A soulful and chill night of hip-hop includes Jakhari and th…

Poetry itself is an exercise in expression where the only limitation is the strength of the character delivering it, and that person’s ability to be vulnerable. When rapper Jakhari Smith pairs his poetry with music, that degree of vulnerability feels further weighted by the soft and rhythmic performance of musicians. With Jakhari and the Squadd, these parts culminate in a visceral listening experience that will leave audiences more in touch with their own existences than they had walking into it.

Smith has been performing at open mics since early 2022, honing his craft and making connections in the various venues of Sacramento that he would frequent while establishing himself as a competent lyricist. It was during this time that he began rapping and singing with the accompaniment of live bands.

“The first time I ever performed with the band was at the end of August 2022, which was my first time [playing alongside] live instruments. Before that, it was just tracks, or just like one of my friends with a guitar,” Smith says. “I met the Lab Rats and then we did a show together in August, and then from there I was going to their Sunday sessions at the Torch Club, and then I just met a lot of different instrumentalists.”

His music emanates a relaxing atmosphere through the use of lo-fi beats with strong R&B influence supporting poetic rap lyrics that focus on family and the human experience. Real and emotional themes allow Smith’s soul to resonate through the songs, unencumbered by the insecurities and projection that commonly cloud the human condition. Although most audiences will find this music pleasing, fans of J. Cole will appreciate the similar musical styling, and fans of the late Tupac Shakur will value his storytelling. Similar to the latter musician, Smith’s inspirations are drawn from his family, as well as his drive to capture his thoughts.

“My life has been centered around my family since I was little. My family is very tight-knit, and one of the reasons why I even started writing and making music in the first place was after my grandfather passed away. That was the push,” Smith says. “I started journaling and writing my thoughts out, and from there I was with my mom, my sister and my family. Through whatever is going on, I always know I have them to lean back on, and that’s why I put so much of that energy into my work.”