing, recording, and producing music firsthand. Under the mentorship of Brian and Nic, he learned the fundamentals of music production and what it takes to be a working professional in the industry.

One Hundred Songs and One Life-Changing Connection

For two years, JNabe dedicated himself to writing and recording over 100 songs. Most, by his own admission, weren’t up to industry standard—but they were critical to his growth. His persistence eventually led him to connect with Sh3, a well-respected Toronto-based songwriter, engineer, and singer. Through Sh3, JNabe was introduced to Nawlage 2k5, a seasoned artist and producer based in Tampa, Florida.

Their initial consultation proved pivotal. Nawlage offered direct, professional feedback that reshaped the way JNabe approached music. Eventually, the two collaborated on JNabe’s first dancehall track, Dance Tonight, a creative partnership that led to Nawlage executive producing JNabe’s debut album, Namegah. Their professional relationship deepened, evolving into a manager-artist partnership.

With Nawlage’s guidance, JNabe went on to release two additional albums—Hotter Than Wasabi and Legacy—and filmed his first music video in collaboration with PDQ and Phosfate Kidz. As his sound developed, so did his audience, with a growing fanbase emerging in cities like Tampa, Lawrence, Kansas City, and Albuquerque.

Looking Ahead: Building a Legacy

Now equipped with his own recording studio, JNabe continues to create music that reflects his personal growth and artistic evolution. Drawing from the lessons learned at GFM Recording Studios and the mentorship of Nawlage, he remains committed to professionalism, discipline, and collaboration.

JNabe’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is not only possible—it can be transformative. From the depths of psychosis to a flourishing career in music, his path is one paved with resilience, authenticity, and an unwavering belief in the power of art. As he looks to the future, JNabe isn’t just creating music—he’s building a legacy.