If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Jacksonville’s underground music scene, you’ve probably seen the name WBF Jtism pop up. But even if you haven’t, that’s kind of the point. James Bagan—aka @wbf_jtism on Instagram and WBF Jtism Topic on YouTube—isn’t a household name. Not yet. He’s grinding away in a city better known for its beaches and football than for its emo rap. And every day, he’s fighting to change that.
For James, music isn’t a hobby or a side hustle. It’s what keeps him going. He pours out verses that are heavy with heartbreak and self-doubt, but there’s grit in every line. “I make the most emo rap music possible,” he says, and you believe him—not because he’s chasing trends, but because you can hear the frustration, hope, and stubbornness in every track.
Breaking out from Jacksonville isn’t easy. The city’s music scene doesn’t exactly roll out the red carpet for artists who don’t fit the mold. But James doesn’t seem interested in fitting in, online or off. He bounces between dropping emotionally raw tracks and cracking jokes with his followers, sharing memes as much as music. There’s always a wink behind the pain—a sense that he knows how ridiculous chasing a dream can look from the outside.
He’s got dreams, though, and they’re anything but small. Ask him about the future and he lights up: “I want to go on tour with Bring Me The Horizon and Sleeping With Sirens. That’s the goal.” These aren’t empty words. He’s studying the legends, borrowing from their sounds, and blending it all with something that’s unmistakably his.
Right now, he’s working on a new project. “I don’t know how many songs it’ll be,” he admits. “I’m done making albums just to make them. Every project should be different. It should mean something.” That’s the kind of thing you hear from someone who’s not just trying to get famous—he’s trying to make something that matters, for himself and the people who get it.
If you want to watch an underdog turn obstacles into fuel, keep your eye on WBF Jtism. He’s out here, grinding in the shadows, waiting for his shot—and when it comes, you can bet he’ll be ready. Until then, you can find him online, posting memes, chasing his crush, and turning Jacksonville’s struggle into something worth listening to.
Instagram: @wbf_jtism
Facebook: wbf jtism
TikTok: @wbfjtism
YouTube: WBF Jtism Topic
Jacksonville might not be famous for emo rap yet, but it’s got one of the hungriest voices in the game. Don’t sleep on him.