IN CONVERSATION WITH JUSSIE SMOLLETT
interview by JANA LETONJA
Jussie Smollett has long been recognized as a multifaceted talent—actor, director, activist, and musician—but with the release of his new album ‘Break Out’ this fall, he’s entering a bold new era. Known worldwide for his breakout role as Jamal Lyon on ‘Empire’, Jussie has continued to push boundaries across film, music, and storytelling. With singles from the project already topping the iTunes R&B charts, ‘Break Out’ represents both artistic reinvention and personal evolution.
Congratulations on your upcoming album ‘Break Out’. What does this album represent for you personally and artistically?
I’m so proud of it. I’m not afraid to say that. To me, ‘Break Out’ represents freedom. Freedom of expression. Freedom from perception. Freedom to find joy, even in the most difficult times.
How would you describe the sound of this project compared to ‘Sum of My Music’?
‘Sum of My Music’ was almost eight years ago, so I’ve certainly grown both as an artist and as a man. I’ve had experiences that were rough, but I’ve also had experiences that are incredibly beautiful. I wanted to create a timeless record. One that can be played when I’m gone and the vibe is still there. My music partner, David Michael O+, and I really laid into the musicality and live instrumentation more on ‘Break Out’. We have iconic musicians like James Gadson who played drums on everything from Bill Withers to Marvin Gaye’s ‘I Want You’, ‘Dancing Machine’ by The Jacksons, ‘Love Hangover’ by Miss Ross. And all the beautiful horns were done by Curtis Williams of Kool & the Gang. Even the albums mixing was done by Brian “Big Bass” Gardner who mixed on Off the Wall & Thriller, so it was very authentic in its creation. I wanted an album you could ride, run, dance, clean, or make love to. I hope folks feel that.
The title ‘Break Out’ feels powerful. What does it symbolize for you at this point in your journey?
Like I said before, it feels like freedom. We all have that kind of personal thing or things we go through that rough us up from childhood to adulthood. Is it going to be our villain origin story? No. We don’t become what or who hurt us, and we don’t look at ourselves through the eyes of them. When can we decide to break out and take back our power, that we get to write whatever the next chapter is? The answer is whenever you choose to. I’m choosing to.
Which song on the album feels the most personal to you, and why?
‘Jus Be’. The words of Amber Wagner truly inspired me and the rhythm and lyrics just flowed. I’m so glad we got to use her voice and Curtis is on it. I just love how it ends the album.
Your singles have already hit No. 1 on iTunes R&B. What’s it like to see fans connecting so strongly before the full album drops?
It truly means a great deal. Just because I like something, doesn’t mean everyone else will. I’m so grateful that it’s resonating with people, but even more grateful they would take the time to listen.
How do your experiences as an actor and director inform the way you write and perform music?
I’m not sure they intentionally do, but I do think it makes everything I create a bit cinematic. I grew up loving old movies and musicals. I certainly think that and my love of poetry affects the way I move and vibe in general.
You’ve said storytelling is at the heart of everything you do. How does that manifest in your lyrics?
It’s almost conversational. I love autobiographical writers like Stevie Wonder and Carly Simon or Aretha Franklin where it felt like they just sat you down to tell you what went down or how they were feeling. It connected with me way back as a child. So, even the songs that I haven’t written myself, they connect with me on a level that’s unexplainable.
Looking back on your time on’ Empire’, how did playing Jamal Lyon influence your own artistry as a musician?
I just had such a huge opportunity to try out new things and if I dare say so, if they didn’t work, hide behind Jamal. The people that I was able to duet and record with in the studio were unreal. Producers like Timbaland, Jim Beanz, NE-YO and my brother Swizz Beatz. To have Mariah Carey vocal produce me or sing with Alicia Keys, or Estelle, or Joss Stone, or the legendary Paj Labelle, I think you take a little from every single experience and every single person, whether it’s their humility or the way they warm up their vocals. It was all a great experience.
You’ve performed all over the world. How does living in London now impact your creative process?
London is such a vibe. We’re doing our next film here early next year, so I’m seeing places I didn’t know existed which has been inspiring. I have friends here and my whole music team is here so it still feels like a bit of home. It’s just a bit calmer than Los Angeles and to some, that may sound absolutely mad, but it’s true. I’m seeing so many incredible shows and just listening to the sounds of the city is inspiring. I’m loving my time here.
Philanthropy has always been central to your work. How does music intersect with your activism?
What’s going on in the world around me is always in my mind and always in my heart. I also write and sing what’s in my mind and what’s in my heart, so it’s a nobrainer. It is wild. We’ve got to get through it together.
You’ve had success across acting, directing, and music. What drives you to keep evolving rather than staying in one lane?
I’m such a creature of habit. When I love something or someone, that’s it. But when it comes to creating, I get so bored. I’ll wear the same colour T-shirts for years straight, but will need something fresh creatively. So, all the hats I wear are welcomed because it keeps everything fresh. I’m way too nosey about life to have to do one thing.
Finally, what do you hope listeners feel aper pressing play on ‘Break Out’?
Love. It’s the root of all things. Lots of it was put into this. I pray y’all feel that.
TEAM CREDITS:
photography ACE AMIR
styling BRENDON ALEXANDER
styling assistant JAILYNE NAVARRO
hair PARIS WAGNER
interview JANA LETONJA
