Wiseboy Jeremy: Building a Legacy from South Jersey to the World
by Matthew Becerra
Wiseboy Jeremy is steadily carving his place in the modern rap landscape. Hailing from South Jersey, the rapper has grown from being a local artist with a dream to someone shaping his community and redefining independence in today’s music industry. With projects like "Pumpkin Seeds," a Roc Nation distribution deal, and collaborations with top-tier creatives, Jeremy is charting a path that is both authentic and inspiring.
From Isolation to Community
South Jersey isn’t often recognized as a cultural hub, but for Jeremy, it’s home. “When I was younger, there was zero community here,” he explained. “I felt like I had to work to create an infrastructure.” That groundwork has paid off. Today, Jeremy sees a thriving local scene that he helped build. “It’s beautiful now—everyone has their own thing going on. The foundation is there.”
Creating "Pumpkin Seeds"—Remotely
Jeremy’s latest album, "Pumpkin Seeds," stands as both a creative and personal milestone. Its success lies in its cohesive yet experimental sound, blending influences like Japanese jazz and ’70s soul. Surprisingly, the album was created entirely remotely, with producer Kirti and Jeremy trading beats and verses online.
“Kirti would send beats, and I’d send back drafts,” Jeremy said. “It was different—usually, I’d want to be in the same room with the producer.” Yet, the unique process helped the duo zero in on their collective vision, leading to standout tracks like “Do I Not” and “Over and Over.”
The remote collaboration didn’t stop Jeremy from injecting the project with his signature vulnerability. “Every album represents where I’m at in my life,” he explained. “With 'Pumpkin Seeds,' I felt like I was constantly in that chapter.” Now, as he moves forward, Jeremy is focusing on finding new inspiration for his next body of work.
The Visual Evolution
Jeremy’s artistry doesn’t stop at music. His approach to visuals is just as meticulous, with each video bringing something unique to the table. “I want to find what a director does best and focus on that for the video,” he shared.
For "Pumpkin Seeds," Jeremy worked with multiple directors who helped create the video for “Flow State.” The three-day shoot pushed Jeremy outside his comfort zone but underscored his growth as an artist. “It was the biggest production I’ve been on so far,” he said. “I just had to play my part and trust their vision.”
Whether it’s the fast-paced energy of “Over and Over” or the vibrant colors of “635,” each video reflects Jeremy’s desire to merge music and visuals seamlessly. “We’re all here for the love of music,” he said. “I’m just grateful to be part of these processes.”
Peers and Management
As Jeremy’s profile rises, so do the stakes. He’s part of a new wave of artists bridging the gap between underground and mainstream, and he’s watched peers like Ovrkast, Tommy Richman, and Wakai seize opportunities. “It’s like a rite of passage,” Jeremy reflected. “Eventually, people notice. You just have to keep your head down and work.”
Jeremy’s collaborations also highlight his growing stature. While most features on "Pumpkin Seeds" came from close friends like Wakai, working with an artist like Pink Siifu was a different experience. “We had to email back and forth with his management,” Jeremy explained. “It makes the process feel less personal, but it’s all part of growing as an artist.”
Jeremy’s distribution deal with Roc Nation marks a new chapter in his career. While he remains independent, the deal has given him the resources to expand his reach. “I didn’t need a label studio or anything like that,” he said. “I just needed someone to help market my music and get it out there.”
This partnership has allowed Jeremy to focus on the creative aspects of his work, from refining his sound to producing high-quality videos. It’s a balance he’s determined to maintain as he continues to grow.
What’s Next?
Jeremy is already thinking ahead to his next project. While he’s experimenting with new sounds and concepts, he’s clear about one thing: it has to be bigger and better than "Pumpkin Seeds." “I’ve seen the reception to this album,” he said. “If I can do this, I can do anything.”
He’s also eager to expand his visual repertoire, experiment with live shows, and collaborate with artists and bands like Stove God Cooks, Mos Def and bands from Mexico and other countries. “I just want to keep working and expanding the infrastructure,” he said.
Wiseboy Jeremy isn’t just making music—he’s creating a movement. With his roots firmly planted in Jersey soil and his eyes set on the world, he’s proving that authenticity and ambition can take you anywhere. “As long as you’re bringing yourself to the table, you’ll be good,” he affirmed.
For Jeremy, the table is a feast of creativity, and he’s serving up courses you won’t want to miss.
