CHICAGO is getting a fresh reminder that pain can turn into purpose. Chicago artist HotBlock Jmoe officially steps into a new chapter with the release of his new project, After Darkness, out now via Velcro Records—alongside the video for his standout single, “Demons.”
After Darkness traces Jmoe’s return to clarity as he moves through an industry where business often eclipses creativity. Powered by melody-driven production from Chicago mainstays Oz On The Track and Chase Davis, the project puts Jmoe’s range, depth, and emotional honesty on full display. With no guest appearances, After Darkness lands as a deeply personal statement—vulnerable, focused, and intentional from top to bottom.
On “Demons”, Jmoe taps into one of the project’s most exposed moments, confronting inner turmoil over a soulful, sample-driven backdrop. The new visual matches the song’s raw tone, placing Jmoe on a couch across from a therapist in a stark, brightly lit room—unpacking thoughts in real time and letting the weight of the record breathe.
Elsewhere, “Murder On My Mind” digs into buried pain and fractured trust, wrestling with justice, consequence, and the cost of survival. And as the album closes, “Second Chance” turns inward—grappling with faith, life’s highs and lows, and the uncertainty that comes with searching for direction.
Last week, Jmoe teased the new era with “Play Time Over” (prod. SlickDa3rd & Honchoo00), framed by the line: “I put all this sh*t on the line this time… took a little time, but I can see clearly now everything I wanted.” Already known for breakout records alongside G Herbo, Polo G, and Memphis rising star Fresco Trey, this moment captures the shift when chasing ends—and decisions start to take shape.
AFTER DARKNESS TRACKLIST
- Play Time Over
- Murder on My Mind
- All Gas
- Demons
- Miss My Hots
- Message to My Dawgs
- God Promise
- Second Chance
MORE ON HOTBLOCK JMOE
HotBlock Jmoe is a Chicago-born hip-hop artist recognized for blending raw honesty with melodic precision. He first gained industry attention in 2019 with his breakout single “Pressure”, which led to a deal with Velcro Records and a management partnership with Tes Siyoum of Last Wave Entertainment. His momentum continued with “Long Road” featuring G Herbo, a defining record rooted in authenticity and real-life Chicago storytelling.
Since then, Jmoe has collaborated with artists including Polo G, Fresco Trey, Yung Bleu, Tory Lanez, and Tylah Yaweh, and has performed on major stages such as Summer Smash and Polo G’s Chi Fest. After stepping back to recalibrate creatively, he’s returned with renewed focus—reconnecting with his authentic sound and love of music.
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Stream After Darkness and watch the “Demons” visual now.

