Today we’d like to introduce you to Julio Mook.
Hi Julio, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born & raised in Dayton, Ohio. Specifically the west side of Dayton, Jefferson Township (Uptown). I come from a long line of musicians & artists in my family. I started writing my own music at the age of 8 years old & recording in studios by 12-13. My older sister played a huge role in my earlier days as far as writing & recording, also an artist who engineered all of our music as well. Throughout my teenage years, music was just a part of my everyday lifestyle.
Although there were times I strayed away I always came back to it. I did a number of shows locally & out of state.
Fast forward to about 2010-11 is when I started to take my career more seriously. Rapping was something I did with a few of my close friends just for fun but I realized I could really be something with it so I moved to Orlando & met up with some homies also from Dayton & we took off. CEO Peso, Mike Mane, Jayohh & myself started shooting visuals, recording every day, and really putting ours all into the mission.
From there it’s been many ups & downs obstacles, and losses but the mission still remains & I’m grateful that God has kept us through those times. My best friend/brother blakethealien plays a tremendous role in my current career, not only as my producer & business partner but someone who really pushes me as a man as well as an artist.
I started my own clothing brand/merch in 2020. It’s called THE UPTOWN BRAND & it’s a direct representation of where I come from, the style & fashion that we carry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely been a journey. Although I came from an amazing family I also come from a place where violence is just a part of life. Never glorifying it, it just became something I/we learned to deal with. I’ve lost a number of friends during this process and I can’t even count the number.
That can definitely take a toll on one’s mind. I put a lot of that into my music. My second project released in 2018 was titled “Therapy” because that’s what my music is for me. It’s my real life, my experiences…. It helps me deal with some of the traumas I’ve been through.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Father, writer, recording artist, and business owner.
I’m most known for my music. I’ve been into music for well over 10 years. It’s taken me all over the world & introduced me to some amazing people. I feel what sets me apart from others is my authenticity, my vulnerability & delivery. I’m okay with opening up to my flaws, losses, and mistakes but also what I learned from those mistakes/experiences. I’m most proud of my willingness to keep going.
I’ve had really dark times & I thank God he brought me through them & gave me the gift to express them through my music & touch or inspire others. I’ve had many people over the years tell me how my music has helped them. I’m also most proud of being a Dad. My children are the main reason I even keep going forward. Family is everything to me.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I honestly don’t believe too much in luck. I walk with God. I know that the things he’s shown me & brought me through couldn’t have been anything other than his doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: Theuptownbrand.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/juliomook937?igshid=NmNmNjAwNzg=
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC2tpwPT_nGHpjnn5-NvA4fA
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/NQFan99dXEepRzpy7
Image Credits
@thkluvltr
