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BLACK MUSIC MONTH SPOTLIGHT: E. JONES

E. Jones on Black music in America, his inspiration, and the next generation of Black musicians.

Jun 30, 2022

Artist. Producer. Director of A&R. E. Jones has worn a lot of musical hats throughout his flourishing hip-hop and R&B career, but if you ask him, his greatest work is still to come.

After all, he says, it's that belief that keeps artists grinding. He’s loved music since he was a child, inspired by his grandmother’s CD box of classic hits, which he’d listen to on repeat—‘Devil in the Blue Dress’ by Mitch Ryder & The Wheels, ‘Send for Me’ by Atlantic Starr, anything he could get his hands on. His family noticed his passion, and he got a keyboard for Christmas, teaching himself to play the piano by ear. From there, he began playing keyboard at his father’s church.

Jones started producing in earnest during his sophomore year of college, and earned his first major placement on Talib Kweli’s album Eardrum. Since then, he’s worked with David Banner, T.I., Lil’ Wayne, The Food Network, EA Sports and more. He’s also a longtime friend and partner of E&J Brandy, working with the brand on collaborations from Karl Kani to Spice Adams to TBT.

“Funny that I connected with a brand that has my initials,” he said.

But no matter the outlet, E. Jones lives for what his music means to the world.

“To carry out my passion means a lot, because just being able to touch people with your art far and wide is a beautiful thing,” he said. “Sometimes when people tell me how much listening to my music has helped them get through things, those moments have meant the most lately. We have our ups and downs as artists of any form. To know that you’ve made someone’s day better, or set the mood for function…it’s a priceless feeling.”

Jones points out that Black culture and music have been intertwined since the “beginning of time.”

“We've blossomed through every genre,” Jones said. “From hip-hop being birthed in New York, House Music on the south side of Chicago, EDM birthed in Detroit, Rock N Roll in Cleveland. Music is our biggest driving force of expression and has always been our universal language to the masses.”

That’s why he says being a Black musician has meant everything to him in his career. The music community has given him friendships, the chance to be part of a producer brotherhood/sisterhood, and mentorship that has helped him make his passions a reality.

“Being recognized by some of the greats that came before me has led to lessons and conversations that help to further my career in this space,” Jones said. “Not everyone flourishes in this game. So to say that I am an accomplished Black Musician is a wonderful thing.”

While Jones describes himself as a “laid-back jokester” outside of the studio, he’s all hustle at work. He’s got several projects on the horizon, from the 5th volume of the Deadstock series to a project with Tacoma-based singer Will Jordan to his continued work on The Soul Council and as Director of A&R for Jamla Records.

Jones says he still tries to make time in his busy schedule to continue learning, inspiring, and improving. That’s the most important advice he could give the next generation of Black artists, he says: always continue to be a student of the game.

“Always be willing to put in the work to get to where you wanna be,” he said. “Everyone's path is not the same. Everyone's destination is different. Always show yourself some grace when you feel like things are hard or at a standstill, just stay the course. And be thankful for every accomplishment, no matter how big or small.”

E&J Brandy is proud to raise a glass to friend and collaborator E. Jones, and all Black musicians, this Black Music Month. Have a track you’d want E. Jones to review? Drop your link below and he might check it out.

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