Jacob Woloshin is a Memphis born and bred hip-hop artist and radio personality who has made a name for himself through his unique music and radio programs.
Woloshin, 21, said he started discovering his interest in hip-hop at a young age due to his stepfather's musical interest in legendary rappers Eazy-E, Biggie and TuPac, which a young Woloshin would hear echoing around his house throughout his childhood.
"Growing up I always liked poetry. It was a way for me to express myself just through lyrics," Woloshin, a sophomore broadcast journalism major, said. "I started writing my own lyrics in middle school. I was always a vocal kid, so I started singing and rapping to my own lyrics."
Woloshin's brother and future producer, Nathan Woloshin, approached him in spring of 2011, offering to help further his brother's rapping career by producing and paying for Woloshin to record a studio album. The Woloshin brothers started their first project soon after.
"It took us like half of a year, but we finally came up with an album and 'May I?' was made," Jacob said.
With Jacob's lyrics and his brother's beats, the duo released Jacob's debut album, "May I?" in January of 2012. The record was distributed free through SoundCloud, an online music website, and still remains available for free downloading.
The record draws on classic hip-hop foundations and adds a new age flow. The clever beats are equipped with suave guitar riffs wrapped in lightning-speed charisma. The choruses are delivered with retrospective lyrics of past loves and competitive natures.
"If you really listen to the album, you can tell I worked really hard on it. It's cool that I've gotten some recognition for it but really I'm just proud of the fact that I put something out there that I'm just proud of," Jacob said. "It was fun for me, and I think if you enjoy hip-hop and good rap music, you'll like it."
For the next year, Jacob performed live at notable Memphis venues such as Crosstown Arts and The New Daisy to help promote his first album and was featured on several other Memphis artists' songs.
"Rapping was never something I thought would take me anywhere," Jacob said. "I did it for fun. I picked it up and I happened to be good at it and people happened to look at me and notice the talent. It's still an ever growing journey, and I'm still waiting on what people are going to say."
In fall of 2012, the emcee left his hometown to go to school at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville where he continued to push his musical career and fan base. However, when Jacob returned to the University of Memphis for his sophomore year, his priorities in entertainment shifted.
Jacob, along with his brother Nathan, started a radio show in the summer of 2013 at 91.7 WUMR the Jazz Luvr at the U of M. "The Brothers Woloshin" became one of the station's more popular shows, earning some of the station's best time slots.
"I think the station itself is a beacon for great music, let alone a great opportunity for any students to learn about media production or to just get the chance to be on the air," Jacob said. "On our show, we tried to play the best big band and contemporary jazz. Me and my brother produce good chemistry together - we can talk and make jokes and put on a good show."
Jacob is the son of Dave Woloshin who has been a Tiger's sports broadcaster for the past 25 years and also has his own radio show on Sports 56 WHBQ AM 560. Jacob cites his father's career as having a huge impact on his own personal aspiration.
"Growing up and watching my dad, I developed a passion for sports and being involved with them," Jacob said. "Being a sports broadcaster is something I always thought I would be able to make a decent living with and be happy being in life."
Soon after working at WUMR, Jacob began making his goals a reality by working at the sports desk for the station, covering many of the U of M's sports teams. He eventually worked his way up to the sports director for the station.
"Anyone who wants to be part of the sports desk comes to me, and I'm kind of responsible for guiding them and making sure that they're successful at what they want to do," Jacob said.
While "The Brothers Woloshin" radio show is currently on hold until this upcoming summer due to the brothers' conflicting schedules, Jacob can still be heard on air during the WUMR "Sports Desk" show which airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 8:35 to 9.
Jacob said being from Memphis is indicative to his passion for hip-hop and rap music as well as his love for covering and participating in sports.
"I got really lucky that I'm in the position that I am now," Jacob said. "Not only with the music I make, but the chance to follow the dream I've had since I was a little kid by interacting with athletes and helping to bring the real story of what is going on and who these athletes really are."
Jacob Woloshin has started to pave several versatile paths for his future ranging from an up-and-coming musician, a DJ and a sports journalist, but he is continuing to push forward in all aspects of his still blossoming careers.
Although Jacob loves writing lyrics, his primary passion is sports broadcasting.
"I would really love to do both, to be in a comfortable place where I could not only be a sports broadcaster, but make music on the side," Jacob said. "I would love to be a superstar rapper but I try to be as realistic as I can be about it."
Jacob and his brother plan to release another record this upcoming summer and for those interested in his previous album, "May I?" visit soundcloud.com/jacobwoloshin.
