If you walked through Crown Heights a few years ago, you might have caught a glimpse of a kid who looked like he was carrying the weight of the entire city on his shoulders. That was Justin Irvin Rivera. Most of the world knows him as J.I. the Prince of N.Y, a name that sounds almost too heavy for a teenager to bear. But honestly? He’s been handling it.
He didn't just stumble into the spotlight. It was a grind. People think these "internet rappers" just wake up with a million followers and a record deal, but J.I.’s story has more grit than a New York subway platform. He’s been freestyling since he was 11. 11! Most kids that age are worried about homework, but Justin was busy dissecting melodies on a miniature keyboard his parents bought him.
The Reality of J.I. the Prince of N.Y and the Rap Game
We have to talk about The Rap Game. Back in 2016, Jermaine Dupri—the man who basically minted superstars in the 90s—saw a freestyle on Instagram and knew he had to get this kid on his Lifetime reality show.
J.I. didn't win.
Usually, that’s the end of the story for reality TV contestants. They fade away into "where are they now" listicles. But for J.I., the loss was a blessing in disguise. He’s gone on record saying that the hype from the show actually died down so much that he almost quit.
He was broke. Like, actually broke.
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He spent his earnings from the show on marijuana, got kicked out of his mom's house, and was seriously considering a career in construction. Just imagine that for a second. One of the most melodic voices in the current New York scene almost spent his life laying bricks instead of dropping hits.
Everything changed when he decided to give it one last shot. He linked up with Gabi Acevedo, and they locked in. In 2019, he dropped Hood Life Krisis, Vol. 1.
The lead single? "Need Me."
It didn't just do well; it exploded. We’re talking over 100 million streams on Spotify. The track sampled Mya’s "Best of Me," giving it this nostalgic R&B feel that made everyone from Cardi B to Drake take notice. When Drake starts singing your lyrics on Instagram Live, you’ve officially made it.
Why the "Prince" Title Actually Fits
Calling yourself the "Prince of New York" is a bold move. In a city that birthed Biggie, Nas, and Jay-Z, that title usually gets you laughed out of the room. But J.I. isn't trying to be a boom-bap throwback. He represents the new New York—a blend of raw lyricism and melodic trap that feels like the city's heartbeat.
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He’s a student of the game, though. He cites Big Pun and DMX as his biggest influences. You can hear it in the way he structures his verses. He’s got that aggressive Brooklyn edge, but he softens it with these infectious hooks that stay stuck in your head for days.
Breaking Records and Stereotypes
In late 2025, J.I. released his most ambitious project yet, Septembers Finest. It’s a 12-track journey that shows just how much he’s matured since those early Hood Life Krisis days. Tracks like "Cold Scars" and "Gods Testimony" aren't just club bangers; they’re diary entries.
He’s also one of the few artists successfully bridging the gap between English hip-hop and the Latin market. Being of Puerto Rican descent, he’s never been shy about his heritage. Look at "Spanglish" with Myke Towers. He’s trying to be as big in San Juan as he is in Manhattan, and honestly, he’s getting there.
He actually made history at SOB’s in New York. He was the first artist to sell out three consecutive nights at the legendary venue. That’s not an "internet fame" stat. That’s a "people are actually showing up" stat.
The Business of G*Starr
J.I. isn't just a rapper; he's a brand. His deal with Interscope was done through his own imprint, G*Starr Entertainment. He’s seen how the industry chews up young artists and spits them out, so he’s focused on ownership.
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- Net Worth: Estimates put him around the million-dollar mark, but with the success of Septembers Finest and his heavy touring schedule, that number is likely climbing fast.
- Booking Fees: If you want J.I. at your event, it's going to cost you. Reports suggest his booking fee starts in the $40,000 to $75,000 range.
- Spotify RADAR: He was one of the first artists chosen for Spotify's RADAR program, which helped push his music to a global audience.
It hasn't been all roses, though. He’s been open about his struggles with mental health and the pressure of being a "young vet." He’s only in his early 20s, but he’s been in the industry since he was 14. That’s a lot of eyes on you during your most formative years.
What’s Next for the Prince?
If you're looking to follow J.I. the Prince of N.Y, you need to look past the jewelry and the Instagram flexes. Watch his evolution as a songwriter. He’s moving away from the standard trap formulas and experimenting more with live instrumentation and deep R&B influences.
His latest singles in 2025, like "Love Story" and "Cherry Red 150," show an artist who is comfortable in his own skin. He’s not chasing trends anymore; he’s setting them.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Artists:
- Check out "Septembers Finest": If you only know him from "Need Me," you’re missing out on his growth. Listen to "Over and Over Outro" to hear his most honest writing yet.
- Study the "G*Starr" Model: For independent artists, J.I.’s rise is a masterclass in using social media to build leverage before signing a major deal.
- Watch the Live Performances: His energy at shows is why he sells out venues. If he’s touring near you in 2026, grab a ticket. It’s a different experience than the studio recordings.
J.I. the Prince of N.Y isn't just a flash in the pan. He’s a survivor. He’s a kid from Brooklyn who took a "no" on a reality show and turned it into a "yes" from the entire world. New York has a new prince, and he isn't giving up the crown anytime soon.
Start by revisiting his earlier mixtapes to see the technical progression in his flow. The transition from Hood Life Krisis Vol. 1 to his latest work reveals a musician who has mastered the art of the melodic "pain" song, a subgenre he now helps lead in the New York scene. Keep an eye on his G*Starr imprint as he begins to scout and develop new talent from the five boroughs.
Key Takeaways for 2026
To truly understand J.I.'s impact, look at his Spotify monthly listeners, which consistently hover in the millions despite the constant influx of new drill artists in NYC. He has maintained staying power by refusing to be boxed into the "drill" category, opting instead for a timeless melodic sound. His ability to sell out venues like SOB's and his international reach in the UK and Latin America marks him as a global player. For those following the business side of music, his partnership with Interscope and the growth of G*Starr Entertainment serves as a blueprint for modern artist autonomy. Stay tuned to his social channels for tour announcements throughout 2026 as he continues to support his latest studio releases.