SB19 choreographer Coach Jay forays into music

MANILA, Philippines — The choreographer of SB19 and “Stars on the Floor Season 2” co-judge, Coach Jay, has become the latest addition to the growing roster of artists under 1Z Entertainment, the company founded by SB19. He joins fellow talents including “Kings of P-Pop,” SB19, and the newly launched girl group XONARA.

Coach Jay, who goes by the stage name J2X as a rapper, recently made his foray into the music scene with the release of his single, AKONGAPALASI.

“I want the people to know that I’m also a rapper. When I wrote the song, there’s a part there that says, ‘Let me introduce myself… Ako nga pala si…’ That’s why I love writing songs and dancing because I’m really passionate about music,” he told The STAR during the music video launch of AKONGAPALASI, which was also attended by members of XONARA and SB19.

Coach Jay performs his single AKONGAPALASI.

Launching the music video was a surreal moment for J2X, who admitted that he never wanted to wake up from what felt like a dream. He shared, “It was a dream (come true) for me. I didn’t expect any of this to happen. During the filming of the music video, I felt like I was dreaming, like nanaginip ako na sana hindi ako magising. I can’t forget that kind of feeling.”

SB19 choreographer Coach Jay, who goes by the stage name J2X as a rapper, releases the music video for his single AKONGAPALASI during a launch party in Mandaluyong City.

Through his music and personal storytelling, J2X aims to inspire listeners by sharing relatable experiences and emotions.

“When they listen to my songs, meron din silang na-re-realize sa life nila or have that connection. I write songs based on my own experiences and I believe na yung ibang tao nandun din sa experience na yun, sa moments na yun. I want them to feel that connection through my songs,” he mused.

J2X is a self-taught artist who gravitates toward the rap and hip-hop genres. He was mentored by a local rapper in his hometown of General Santos City who heavily influenced his musical style. He also named Gloc-9 as one of his musical heroes.

On the input of SB19 in his creative process and the music video, J2X said that the members of the P-pop group gave him full creative freedom.

“It’s the story of my life — how I started and who I am at home. The music video shows how I work, I was looking for a job, nangangarap ako, but music was still there on the side, like nandun yung microphone, piano and guitar,” he explained.

He added that he felt the “genuine” and “100 percent” support of SB19 in his music endeavors. “They were the ones who pushed me. I mean, I didn’t personally audition, but maybe they saw my passion for songwriting. Even when I’m not on stage or not performing as a rapper, I always write songs in my free time. They were the ones who encouraged me to release my song.”

So, every piece of music and career advice that SB19 gave to J2X, he took to heart. “May mga advice sila Pablo na talagang i-na-absorb ko because I’m not that well-known yet in music and as a rapper. I don’t have a name yet, I still have a lot to work on. So, I listen to them because they’ve been in this industry for a long time. Their words are a huge help for me,” he reflected.