El-Jay is an artist on the rise, blending R&B and Pop with a modern edge, while staying true to the soulful roots of the genre. As a 2X Billboard charting R&B/Pop artist and 2X award winner, he is no stranger to the spotlight. But beyond the accolades, his journey is one of passion, resilience, and an undeniable commitment to making great music.
Coming from a musical lineage, El-Jay is the son of multi-platinum R&B artist Rome, known for the 90s hit I Belong to You. Music runs deep in his blood, but instead of simply following in his father’s footsteps, El-Jay has carved out his own identity, pushing boundaries and creating a sound that fuses classic R&B influences with contemporary production.
His latest singles, Baby and Nasty, perfectly capture his vision. These tracks were made with one goal in mind: to make feel-good music that people can vibe to. Baby came to life in just two hours at 3 AM, a spontaneous burst of creativity that resulted in an infectious track. On Nasty, El-Jay worked closely with his producer TruDotP, crafting the song from scratch and later bringing in Cha Boi, thanks to a connection with Grammy-nominated producer Rome Palermo. The collaboration was seamless, creating a record that combines smooth R&B melodies with hard-hitting Hip-Hop energy.
El-Jay’s creative process is rooted in spontaneity. He doesn’t sit down with a pen and paper to write songs in a traditional way. Instead, he steps into the studio, gets on the mic, and freestyles melodies and ideas, letting the music guide him. This approach gives his songs a natural and unfiltered emotion, making them feel authentic and relatable.
His influences are a mix of legendary artists and personal mentors. Michael Jackson’s showmanship and innovation, Lloyd’s smooth vocal delivery, and his father Rome’s storytelling ability have all played a role in shaping his sound. These inspirations can be heard in the way he structures his music—melodic, rhythmic, and deeply expressive.
But despite his growing success, El-Jay has faced his share of challenges in the industry. He’s dealt with bad management, industry politics, and people trying to hold him back. In an industry where many take advantage of young talent, El-Jay has had to navigate carefully, learning lessons along the way. Through it all, his faith keeps him grounded. He firmly believes that everything is in God’s hands and that he’s exactly where he’s supposed to be.
One of the most memorable moments in his career so far was performing on tour, when a wave of excited kids rushed the stage. The energy and enthusiasm from the crowd were unforgettable. Moments like these remind him why he makes music—to connect with people, spread positivity, and create experiences that last a lifetime.
To stay inspired and avoid burnout, El-Jay makes sure to take breaks when needed. Film is another passion of his, and he often shifts his focus to it when he needs to recharge. Spending time with family also plays a huge role in keeping him motivated and balanced. These moments of downtime allow him to return to music with fresh energy and new ideas.
At the heart of El-Jay’s artistry is a simple but powerful message: positivity and good energy. He wants his music to be a source of joy and inspiration, giving people something to dance to, relate to, and escape into. He also wants his live shows to be unforgettable experiences, where fans feel something special they don’t get anywhere else.
Looking ahead, there is a lot to be excited about. The official music video for “Nasty” is set to premiere on major TV networks. His upcoming EP, “Letter to Self”, is a deeply personal project that showcases his growth over the last few years. Produced by multi-platinum producer Achilles and Branden Woodz, this body of work promises to be some of his most introspective music yet.
On the film side, El-Jay is preparing for the release of his feature film, “Triumph”, which he co-wrote with TruDotP and Josh Isaacson. The movie will be available on major streaming platforms later this year. He’s also set to star in and produce a superhero movie called “The Ur”, another film he co-wrote alongside Pete Cruz and Josh Isaacson.
And if that’s not enough, he’s gearing up for a tour and will soon start working on his debut album, which will feature major collaborations. The album will be released under Starz Music Group Entertainment LLC and distributed by Virgin Music Group.
El-Jay is an artist with a clear vision and a relentless work ethic. He’s not just making music; he’s building a legacy. With his ability to blend timeless R&B with modern sounds, his passion for storytelling, and his unstoppable drive, he’s well on his way to leaving a mark on the industry. The future looks bright, and this is just the beginning.
Follow El-Jay’s Journey:
🔗 Instagram: @therealeljay
🔗 Starz Music Group Entertainment
🔗 Listen to “Baby”
🔗 Stream “Nasty”
