Jean-Andre Lowell Lawrence, popularly known as JLL has been making music for 11 years.

His moves in the industry subtle, yet impactful enough to produce an impressive portfolio of work consisting of collaborations with artistes like Kranium, Govana, Sevana, Jaz Elise and more.

His most recent triumph to date being featured on Drake’s latest album, Certified Love Boy (CLB), with a beat he made in 2014.

While JLL has been making music for a little over a decade, this is his 3rd year officially in the industry – “I’d describe my journey as ‘faith’. Many times I’ve been doubtful of my progress in my career and fearful of the possibility that my attempts at being a respected producer will come to naught, but time and time again the music has proven itself to be valuable and worth more than I could have ever imagined when I just began.”

JLL is generally known for his expansive taste and his constant desire to always experiment when it comes to the different sounds, “One thing I’ve always told my peers is that I rarely make music for artistes. I usually make what I feel like making in the moment which keeps me challenged and also helps me to maintain a bit of a distinctive sound.”

The producer is one of many who has taken advantage of the hidden opportunities presented by the global pandemic.

Though his spirit was dampened by the lack of events and concerts, this allowed him more access to artistes as touring would’ve paused.- “I’m usually at home either way. The lack of events was a real bummer because I was not able to witness the songs I produced being played for the public – I think that’s a very important factor in legitimizing how my music makes people feel.”

Despite constantly working to improve his craft, JLL does maintain a  routine with a few constants. A typical day for him involves a trip to the gym, an early morning walk, meditation, listening to music, linking with artistes or creatives and as of recently, cooking.

He also has a few friends, who paired with his family form his support group- “My social life is rather limited, it’s a blessing that my family keeps tabs on my career and will message or call me whenever they see me on TV or in the paper. What keeps me grounded is knowing that I have people that care for me and will be there when things are difficult.” Being 100% dedicated to his work, the producer doesn’t exactly subscribe to the standard 9-5 lifestyle. For JLL, dealbreakers certainly exist when it comes to relationships and romantic interests- “A dealbreaker would definitely be someone who isn’t patient or understanding of my schedule. Yes, things aren’t as formal as you’d have a desk job but it is the nature of being a musician/freelancer.”

Feeling supported by his partner is undoubtedly top of mind, especially emotionally- “I always lean into supporting whomever my partner is in what they find fulfilling or whenever things get hard”.

JLL continues to strive in the industry as he works to perfect 6-88 Sound, a brand started by himself and Iotosh some time ago, initially to do performances. – “The name was given to me by my sister who I tasked to come up with something unique, 6 being the six strings in a guitar and 88 being the eighty-eight keys in a piano.” Though the two have been working on 6-88 behind the scenes, JLL has expressed that the brand’s true purpose shall remain a mystery for the time being.

  What isn’t a mystery is his stance on the industry and how he feels young producers on the rise should navigate it. – “Producers do get decent recognition in the Jamaican ‘industry’, but I do feel like there’s still an advent of more ‘established’ or ‘connected’ producers conning upcoming producers out of their music.” In terms of advice, he urges young producers to remain solid in their journey to success and not let times of adversity crush their spirit, “Keep that light-hearted and passionate energy as consistent as you can. You don’t need everyone you know to believe in what you’re doing, but just know that many prolific producers started out being not so great at producing. It takes faith and an understanding of the ins and outs of what it really means to be a producer in this age.” 

At present, the creative has been doing a bit of traveling and working on a few projects with some upcoming artistes.