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Jibri The Wise One

Jibri holds a historic place in Cincinnati’s music scene as the city’s very first rapper to secure a major record deal. In the early '90s, he signed with Ear Candy Records, a boutique label with major backing, thanks in part to the support of legendary Chic bassist and BMG executive Nile Rodgers. His self-titled debut—and to date, only—album dropped in 1991, making an immediate impact by entering Billboard’s R&B Albums chart at #34.

The album’s lead single, “The House The Dog Built”, showcased Jibri’s raw talent and regional pride, ultimately topping Billboard’s Rap Singles chart. A second single, “I’ll Be There For You”, didn’t reach the same heights, but it further established his presence as a serious artist. Interestingly, the chorus for “The House The Dog Built” originated from a studio session with then-unknown production duo The Movies, comprised of Angelo Ray and Chip Allen. When they invited Jibri to lay down a full track over the beat, he jumped at the opportunity, resulting in what would become his breakthrough hit.

However, his momentum soon hit a roadblock. Nile Rodgers, in an attempt to elevate Ear Candy's artists, pitched a package deal to Jive Records that included Jibri and others on the label’s roster. Unfortunately, Jive passed on the deal, leaving Jibri and his peers in limbo. Despite the setback, Jibri remained active. He later appeared on Dark Shadow, the 1994 album by the late rapper M.C. Breed, and joined Breed’s tour as his hype man, continuing to perform across the country.

Between 1994 and 1997, Jibri served time in prison for undisclosed reasons—a chapter of his life he has rarely spoken about publicly. Upon his release, he shifted away from the spotlight, working as a stock boy in the beer cooler department for United Dairy Farmers and later as a summer camp counselor. These post-industry roles painted a picture of a man grounded in everyday life despite his brushes with fame.

Jibri is also a father—he has a daughter named Kiara, who remains a central part of his life. Though his time at the top was brief, his contributions to Cincinnati’s hip-hop legacy are undeniable, and his story remains an inspiration to local artists striving to break into the national scene.

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