Jesse Johnson, known in the music world as UN1VERSAL, doesn’t make music just for himself. For him, every beat and lyric is a tribute—to a lost friend, to truth, and to anyone who’s ever felt alone.
Growing up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jesse’s journey into music started with nothing more than a laptop, some YouTube beats, and a tight friendship. “What really got me into making music was a good friend of mine, Facio, aka Young King,” he says. “We used to hang out and freestyle over beats on YouTube a lot. Then I realized I wasn’t that bad, so we started recording together.”
Everything changed in 2018, when Facio was killed. For a while, music could have just been another memory, something Jesse left behind. But instead, it became a mission. “Now my motivation comes from helping his legacy live on and continuing what we started.”
That sense of purpose is what makes UN1VERSAL stand out. He’s not just chasing trends or trying to fit in. “What makes me different from most artists is I put truth into my music,” Jesse explains. “I try to make something that others can relate to and connect with in their soul and hearts.” He draws inspiration from artists like Juice WRLD, Lil Tracy, and Lil Skies—musicians who built entire worlds out of honest emotion.
But Jesse’s favorite thing isn’t just making music that sounds good—it’s making music that means something. “My favorite thing to create is a sound that draws people’s attention and helps lift their spirit, giving them the confidence to know that they aren’t alone and they can get through anything as long as they stay strong and know their worth.”
That’s where the fun comes in. For Jesse, making music is about freedom, self-expression, and letting people know it’s okay to open up. “We all face challenges and mental battles of our own, and sometimes it’s hard to let those feelings out without feeling like we’re being judged or that no one is listening.” Through his songs, he aims to break that silence.
Right now, he’s working on a new project—still untitled, still in the works, but already brimming with meaning. “As soon as I have everything ready, I’ll be making a post on my socials with updates,” he promises.
If you want to follow UN1VERSAL’s journey, you can find him on Facebook as Jesse Johnson, on Instagram at @UN1VERSAL_MUSIC777, TikTok at un1versal_music777, and Snapchat at un1versal_music.
For Jesse, it’s simple: music is about truth, connection, and carrying on the legacy of those who never got the chance. And if you’re listening, you’re already part of that story.
