José Luis Leija III

Born in Idaho into a large family, my early life was marked by instability. My parents battled addiction, leaving me to navigate survival for myself and my siblings. Facing abandonment and immense responsibility, I had to drop out of school to care for us, and fell into substance abuse myself early on. Music, even then, was my constant companion – a way to process a world where trust was scarce. Inspired by the raw honesty and diverse styles of artists like Jarren Benton, Tyler, The Creator, Lil Wayne, Bad Bunny, Busta Rhymes, Benny the Butcher, G-Unit, Cory Gunz, and J Millz, music became my essential form of expression.
Eventually, my grandfather stepped in, providing stability and teaching me the enduring values of hard work and dedication – lessons that would anchor me later on. After moving out on my own, the echoes of my childhood manifested as PTSD and anxiety. While music remained my outlet, I felt profoundly lost, struggling to find my identity amidst the pain. My substance abuse deepened during this dark period, culminating in a harrowing overdose on prescription pills. It was a terrifying wake-up call, starkly highlighting how far I'd fallen.
Meeting my wife shortly after hitting that low point was a turning point. We fell in love and built a life and family together, raising two children of our own and adopting two more from my sister. Welcoming our adopted children, who carried their own significant trauma, brought unforeseen challenges. The immense pressure eventually triggered a devastating relapse back into substance abuse, pushing my wife and me to the brink of divorce. Facing the potential loss of everything, and with the crucial support of my family, who truly saved my life, I made the life-altering decision to commit to sobriety for good. In recovery, I powerfully reconnected with my passion for music, transforming it into a vital tool to maintain focus and conquer addiction.
Seeking professional help during my recovery journey led to diagnoses of ADHD and bipolar disorder. Understanding that these were internal battles I couldn't simply "fix" on my own was a difficult but crucial realization. It was during this time of intense self-discovery and healing that I released my first track, "Labyrinth of My Mind." This song became more than just music; it was a breakthrough, allowing me to articulate my struggles and connect with others navigating similar mental landscapes.
Today, music is far more than just a personal outlet; it's my platform to inspire hope and resilience. I am passionate about fostering a supportive community where artists and individuals can uplift each other through life's mental and emotional challenges. The music industry can be isolating, but I believe collaboration and empathy make the journey meaningful.
Watching my own children navigate the shadows of their past traumas fuels my drive to create a better future. My dream extends beyond my own family; I envision building a community space where kids facing adversity can find support, feel valued, and begin to heal. Music was instrumental in my own healing, and I am dedicated to sharing its power. My ultimate goal is to give back, help break cycles of pain, and demonstrate that together, we can find strength, hope, and a path forward.