El-Jay, a 2X Billboard charting R&B/Pop artist and 2X award winner, is making waves in the music industry with his unique sound, heartfelt lyrics, and electrifying performances. As the son of multi-platinum R&B artist Rome, best known for his classic hit I Belong to You, El-Jay is carving his own path while honoring his father’s legacy. His latest singles, Nasty and Baby, showcase his ability to create infectious, feel-good music that resonates with audiences worldwide.
With a strong foundation in music and a passion for storytelling, El-Jay is not just an artist—he’s a visionary shaping the future of R&B and Pop. In this exclusive feature, we explore his journey, inspirations, challenges, and what’s next for this rising star.
Latest Work and Inspirations
El-Jay’s latest releases, Nasty and Baby, reflect his dedication to creating music that uplifts and excites his listeners. His goal was simple: to make feel-good music that people could vibe to.
- Baby was crafted in a moment of pure inspiration, written and recorded in just two hours at 3 AM—a testament to El-Jay’s raw talent and passion for music.
- Nasty was a collaborative masterpiece, built from the ground up with his producer TruDotP. Seeking an up-and-coming hip-hop artist for a feature, El-Jay reached out to Grammy-nominated mix/master/producer Rome Palermo, who introduced him to Cha Boi. The result? A track that blends sultry R&B melodies with hard-hitting hip-hop energy.
El-Jay’s creative process is all about capturing the energy of the moment and transforming it into music that connects with listeners.
Every artist has their own method of bringing music to life, and for El-Jay, it starts with raw creativity on the microphone. His process is organic and free-flowing:
- Freestyling melodies – He begins by getting in the studio, stepping up to the mic, and experimenting with different vocal ideas.
- Building the structure – Once a melody sticks, he refines it, adding lyrics that match the song’s mood and emotion.
- Collaboration – He works closely with producers and engineers to shape the sound into a final polished track.
This instinctive approach allows El-Jay to create songs that feel authentic, fresh, and deeply personal.
Musical Influences: The Legends Who Shaped El-Jay’s Sound
Great artists are often inspired by those who came before them, and for El-Jay, his biggest musical influences include:
- Michael Jackson – The King of Pop’s showmanship, vocal ability, and innovative sound have deeply influenced El-Jay’s approach to music and performance.
- Rome (His Father) – Growing up with a multi-platinum artist as a father, El-Jay learned the importance of storytelling and emotional depth in music.
- Lloyd – Known for his smooth, sultry vocals, Lloyd’s style resonates with El-Jay’s R&B roots, inspiring his own melodic approach.
These influences have helped shape El-Jay’s signature blend of classic R&B, Pop, and Hip-Hop, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh.
Overcoming Challenges in the Music Industry
El-Jay’s journey hasn’t been without struggles. The music industry is a competitive and sometimes ruthless space, and he has faced his share of obstacles:
- Mismanagement and Industry Politics – Like many independent artists, El-Jay has encountered bad management deals and individuals trying to take advantage of his talent.
- Gatekeeping and Resistance – Some in the industry have tried to hold him back, but he remains firm in his belief that everything happens for a reason.
Through it all, El-Jay has remained resilient, trusting in God’s plan, and staying true to his artistic vision.
Among the many highlights of his career, one moment stands out—performing on tour when kids rushed the stage.
The energy and excitement from the crowd were unforgettable, and for El-Jay, moments like these reinforce why he loves making music. Seeing fans connect with his songs and performances is what drives him forward.
Staying Inspired and Motivated
Music is a demanding career, and every artist needs ways to recharge and stay inspired. For El-Jay, that means:
- Taking breaks and switching to film – As a multi-talented creative, he turns to filmmaking to refresh his mind and creativity.
- Spending time with family – His loved ones keep him grounded and motivated, reminding him why he started this journey.
By balancing music, film, and personal life, El-Jay ensures that he never burns out, always returning with fresh ideas and renewed passion.
At the heart of El-Jay’s music is positivity and good energy. His goal is to:
- Lift people up and put a smile on their faces.
- Create an unforgettable experience at live shows.
- Share personal growth and self-reflection through his songs.
Every track is crafted with the intention of connecting with listeners on a deeper level.
What’s Next for El-Jay? Exciting Future Plans
Fans have a lot to look forward to from El-Jay in the near future. Here’s what’s coming next:
🎥 Nasty Music Video – Set to premiere on major TV networks.
🎵 EP: “Letter to Self” – A deeply personal project showcasing El-Jay’s growth over the past 2-3 years. Produced by multi-platinum producer Achilles and Branden Woodz.
🎬 Feature Film: “Triumph” – Written by El-Jay, TruDotP, and Josh Isaacson, this film will be released on major streaming platforms this year.
🎥 Superhero Movie: “The Ur” – Another film project written by El-Jay, Pete Cruz, and Josh Isaacson, set to start production soon.
🎤 Upcoming Tour – Fans will get to experience his energetic and dynamic live performances across multiple cities.
💽 Debut Album – Later this year, El-Jay will begin working on his full-length album, which will feature major artists and be released under Starz Music Group Entertainment LLC, distributed by Virgin Music Group.
Final Thoughts: A Star on the Rise
El-Jay is more than just an artist—he’s a visionary, storyteller, and performer with a bright future ahead. His music, films, and live performances are a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for his craft.
As he continues to grow and evolve, one thing is certain: El-Jay is here to stay, and the best is yet to come.
🎶 Follow El-Jay’s Journey:
🔗 Instagram: @therealeljay
🔗 Starz Music Group Entertainment
🔗 Listen to “Baby”
🔗 Stream “Nasty”
🚀 Stay tuned for more music, films, and tour dates!
