In an industry that is more likely to prioritize bling over substance, J-lil is carving his way with sincerity, depth, and honesty. His newest single, “Honest,” out now, is a laid-back, introspective track, and a portrait of personal vulnerability and emotional courage, derived from life as an artist and a husband.
“I just wanted to catch a moment and translate that to music,” J-lil clarifies. “Something that speaks to people who carry a lot and take on heavy responsibilities that often go unseen.” That is the exact message “Honest” expresses, connecting the burden of internal struggles with the liberation inherent in honesty with who you are.
With reflective melody and subtle, soaring production, “Honest” proves that J-lil has developed not only as an artist but also as an individual. The track takes the listener on a journey through the struggles of love, commitment, and the quiet resilience that is required to keep moving, day after day, decision after decision.
Marriage is a deep inspiration for the artist. “All of the love songs are based on things that have actually happened,” he explains. “Living life with someone is a commitment, and that provides you with endless material to draw from.”
But J-lil is also the first to acknowledge that music is just half the battle these days. He’s been nose-to-the-grindstone building the systems and structure that underpin the music, content, graphics, and infrastructure that carry the message and advance him further in the culture. “The music sort of becomes the easy part,” he concedes. “It’s the other things that catch up to you.”
With his new music and live performances, J-lil is paving the way for the future, both vocally and in the sense that he is creating space for other people to be honest about their own problems. “Honesty is the start of healing,” he explains. “My wish is that the song will remind people that being vulnerable is alright even where the culture is dictating the exact opposite.”
Listen to “Honest” now:
