Jacquees on Being the King of R&B, Gunna, Tory Lanez, and His Career

The "King of R&B" Title

• 👑 Jacquees explains that he coined the "King of R&B" title for this generation after a show, sparking significant conversation and even leading to "Queens of R&B" tours.
• 💡 He believes the title generated immense press and brought him to the forefront, despite the controversy it initially caused.
• 🎤 The decision to name his album "King R&B" was influenced by his team, aiming to claim the title before someone else did.

Career Trajectory and Influences

• 🚀 Jacquees has been in the music game for over a decade, starting with mixtapes in 2010 and evolving through the mixtape era before streaming.
• 🎤 His musical inspirations include Michael Jackson, David Ruffin, The Temptations, The Isley Brothers, and Earth, Wind & Fire, with Michael Jackson being a primary childhood inspiration.
• 🤝 He signed with Cash Money Records because he felt they wouldn't try to change his artistic identity, unlike other labels, and Birdman gave him full creative control.

Industry Perspectives and Relationships

• 💔 Jacquees discusses the tragic passing of Takeoff and the impact on the Migos, expressing hope for Quavo and Offset to mend their relationship.
• 🤝 He maintains close relationships with artists like Thug and Gunna, despite their legal troubles, and emphasizes praying for their well-being.
• 🎤 Regarding Tory Lanez, Jacquees states they are still close friends but haven't spoken since the incident, highlighting the tragedy and avoidability of the situation.

Business Ventures and Community Impact

• 🍷 Jacquees co-owns the Wine and Tapas Lounge in Stonecrest, Atlanta, aiming to bring a sophisticated dining experience to his Eastside neighborhood.
• 💼 He feels good about providing jobs in the community and offering fans a chance to see him in a different light as a business owner.
• 💰 He reflects on his early hustle, including singing in front of Kroger and sweeping barbershops, and how his first major purchases were a Rolex, a condo, and a Jeep.

Personal Growth and Mentorship

• 🎓 Jacquees was a strong student, graduating top 10 in his class, but chose to pursue music over college, a decision his mother supported.
• 🛡️ He emphasizes the importance of having loyal handlers and older figures around him to provide honest advice and prevent pitfalls.
• 🎤 Mentors like Chris Brown, Darnell Jones, and Trey Songz have guided him through industry challenges, offering advice based on their own experiences.

Artistic Evolution and Authenticity

• 🎤 Jacquees believes in maintaining an illusion as an artist to keep fans intrigued and evolving his sound and style.
• 🎶 He notes that while fans may miss his earlier sound, his music has elevated, and he aims to show his authentic self without revealing too much.
• 🎤 He discusses the use of Auto-Tune, explaining it as a tool to stay on key rather than a crutch, with different levels of application.

Sports and Entertainment

• 🏈 Jacquees is a fan of the NFL, particularly the Falcons, and admires Lamar Jackson's talent.
• 🎤 He recounts performing the national anthem at a Lakers game, a moment that went viral and felt surreal.
• 🎤 He discusses the trend of combining comedy and R&B shows, finding it a natural fit for entertainers like DC Young Fly.

Navigating the Music Industry

• 🤝 Jacquees believes in the power of a "machine" like a record label for support and resources but feels he could be independent with more knowledge.
• 💰 He has had positive financial experiences with Cash Money Records and Birdman, emphasizing the importance of keeping business dealings on point.
• 🎤 He admires Lil Wayne's influence on his career, from his style to his nickname, and aspires to collaborate with artists like Drake, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar.