Some artists just write songs. Others use music to make sense of life-changing moments. For Lincoln-based rapper and songwriter JOHKES, music has become both therapy and testimony.
Originally from Leicester and now based in Lincoln, JOHKES has been writing since the age of nine, crafting raw, honest hip-hop that blends emotional storytelling, melodic hooks and sharp flashes of dark humour. His music refuses to stay in one lane, moving effortlessly between deeply personal reflections and wry observations about life’s most difficult moments.
A pivotal chapter in his life came in 2023 following a serious road traffic accident that left him in a coma. The experience reshaped not only his life but also his creative direction. Emerging from that ordeal, his songwriting became increasingly focused on his recovery, family, grief, guilt, forgiveness and identity.
These experiences form the foundation of his forthcoming album, Peace I Can’t Wake To, a 14-track project inspired by the unusual contrast between the peace he recalls from unconsciousness and the complicated reality of the life he returned to. It’s an intensely personal record that explores trauma and healing while finding unexpected moments of humour in even the darkest situations.
You might like
Drawing inspiration from artists including Eminem, NF, Juice WRLD, Ren and Post Malone, JOHKES creates music that balances vulnerability with authenticity. His lyrics delve into emotional depths without becoming overbearing, often using black humour to navigate difficult subject matter rather than separating tragedy and comedy into different worlds.
In an era where authenticity most of the time feels manufactured, JOHKES offers something genuinely real. His music is unfiltered, emotionally intelligent and rooted in lived experience. Whether he’s reflecting on recovery, family bonds or the strange humour that can emerge from life’s toughest moments, he creates songs that feel personal without losing their universal appeal.
Recommended Tracks
Lost Boy
A perfect introduction to JOHKES’ sound. Vulnerable, melodic and rich in storytelling, it showcases the emotional honesty that runs throughout his catalogue.
Umbrella
An emotional and reflective track that uses rain as a metaphor for feeling overwhelmed while still finding the strength to keep moving forward.
Forget You
Darker and more introspective, this song offers insight into the personal struggles and themes that feed directly into his upcoming album.
