Born with a passion for storytelling and raw lyricism, Trap Jimi began rapping at just 14 years old under the name TEF — short for “Telling Every Fact.” Early in his career, he became part of the rap collective OddballClikk, a group that quickly built underground momentum throughout Philadelphia’s music scene. In 2011, the group released their breakout mixtape Against All Evens, which climbed to the number one spot on DatPiff and helped establish a cult following.
In 2013, TEF released his debut solo mixtape Excuse My Manners, showcasing a gritty, unfiltered style rooted in street experiences, pain, and ambition. Two years later, after releasing a project titled Trap Jimi on DatPiff, he officially embraced the name Trap Jimi — inspired by legendary rock icon Jimi Hendrix and the rebellious energy behind his music. Determined to invest in his craft by any means necessary, Trap Jimi hustled relentlessly during his early years to fund studio time, videos, and promotion.
In 2016, his journey took a major turn following an arrest in Ohio stemming from a traffic stop while returning from Detroit, where he had traveled to support friend and battle rapper Jae Fre. Authorities discovered a firearm in the vehicle, leading to a gun charge that forced him to reevaluate both his direction in life and his approach to music.
By 2017, Trap Jimi relocated to Connecticut after meeting the woman who would later become his wife. Although he stepped away from music between 2018 and 2020 due to personal distractions and lack of focus, he returned in 2021 with renewed purpose through the release of FKD, the first installment of a trilogy dedicated to his hometown of Frankford. The series continued with FKD 2 in 2022 and FKD 3 in 2024, helping solidify his reputation for blending pain, street wisdom, vulnerability, and emotional honesty.
Also in 2022, Trap Jimi teamed up with reggae artist Dubai Don for the collaborative mixtape Trappin in Dubai, merging hip-hop with island influence to create a distinct sound. He continued building momentum with the release of TRAPPER EP in 2025.
Now entering a new chapter, Trap Jimi is preparing for the release of his upcoming project Saint Trapper the 3rd, arriving May 29, 2026 — a body of work expected to reflect the growth, struggles, spirituality, and chaos that shaped his journey from TEF to Trap Jimi.
Videos:
https://youtu.be/oqAuwqmFFMw?si=OKKJ-gJrBt0nUzVx
https://youtu.be/gGYQ-JXutFk?si=-1HCeCmbX3GsuoXB
Social media:
https://www.instagram.com/trap_jimi?igsh=MWRrdXN1dG1lcHpidA==
Website:
https://linktr.ee/TrapJimi?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=325645f5-a8cb-42bf-9e40-515be3109c27