For more than two decades, Jussie Smollett has built a career defined by artistic versatility. Whether captivating audiences as an actor, writer, director, producer, or recording artist, he has consistently approached every creative endeavor with one guiding principle: authentic storytelling.
While many know him for his memorable performances on screen, music has always remained at the heart of his artistic identity. Today, Smollett enters a new chapter — one shaped by experience, maturity, and an unwavering commitment to creating from a place of purpose.
Rather than chasing trends or trying to recreate previous successes, he has embraced the freedom that comes with artistic growth, allowing life’s lessons and renewed inspiration to guide every lyric, melody, and performance. The result is a project that feels deeply personal while remaining universally relatable.
In this exclusive conversation with Black Beat Magazine, Smollett reflects on rediscovering his passion for music, collaborating with acclaimed producer David Michael Ott, and crafting an album rooted in soul, live musicianship, and timeless songwriting. More than a return, this project represents the evolution of an artist who continues to grow, create, and inspire — proving that the most compelling chapters are often the ones written with patience, perspective, and purpose.
First of all, I just want to say it’s amazing to see Black Beat Magazine back. It honestly takes me back because it was such a big part of my upbringing. I remember seeing it everywhere, reading interviews, looking at the artists on the cover, and just being inspired. It was one of those magazines that celebrated us, so it’s really special to be speaking with you.
As for coming back to music, it wasn’t something I planned. Music has always been part of me, but I never wanted to force it. I wanted to wait until I was in a place where I could enjoy making music again instead of feeling like I had to make music.
Over the last couple of years, life gave me a different perspective. I found myself in a better headspace creatively, and I started writing again. Before I knew it, songs just kept coming. There wasn’t any pressure behind it, just a genuine love for creating. Once that happened, I knew it was the right time.
This project is really a reflection of everything I love about music.
When David Michael Ott and I started working together, we never sat down and said, “Let’s make this kind of record.” We just wanted to make good music — music that feels good, music that people can live with, and music that makes you think.
There was never any pressure to chase what was popular. We trusted our instincts and let the songs lead the way. Every record came together naturally, and I think you can hear that freedom throughout the album.
The sound is soulful, warm, and full of real musicians playing together. It’s got moments that make you want to move, moments that make you reflect, and moments that just feel good. Hopefully, when people hear it, they don’t think about genres — they just connect with the music and enjoy the journey.
Honestly... I’d have to say the whole album.
I know that probably sounds like a safe answer, but it’s true. Every record means something to me.
The funny thing is, the album had actually been finished for a while. Everybody kept saying it was done, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. Then I heard “Break Out.”
That ended up being the last song we recorded, and the second I heard it, I knew that was it. It completed the story. Sometimes the last piece is the one you’ve been waiting on all along.
Life... that’s really where it all comes from.
I’m always observing people. Conversations with friends. Things I see when I’m traveling. Relationships. Family. Moments that make you laugh. Moments that make you stop and think.
I don’t really sit down and say, “I’m going to write about this today.” I just let life happen and then the songs come from that.
I think that’s why people connect with music. Even if the story starts off being yours, somebody else hears it and suddenly it becomes theirs too.
Final Beat
From the very first moments of this conversation, it’s evident that Jussie Smollett isn’t interested in recreating the past — he’s focused on creating something that reflects who he is today. His renewed approach to music is grounded in patience, authenticity, and an appreciation for timeless artistry, qualities that resonate throughout both his words and his work.
As listeners prepare to experience this new chapter, they can expect an album built on honest storytelling, soulful musicianship, and the freedom that comes from creating without compromise. For Smollett, this isn’t simply another release; it’s the beginning of a new creative season fueled by passion, perspective, and purpose.
Don’t miss our complete exclusive conversation with Jussie Smollett in the next Digital/Print issue of Black Beat Magazine, where he discusses recording with legendary musicians, balancing music with film and television, upcoming tour plans, entrepreneurship, and the lasting legacy he hopes to leave through his art.