We Are Oaklandish: Jwalt

In his latest project, "How Love Grows," Bay Area artist Jwalt presents a heartfelt tribute to the town that raised him, Oakland. This album delves into themes of Black fatherhood, community healing, and personal reflection, sparking important conversations about love, growth, and legacy. In our "We Are Oaklandish" feature below, Jwalt shares the inspiration behind his new music, his evolving perspectives on fatherhood, and his favorite local spots, including his go-to order at 23rd Ave's Puerto Rican Street Cuisine. 

What is the inspiration behind “How Love Grows”? 

The inspiration behind How Love Grows is really my kids. After my daughter was born, I spent the first five months of her life journaling and writing poetry, reflecting on fatherhood—what it means to me, how the world often views Black fathers, and the kind of father I want to be. Through this project, I hope to help challenge those stereotypes and show a more honest, loving picture of Black fatherhood.

Did you always want to be a rapper/storyteller and when did you know that was your calling?

When I was really young, probably around 6 to 10 years old, I wanted to be a professional athlete. But when I was 8, I started performing poetry through the Oakland Unified School District’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Fest, and by 11 I had started rapping. The moment I performed one of my own songs for the first time in sixth grade, I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. From that point on, I was all in on becoming a professional artist and storyteller.

You’re a celebrity in your own right, but have you found yourself star struck meeting any particular celebrity recently?

I recently performed at and participated in Reggie Jackson’s Celebrity Golf Classic in Las Vegas, where I got to meet Lil Wayne. That was a surreal moment because he’s one of my favorite rappers and someone who helped shape an entire generation of artists. Being able to tell him how much of an influence he’s had on me was really special. Another person I was excited to meet was Dave Chappelle. He’s my favorite comedian, so getting the chance to meet him was a moment I’ll never forget.

What’s your favorite Oaklandish design/ item that you find yourself reaching for?

Ooh, that’s a tough one! There are a couple that I always find myself reaching for. I’d probably say the black-and-white Oaklandish varsity jacket with the white Oaklandish lettering on the front, or the white Oaklandish jersey I wore on the cover of my album Every Version of Me. Those have definitely been my go-to pieces over the years. But honestly, I have a feeling our new collaboration is about to take that top spot. Lol

You’ve spent a lot of time in NY, what are some of the similarities or places that made you feel like you were at home and cured some of your homesickness?

I think what helped the most was that so many of my friends from Oakland had moved to New York around the same time I did. I actually moved out there with some of my best friends from the town, so I always had a sense of home with me. I also spent a lot of time in Brooklyn and the Bronx. There were parts of both boroughs that reminded me of Oakland. It wasn’t the same, but there were moments where it definitely felt familiar, and that made being away from home a lot easier.

Which track on this new project are you most excited for people to hear?

I’m honestly excited for people to hear the entire project. It’s one of those albums that’s meant to be experienced from start to finish, with each piece building on the last, so it’s hard for me to pick just one. That said, I think a standout record is “Hood Like This,” featuring Bay Area Legend Mistah F.A.B. and San Francisco Poet Laureate Tongo Eisen-Martin. On that record, I personify fatherhood as a hood and explore what it means to grow up, parent, and love within that community. It’s one of the most unique records I’ve ever created, and I’m really excited for people to experience it.

What do you hope listeners gain from this project? 

More than anything, I hope people walk away with a deeper appreciation for fatherhood and the many forms love can take. I hope dads feel seen, heard, and reminded that being present matters. I also hope people who aren’t fathers can connect with the stories, reflect on their own families, and maybe even see Black fatherhood through a different lens. If this project starts conversations, helps someone heal, or inspires someone to love a little more intentionally, then I’ve done my job as an artist.

What was the turning point for you to address your own mental health and speak up about its importance?

The turning point for me was realizing that I wasn’t truly loving or pouring into myself. During my senior year of college, I was juggling a lot—traveling for my music career while trying to finish my final semester. I wasn’t getting enough sleep, I wasn’t eating well, and I wasn’t making my own well-being a priority. I’ve also struggled with anxiety and OCD, and there came a point where I knew I had to start taking care of my mental health in a more intentional way. As I began making those small changes and showing up for myself, I was also creating my album Every Version of Me. That’s when “Love Myself” was born. That song went on to become my first Top 100 charting record and the biggest song of my career. I think it resonated because it’s rooted in something so universal: before we can fully pour into others, we have to learn how to love and care for ourselves first.

What’s your favorite spot to eat at in the town, and what are you ordering?

Oooh, this is a question I could spend all day on. Laughs. I have a few spots, so I’m gonna have to give you a list.

One of my favorite taco trucks is Tacos Sinaloa on International, I’m ordering a carne asada burrito every time. If I’m in the mood for pho or Vietnamese food, I’m heading to Monster Pho for the Monster Rice Combo. Another favorite is Lucky Three Seven, where I’m getting the G Fire Rice Plate with chicken lumpia.

If I’m craving burgers, I’m either pulling up to Fast Times in West Oakland for an All-American Double Smash Burger with fries and their special sauce, or I’m stopping by Nawah Market in East Oakland for a chopped cheese.

And my newest favorite spot is Puerto Rican Street Cuisine on 23rd Ave. It might honestly be my favorite restaurant in the Bay right now. I’m ordering the chicharrón with arroz con gandules and a side of maduros every single time. Those are definitely my go to spots in the Town.

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Oakland is diverse and Oakland is proud. 'We Are Oaklandish' is a storytelling project created to highlight just that.

These are stories that shed light on the different experiences, memories, and opinions of the people in the city we all love. They are people who give our city its oddball spirit, its passion for justice, and its creative vigor. They lift us up with laughter, peace, nourishment, and authentic hard work. 

They make us proud to call this town our home. They are Oaklandish.

Read more: We Are Oaklandish

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