J. Lock (@j.lockofficial) is the newest artist to make a splash in the hip-hop and R&B lane. He recently released his EP Anything, which features guest appearances from Domani and Ryan Trey. The four-track project channels J. Lock’s vulnerable side, and proves as a testament to his personal growth. As far as other accomplishments, J. Lock has been grinding. He’s recruited Finesse2Tymes for his single “Money,” which currently sits at over 1.5 million streams. Remixd Magazine had the opportunity to speak more with J. Lock about his music endeavors and what’s next for him.
Raised in the quiet countryside of Mississippi, J. Lock’s upbringing was rooted in simplicity and family values. Thus, it’s something that continues to influence his music today. “Mississippi is way different from Atlanta,” he shared. “I grew up around horses, in a two-parent household, and we lived a good childhood.”
Moreover, a significant part of that childhood was spent with his grandmother, or “Nana,” as he fondly calls her. Sundays were reserved for gospel, while the rest of the week was a mix of Motown and old-school R&B. This early exposure to music played a crucial role in shaping J. Lock’s taste and sound. “Gospel on Sunday and Motown during the week—that’s where my love for music started,” he told Remixd Magazine.
Furthermore, as he grew older, his musical tastes evolved, with artists like J. Cole becoming a significant influence. “J. Cole was one of my favorite rappers when I was around 14,” he recalled. “I wanted something that reflected that, and that’s how I came up with J. Lock.”
J. Lock Has A Sound For Every Season
J. Lock’s music is as versatile as the seasons, with his sound shifting to match the time of year. “My sound depends on the season,” he explained. “In the spring and summer, it’s melodic rap—club bangers, pool vibes. But when fall and winter roll around, I slow it down with some R&B.” This adaptability has allowed him to create a catalog of music that resonates with fans year-round, no matter the mood or setting.
In addition, his recent collaboration with Finesse2Tymes is a testament to his work ethic and dedication to his craft. “Finesse2Tymes has this amazing work process—punch in and punch out,” J. Lock noted. “I’m a writer, I like to structure my songs, but watching him work with this big giant notebook full of rhymes was inspiring. It’s cool to see someone so in tune with their process.”
“As long as you keep living, you’ll always be inspired,” he said. “Love, lust, happiness, sadness—as long as I keep living and experiencing the process of life, I’ll always have something to write about.” His recent EP, Anything, reflects this sentiment, featuring tracks like “Why Me” with Ryan Trey and Domani, which delve into themes of heartbreak and self-reflection.
“The message I want to send is that it’s all right to feel,” J. Lock shared. “I want people to relate in a way that every time they hear my music, they know it’s okay to be themselves, to love that.”
Looking Ahead, What’s Next
Moreover, with a new single, “All I Need,” on the horizon, J. Lock is ready to deliver another club banger just in time for the end of summer. “It’s a pool vibe, something you can really move to,” he teased. And while he’s focused on the present, he’s also looking to the future, with dream collaborations including artists like Coco Jones, NLE Choppa, and Summer Walker.
However, living a quiet life outside the music hustle, J. Lock prefers the calm of Atlanta’s outskirts, with money in his pocket and goals on his mind. “I’m a Capricorn—hardworking, loyal, and stubborn, especially if you try us,” he said with a smile. Thus, as he continues to build his career, his sights are set on winning awards, earning plaques, and most importantly, being better than he was yesterday. “I’m independent now, but the goal is to keep pushing, keep growing,” J. Lock concluded. “The sky’s the limit.”
