His story

The story of Jonathan Anthony Burkett

Author, recording artist and entrepreneur. A life that proves where you start doesn’t decide where you finish.

Jonathan Anthony Burkett

Jonathan Anthony Burkett was born in Miami, Florida in 1987 and raised in Jamaica by his grandparents. His early life was shaped by economic hardship and serious health challenges, including seizures and brain surgery on January 30, 2006. He refused to let any of it define him.

He tells that story in his memoir, Neglected But Undefeated: growing up without the love of the mother who was supposed to love him most, and finding the faith that carried him through. “Faith is why I’m here today,” he writes, “and faith is why I made it through.”

Music came first. He founded Upstormed Records to release his own songs, which mix hip hop and soul with a message that change is hard but necessary, and that you never give up on your dreams. His album One Life and singles like “Changes” and “Don’t Give Up” carry that message.

Then came the books: the ten-volume Friends 2 Lovers saga, the novel Fighting To Become Champions, and a series of life-lesson books named for his songs. Today he leads Upstormed Inc, the company behind his stores, his label and his publishing, built around one belief: every storm can be a starting point for growth.

Childhood

Growing up in Jamaica

Raised by his grandparents in Jamaica, then brought to Florida, Jonathan learned early what it means to keep going when love is missing. He tells the whole story in Neglected But Undefeated.

A childhood full of hate and pain
She gave to me
However now,
A future of happiness and success
I’m working toward for myself
Proving nothing to no one else

But myself
I was destined to be

— Jonathan Anthony Burkett, “Now”

Read the memoir excerpt
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  • Jonathan Anthony Burkett
  • Jonathan Anthony Burkett
  • Jonathan Anthony Burkett

Through the years

From the streets to the studio to the boardroom

  • Jonathan Anthony Burkett
  • Jonathan Anthony Burkett
  • Jonathan Anthony Burkett
  • Jonathan Anthony Burkett
  • Jonathan Anthony Burkett
  • Jonathan Anthony Burkett
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  • Jonathan Anthony Burkett

Timeline

Milestones

1987

Born in Miami, Florida.

Childhood

Raised in Jamaica by his grandparents, through economic hardship and serious health problems, including seizures.

January 30, 2006

Undergoes brain surgery, and comes through it with his faith stronger than before.

2014

Releases the album One Life, featuring reggae singer Ambelique and produced with Willie Lindo.

2018

Releases the single “Changes” (feat. Polancapop), covered by indie music press.

2024

Releases Born To Make It and the EP Life As I Know It.

Today

Author of the memoir Neglected But Undefeated and the Friends 2 Lovers series, recording artist with Upstormed Records, and Founder & CEO of Upstormed Inc.

“You know my name, not my story. You’ve heard what I’ve done, but not what I’ve been through.”

— Jonathan Anthony Burkett

Neglected But Undefeated

Artist bio

From the press

Known for his insightful lyrics and unique flow, US-based rapper Jonathan Burkett has been raising eyebrows on the local reggae scene with his latest single, ‘One Life’ featuring reggae singer Ambelique. Working alongside producer Willie Lindo Burkett has delivered a single that blends the genres of reggae and hip hop, while staying immersed in his message of positivity. The song was released November 1 on his own Upstormed Records label and is available for download on a number of platforms online. Burkett is pleased with the feedback so far. “The single is doing well in Jamaica, we have started to get some airplay on HITZ and IRIE. The song is a blend of hip hop and reggae music world issues, self-empowerment, human challenges and faith,” he said. He has carved out a decent reputation with his unique poetic rap flow on the underground hip hop circuit in south Florida. “I grew up listening to reggae all my life. I grew up in Jamaica, in Westmoreland. When I was young, I always wanted to do a reggae song because it is focused on black consciousness, music that people can feel and relate to and be inspired by,” he said. Burkett has his own unique philosophy that guides his life. It speaks to compassion towards his fellow man and a boundless enthusiasm for music, life and the planet. “I lived a rough life, but at the end of the day, through it all, you gotta get the best out of life and keep strong. No matter what you go through, don’t let your days be miserable 24/7, because of a lack of money,” he said. He was born in Miami, but was raised in Jamaica until age 6 before heading back to Florida, but returned to visit every Summer. Other recent releases include, Pass That, Crush on You and Make Money. “I want to drop an album next year. I just need to get these singles out first and see what happens, ” Jonathan Burkett said.
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