Kent Jones
Biography
Daryl Kent Jones was born on April 14, 1993, in Tallahassee, Florida. His musical journey began in the church, where he learned to play drums. He later took formal lessons in piano, Hammond organ, and music theory. Jones developed an interest in jazz, inspired by Quincy Jones, before shifting his focus to hip-hop, admiring producers like Dr. Dre and Timbaland. He eventually relocated to Miami to work with the production duo Cool & Dre.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Jones initially gained credit as a producer and songwriter. He signed with Cool & Dre's Epidemic Records and later, in 2015, secured a joint deal with DJ Khaled's We the Best Music Group and Epic Records. He contributed to releases for artists such as Fat Joe, The Game, and Queen Latifah. In July 2015, Jones released his debut mixtape, "Tours," which featured the song "Don't Mind".
"Don't Mind" and Rise to Fame
"Don't Mind" was officially released as a single in April 2016 and became a massive international hit. The track, which incorporates lyrics in multiple languages and an interpolation of Barry White's "Practice What You Preach," peaked at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song's success was amplified by its popularity on streaming services and a remix featuring Pitbull and Lil Wayne. This breakout single established Kent Jones as a notable artist in the mainstream.
Subsequent Work and Style
Following his initial success, Jones released more mixtapes, including "Too Much Too Soon" and "The LUH Tape". He has been featured on tracks by other artists, including DJ Khaled and D-Nice. His music is characterized as a melodic blend of R&B, hip-hop, and pop. As a producer, he is known for his bass-heavy beats. Jones is also a multi-instrumentalist, playing drums, bass, and keyboards.