More Than the Music: How Local Hip-Hop Artist TayJer is Building His Own Lane
Collaborations, visibility throughout the community fosters pride
For years, hip-hop artist TayJer (Jeremy Ayala-Oquendo) has been putting in the work – writing songs, performing live, collaborating with other artists, and representing Erie's music scene. If it feels like he's been everywhere lately, that's because he has.
From school campuses across the region to local business collaborations, live performances, and your social media feeds, TayJer has expanded beyond just releasing his music. He has built a recognizable presence that's rooted in community pride, positivity, and making connections.
With millions of views (and growing) across all social media platforms, TayJer has a rapidly expanding fanbase and performs regularly in the area. Just after we spoke for this article, he headlined at Oliver's Beer Garden on the Erie Bayfront to a packed and enthusiastic crowd.
"It truly means more than you know," TayJer said while reflecting on all the support he's received. "I think what really pushed me to become more intentional with social media is realizing that's where people discover music today."
If you haven't yet discovered TayJer, he's known for his unique, fast-paced flow. His music often draws from challenges he faced while growing up. It's been a long road and TayJer will be the first to tell you his recognition didn't happen overnight. Throughout his career, while working closely with local artists, producers, and engineers, he developed his craft within Erie's independent music scene and was named an "Artist to Look For" by the Erie Reader in 2021. He believes a stronger, more collaborative local music scene benefits everyone.
"Most collaborations happen naturally," he said. "Sometimes another artist reaches out about doing a feature. Other times we'll meet at a show or through mutual friends and realize we'd make a great record together. Every collaboration gives us the opportunity to learn from each other, introduce fans to new music, and continue building a stronger music community here in Erie and throughout the world."
TayJer has collaborated with Pittsburgh's Walkman on the single "Different Breed," and Cleveland's Bizzy Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony on the single "GitBy." He's released a number of EPs and singles through the years including fan favorites "Best Remember," "Motivation" (featuring Ducky) with an introduction from Fat Joe, "Big Dawgs Only" (featuring K. Sanz), and "All Eyes on You" (featuring ItzToka), released this summer. The music video was filmed locally by Crew Life Productions with Wave Runner Graphics in Downtown Erie's historic Union Station.
For TayJer, somewhere along the way social media started to become less about his song promotion and more about another way to collaborate, telling a bigger story. He said he feels it's important that people connect with him through his music. His mindset, paired with a strong work ethic, professional demeanor, and approachable, humble personality, have led to his most recognizable social media videos, celebrating schools and students, connecting people across the region.
The idea began unexpectedly when TayJer and his girlfriend were driving past Collegiate Academy High School and noticed the gate was open. Seeing the football field as a potential backdrop, sparked the idea. What started as one video quickly became much larger, creating new connections and celebrating the schools, alumni, and traditions that make each community unique. TayJer even made sure to dress the part at each location he visited, often in school colors.
"Every school has incredible pride," TayJer said. "Instead of visiting just one school, we decided to celebrate schools throughout the region and create content each community could genuinely be proud to share. If people smile, share the videos, and feel proud of where they're from, then we've accomplished something bigger than simply promoting my music," he said.
Creating something bigger has been happening on multiple fronts. While his music and live performances remain an important part of TayJer's growing career, his vision has expanded beyond the stage to developing a larger brand built not just around the music but with digital storytelling, partnerships, and community engagement.
"It's definitely been a busy and exciting time, and honestly, I love it," he said.
Recent collaborations have connected TayJer with several local organizations and businesses including Gem City Skate, Falcone's Kitchen, Serafini's Trattoria, Denny's Ice Cream, Lighthouse Law, Agresti Real Estate, and Scott Enterprises. His self-branded TayJer shake and TayJer ice cream cone at Denny's will benefit Make-A-Wish with a portion of the proceeds going to the organization.
Whether it's a music video, a business collaboration, or connecting with the community on social media, TayJer says authenticity remains the priority. He says he hopes his growing platform will allow him more opportunities for philanthropy, especially to support another cause close to his heart. "My son has autism, and I hope that as my platform continues to grow, I'll be able to dedicate even more time and resources to supporting children and families affected by autism," he said.
TayJer's influence and influences are beginning to extend far beyond hip hop. "I think people sometimes forget that inspiration doesn't have to come from rap," he said. "One thing I always want is for people to never quite know what the next TayJer song is going to sound like," he said. "I never want to get comfortable creatively."
TayJer's music is streaming on all platforms. Connect with him @tayjerofficial on social media and @tayjer840 on YouTube. His website TayJer.com is launching soon.
Amy VanScoter, a supporter of local music and the founder/owner of Infinite Love Yoga, LLC, can be found at infinitelove.yoga.
