Jai’Len Josey Signs With Def Jam RecordingsDate Signed: March 2026 Label: Def Jam RecordingsType of Music: R&B, Soul-PopManagement: Taryn Anchrum - Top Ten Management; Al Branch - The Blueprint Group; Anastasia Wright - Imperial Marketing GroupBooking: Michelle Martinez, Josh Sanchez - WMELegal: Dorna TaylorPublicity: Bryan Pierce, Humbert Luna, Becky McElrath - 1964 AgencyA&R: Drew Corria - Def Jam; Laurne Munroe - Sony Music Publishing; Taryn Anchrum - Top Ten Management LLCWeb: jailenjosey.com

Jai’Len Josey is a force to be reckoned with. Being a triple threat —songwriter, singer, and actress—made her a desirable asset. Cynthia Erivo became aware of the Broadway star while producing a stage show in which Josey was performing. Erivo subsequently became a mentor. Josey knew about Erivo getting into music, so she voiced her desire to make similar waves. 

As luck would have it, Erivo was friends with screenwriter Lena Waithe. The creator of Showtime’s The Chi had a label with Def Jam, Hillman Grad Records, a perfect fit for the diva in the making. Josey signed with them in June 2021.

Two years later, the label dissolved. “Long story short, they took me straight under Def Jam,” says the R&B powerhouse hailing from Atlanta. While signed to Hillman Grad, she went on tour with recent MC cover artist Ari Lennox. That stint allowed Josey to prove her mettle, thus instilling faith in Def Jam that she has what it takes. “I was proving myself,” Josey proclaims, “to where they had no other choice but to believe what others were saying.” A songwriting deal with Sony Music Publishing, plus a management deal with WME, also came to fruition.

Before all this, a producer she felt close to did her dirty. Josey was therefore cautious when it came to signing anything. Fortunately, her mother has a music industry background, so she always had someone with insider experience to help guide her through the process. 

Josey remains content that things took longer than expected to fall into place. She’d rather shine bright for years than merely come and go like a shooting star. “I don’t want to be microwavable,” she cheekily suggests. “I want to be a pot roast. And I want to be a pot roast that tastes really good.”

Serial Romantic, Josey’s major label debut executive produced by Tricky Stewart, made its initial splash in April. The post Jai’Len Josey Signs With Def Jam Recordings first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.