Warsaw native James Tener will perform original hip-hop songs at Bath House Records April 21

WARSAW — James Tener was born in Nappanee and moved to Warsaw in 2007. The hip-hop and rap artist says he was heavily influenced by his life experiences, which he now pours into original songs.

The artist, who goes by the name of J. West, will be one of several performing at Bath House Records in Warsaw on April 21. Tener begins at 3 p.m. Other artists performing include The Mercy Sanction, The Sleepovers, Belle Vernon and Best Sleep.

“I started performing in my early teenage years in school productions at Warsaw Community High School,” Tener said. “I had always had a love for hip-hop, but I never pursued it until after high school.”

J. West released his first project “My Life” in 2014 and started working on a second project titled “Destination Famous,” which was released in 2017. During the production of his second album, Tener moved to Chicago.

“Throughout my time here in Chicago, I have seen a lot of doors open,” he said. “I’ve gotten to meet and perform alongside some really great artists as well as making an appearance on Chicago’s WGN News.”

The artist said all his songs are 100 percent original. “Every lyric you hear in my music, I wrote. I don’t really like having other people help with the writing process because no matter how well they know you or whatever the case is, it’s not you. It’s someone’s perception of you.”

Tener said he plans to continue on his path to being a true professional. “My long goals are to hopefully be doing this for a living,” he said. “I know it is cliche, but I feel like if you aren’t doing what you want with your life then you’re wasting it.”