ABOUT JONESY
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Lyric Jones is a multifaceted artist whose impressive talents span rapping, singing, drumming, multi-instrumentalism, and DJing. Drawing from hip-hop influences such as Nas, Black Thought, and Rakim, Lyric has developed a unique sound that resonates deeply within the genre. With a 15 year career rooted in hip-hop, her sonic journey has recently embraced the vibrant energy of house and dance music, positioning her as a versatile force in the music industry.
Lyric’s musical foundation was built through her involvement in the Boston City Music Program at Berklee College of Music, where she was joint-enrolled, studying drums and voice. This early immersion into a world-class musical environment shaped her into the versatile artist she is today.
She got her start at age 15 under the mentorship of Brian “Raydar” Ellis; who introduced Lyric to recording and soon performing with him around Boston. Her senior year in high school, Lyric was a featured cast member in Discovery/TLC’s “Trial By Choir” reality series. Simultaneously, she was very much involved of her hometown community socially and politically; serving on the prestigious "Boston Mayor’s Youth Council” and traveled along the east coast to NYC, Philadelphia, Washington DC with multiple church groups to do charity work in hard hit neighborhoods.
Lyric Jones moved to Georgia in 2006 and studied Broadcast News at The University of Georgia. There at UGA, she had the opportunity to be the lead drummer in UGA’s Big Band; which led to the opportunity to play with Jennifer Holiday & the late Dave Brubeck. The big band led to experiences internationally in Beijing, China & Italy in 2009. Lyric credits her “Atlanta Years” as her true career beginnings and what started her climb & respect in hip hop circles.
Relocating to Los Angeles over a decade ago, Lyric firmly established herself within the city’s vibrant music scene.
Her collaborations list is also long, some notables include: Little Brother, Ras Kass, Skyzoo, Vic Mensa, Blu, Guilty Simpson, Rah Digga & more. She also independently worked with the late Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest & Grammy Winning Esperanza Spalding for her debut album titled "Jones St” released in 2012.
Career highlights include:
- Featuring on Phife Dawg's posthumous album "Forever."
- A notable vocal appearance on Sesame Street with Phonte.
- A celebrated performance on NPR's Tiny Desk (Home), garnering widespread acclaim during the pandemic.
- Sharing stages with iconic artists including Big Daddy Kane, Kevin Ross, Avery Sunshine, Robert Glasper, Black Sheep, The Pharcyde and Slum Village.
- Releasing critically acclaimed projects such as "Ga$ Money" in 2019 and "Closer Than They Appear," in 2020 which showcase her lyrical prowess and versatility.
Lyric's work has garnered attention from notable publications such as Pitchfork, Vibe Magazine, Okayplayer, and XXL, further cementing her status as a prominent figure in the music industry. Additionally, she has been a special guest on SiriusXM’s Sway in the Morning five times, showcasing her compelling artistry and industry insight.
As she ventures into the realms of house and dance music, Lyric is influenced by legendary figures in the genre, including DJ Spinna, Reel People and Louie Vega. This transition further demonstrates her boundless creativity and ability to captivate audiences across different musical landscapes. Whether behind the mic, the drum kit, or the DJ decks, Lyric Jones continues to inspire and innovate, leaving an indelible mark on the music world.
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SHOWS