We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacobi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacobi, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I am all about taking risks when it comes to my music career. I worked as a computer programmer for 6 years, I was financially stable and “comfortable”, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. So, at the end of 2016, I decided to quit that job, pack up and move across the country from Alabama to California. I had no job lined up, no place to stay, no plan, NOTHING. I just knew I wanted to pursue music full time and I wasn’t gonna let fear hold me back. If I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I recently toured the country with Tyler Perry and I don’t believe that would have happened if I stayed in Alabama and was still working as a computer programmer. I wouldn’t be releasing music like I am now either. I’m now living in my purpose. I’ve had much success thus far with my career and it’s only up from here.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a singer/songwriter/musician. I started singing when I was about 6 years old. I grew up singing in the church and developed a strong love for it at an early age. I always knew I would become a professional singer. I started playing the piano when I was 15 and then I wrote my first song at 18. I wanted to go straight into the music industry after graduating high school, but I was encouraged to go to college and get my degree and I’m so glad I did. So many people have told me I should audition for American Idol or the Voice or they ask why haven’t I, but little do they know, I’ve auditioned for basically every singing competition tv show to no avail. Whenever I would audition and get a “NO”, I would get more and more discouraged. I really thought that was the only way I was going to make it and the fact that I wasn’t “good enough” for the shows made me feel like I wasn’t good enough to be a singer/artist. But as I’ve gotten older, I realize those shows are not just about talent. They’re entertainment shows and they want stories and drama and everything in between. When I first moved to LA, within that first year, I was so lost. I had no idea where I was headed professionally. I started to lose my way and eventually lost focus. Nothing made sense and it felt like it was a mistake to quit my great paying job and move to LA without any preparation. But thankfully, that feeling went away and got my focus back. I’m too passionate about music to be doing anything else. The journey wasn’t easy, but I’m glad it wasn’t because it makes me appreciate everything that much more. I am an R&B artist, but moreso R&B/Pop – offering Pop infused R&B sounds. Just think of me as a black Charlie Puth or Shawn Mendes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, the only places we can go to now are in my apartment lol.. but prior to the lockdown, there are so many places I could take them. It really depends on what they want to do. I love food so we would check out lots of different restaurants. When it’s time to have some fun and go out, West Hollywood is a good place for that. If they want to do some sight seeing, I would take them to the Hollywood sign, get those classic pics with that – Hollywood Blvd to see all the stars on the strip – Possibly hiking in the hills and canyons. We’d go to one of the many beaches in the area. A nice little game night at the apartment is always a good move too. There really isn’t much that couldn’t be done, so whatever they’re into, I’d make happen.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a few people to thank, starting with my family. My parents and my sister Nicole are so supportive of my music career. Having their support means the world to me and it makes me want to go even harder. My sister has traveled to a few auditions with me and has been by side the entire time. One of my closest friends, Shondra, also deserves some recognition. We met when I was working as a computer programmer and we clicked instantly. She started helping me with my local music career, handling my bookings and other business affairs. She will always be a part of my team. Another person who deserves some recognition is my boy Mike. We met on tour with Tyler Perry and he has been rocking with me ever since. He’s now taken on the role of handling all of my business affairs and has helped out my career so much. And lastly, all of my supporters. They are another reason why I love what I do and why I go so hard. To have people in your corner and on your side is such an amazing feeling and I will always be grateful for everyone who supports me.

Website: https://www.jacobimusiconline.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobimusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacobimusiconline

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jacobimusiconline

Image Credits
Sheri Angeles

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.