Amari Jones, known on campus and in the studio as Amari J, has been building a name for himself as a rising R&B artist, songwriter and executive producer. Jones was signed briefly to Warner Music Group, and has since worked in studios from San Francisco to Los Angeles. He has released 13 albums on Apple Music and Spotify. When he’s not working as a Campus Staff Assistant, Jones is creating music centered around emotional honesty, vulnerability and life experiences.
Jones’ musical passion began in his childhood, shaped largely by his grandma’s love for music and by watching his father perform as part of an R&B music group. Growing up listening to artists like New Edition, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, he was inspired to pursue his own career in music and follow in his father’s footsteps.
“At first, it was more commercially made. I would make [music] that I knew people would want to hear,” Jones said. “Now, my music more so reflects real experiences in my life, which I never got too deep into until now.”
In the past, Jones has worked with notable artists such as Ray J, Chris Brown, T.I. and more. He draws inspiration from real-life experiences, turning personal stories into authentic, relatable songs.
“A lot of [my music is about] relationships that I messed up, and I just want to take accountability. I speak through music,” Jones said.
His major projects, including the album “Heartbreak Hotel,” all begin with finding a theme from his life. From there, the beat follows, with the lyrics being added last.
“I can’t make music without feeling connected to it. When I don’t release music, that’s because that feeling hasn’t come, that fire hasn’t come, and I refuse to drop music any other way. It has to be emotionally attached to what’s going on for me,” Jones said.
Jones’s latest album, released in February 2025, “I’m My Only Enemy,” consists of eight tracks exploring themes of self-reflection, perseverance and emotional vulnerability.
When speaking about the album cover, he shared how the album artwork tells its own story.
“The artwork symbolizes different points in my career and life. In the middle is a mirror which shows that you’re your only enemy sometimes, and those pictures represent all the different parts from the beginning to now,” Jones said.
Another new release from Jones is his music video accompanying his 2023 song “Vamonos.” Jones said the song is one of the most relatable to his life, and is about his uncle and grandma, who passed away the same year.
“When I recorded that song, I cried, which I don’t usually do. I remember I sent it to my auntie, the sister of my uncle who died, and she called me crying,” Jones said. “Anything I put out, I just hope somebody can relate to it. I hope [the music] touches your soul.”
Jones began working with video director Elias Denny, known professionally as XXXPensiveFilms, in 2022.
“He liked my work and sent me over a song and what he was feeling for the video,” Denny said. “What stood out to me was definitely his R&B music style, which is a lot different than a lot of artists around NorCal.”
Denny and Jones worked together on music videos, including “1517” and “Vamonos,” which they filmed in Santa Rosa. They also recently collaborated on Jones’ newest video, “Stand Tall,” which was released on Nov. 16, 2025.
Students on campus have taken notice of Jones’s work as well. Sophomore Knox Donnelly describes “Vamonos” as a song that stood out to him.
“Most of the lyrics have that sort of tone to uplift and inspire the youth,” Donnelly said.
For Jones, he hopes listeners can emotionally connect with him and understand where he’s coming from behind his music.
“There’s been a lot of people who’ve hit me up and been like ‘Man, my grandma just died, that song really helped me out’. It’s all about the talent and just putting that out there,” Jones said.
Jones’s advice for aspiring artists is to stay motivated, inspired and creative.
“If you know that you have the talent, if you know that you have the creativity, never take no for an answer,” Jones said. “You’re going to get a hundred no’s before you get a yes.”
