At 19, Flint artist Jontae Kemp is building his music career around authenticity, storytelling and a willingness to explore different sounds. Kemp gained attention when a song he wrote at 16 called “Toxic Love Story” went viral on TikTok with over 6.3 million views. Since then, he has continued developing his career while preparing to release new music and pursue opportunities outside of Flint.
“I’m real. I’m authentic,” Kemp said. “I’m, like, a voice, like an inner voice that those don’t have, and I say what people feel, and they can’t put it into words.”
Kemp said his interest in music became more serious when he wrote “First Poem” and showed it to his cousin, Rasheem Foster, which he later released in 2025. Foster’s reaction encouraged him to pursue music, and Kemp said the song went viral within a week.
Growing up in Flint has influenced Kemp’s approach to music. He said people often told him he was different while growing up, and he eventually embraced that difference. His songs explore subjects including mental health, relationships, heartbreak and toxic love as well as stories inspired by his experiences.
“Nowadays, everybody’s trying to be like the next person,” Kemp said. “I pride myself on authenticity 100% of the time. You never know Jontae’s next move.”
Jontae Kimp filming “Street Love” featuring BabyFaxce E music video, Mega Diner, Flint, MI. Photo taken from @jontaejontae_ via Instagram. 
Jontae Kimp visiting Hamady High School in 2025. Photo taken from @jontaejontae_ via Instagram. 
Cover art for Jontae Kimp’s song “Street Love” featuring BabyFaxce E. at Mega Diner, Flint, MI. Photo taken from @jontaejontae_ via Instagram.
He has continued developing his career and recently collaborated with fellow Flint rapper BabyFxce E on the song “Street Love”. Kemp said the collaboration came together after BabyFxce E reached out and invited him to the studio. When Kemp arrived, he was allowed to take over the session and create music in his own style.
Behind Kemp’s career is a family that has supported his passion for music from an early age. Some of his sisters described him as confident, dedicated and committed to his craft.
Loni Massie, one of Kemp’s older sisters, said Kemp grew up surrounded by music and encouragement from his family.
“He grew up with musical parents and has always had support from them,” Massie said. “We all saw a star in him from the beginning.”
Aalicia Kemp, another older sister, said she has watched that passion develop throughout his life.
“Watching him write songs, you can just tell he’s in love with his craft,” Aalicia Kemp said. “It’s not just music to him.”
He has also received opportunities outside of Flint. Kemp traveled to Atlanta to appear on a platform called The Debut and filmed a music video for his song “Cigarette.” His upcoming music includes two albums, “12 Stages of Therapy” and “Bad Days Can Change a Lot.”
Kemp said his ultimate goal is to encourage young people to be comfortable with who they are rather than trying to follow someone else’s path.
“I want kids to know that being yourself, following your own vision, is the best way to go through life,” Kemp said.
Hello, I'm a Graphic Design student with a concentration in Marketing at the University of Michigan-Flint. My minor is Business. One of my passions is writing and sharing stories with others!
