We recently connected with JAY-LEN and have shared our conversation below.

JAY-LEN, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Since A child I had a love and appreciation for music. It has helped me survive some of the most challenging situations but also has given me joy at the highest level. My parents and family have the same appreciation so ive always been around it. I believe I was about 10 years old when I developed a real passion or love for it though. I havent went a day without music since!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I got into the industry at about 17yrs old. Started working as a promoter at this club in Washington Dc called “Ibiza Nightclub.” This club would have some of the biggest stars you could name like Migos, 2 Chainz, and Young Thug just to name a few. I had fell in love with the people’s reaction to the music so I wanted to get closer to the hosting side of the events. This in turn had me going to college to pursue a degree in marketing so that I could learn how. At that time I was also playing basketball which I could say was a fun but bad mix. After receiving my degree I then decided to take Events Management on as a career. I knew that experience trumps all so I decided to work with a few artists myself by Managing, doing music A&R and Image consulting. The name of the brands umbrella is “Top Floor Marketing and Entertainment” this allowing me the opportunity to not only see the production process but how to market the artists once the product is made.

“If its one thing I could tell someone that wants to be in this field is that it requires an awful lot of patience, consistency, and focus. Also that you cannot want someone to be successful if they dont already want it for themselves. The Sacrifice is the real price.”

Then in 2021 after having that realization during Covid I decided to try going to the studio by myself. One day turned into 4 straight days of me being in the studio.

What I feel sets me apart as an artist now in 2023 is that I speak from soul to soul. Even though Rap music has changed a bit and R&B isnt as prominent as it used to be. I feel its making its way back and I want to be a advocate for spreading love and healing not violence. Plus I enjoy showing how its done with style and grace.

Thus far people have been enjoying the music and ive been getting much love. Two of my favorite songs and I would say the most popular are “For Your Soul” and “Somedays” which can be both found on Soundcloud and Youtube.

I just want to make music you can relate to.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I would just say its a journey as an artist but its lifes process. Control what you can and do your best to enjoy it but understand you ultimately have no control at all. My story has afforded me the opportunity to try every career from serving food at a restaurant to doing retail. Take pride in the humble beginnings and have a plan for a legacy. Dont just exist, let us know you here to stay.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

What drives my ambition is following what gives me joy. When you do something that makes you happy the feeling is addicting. At one point I chose business consulting because it gave me joy to help someone bring their vision to life and watch it grow. Crazy because most of the work I even did for free just because I loved it.

“Its never to late to add your price especially when your worth it!”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://instagram.com/topfloor.me?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/jaylenssong?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalen-williams-675957183
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jaylenssong

Image Credits
@terreldaronfilms @marvelmarko @sirkevinjames