How to Hire JAY ROCK For Your Event!
aka: Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr.
Based in: California
Based in: Los Angeles
Hire: Jay Rock
GRAMMY award-winning Jay Rock, born Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr. on March 31, 1985, in Los Angeles, California, grew up in Watts, one of the city’s most challenging neighborhoods. Raised in the Nickerson Gardens housing projects, Jay Rock experienced firsthand the dangers and complexities of street life. From a young age, he was exposed to gang culture, which heavily influenced his music and outlook. Hip-hop became an outlet for Jay Rock, allowing him to reflect on his life experiences while steering him away from street violence.
Beginnings in Music and Signing with Top Dawg Entertainment
Jay Rock’s rap career began when he caught the attention of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) founder Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith in the mid-2000s. Recognizing his gritty, authentic storytelling and raw talent, TDE signed Jay Rock as one of its first artists, marking the label’s entry into the hip-hop world. This partnership would eventually lead to the formation of one of hip-hop’s most respected collectives, which includes Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, and ScHoolboy Q.
Jay Rock’s early work laid the foundation for TDE’s reputation as a powerhouse of lyrical and impactful music.
– Hire Jay Rock for your festival or concert plans! – (t,s)
Early Career and Mixtapes: Building a Reputation
Jay Rock gained traction in the rap scene with mixtapes like Watts Finest Vol. 1 and Watts Finest Vol. 2, which highlighted his gritty style and honest portrayal of life in the streets. His storytelling about the challenges of gang violence and survival in Watts resonated deeply with fans. This early success led to his major-label signing with Warner Bros. Records in 2007, where he released the single “All My Life (In the Ghetto)” featuring Lil Wayne and will.i.am in 2008. Though the single garnered attention, Jay Rock’s experience with Warner Bros. was challenging, leading to delays and ultimately a shift in his career.
Breakthrough Album: Follow Me Home
In 2011, Jay Rock released his debut album, Follow Me Home, on TDE’s independent label after leaving Warner Bros. The album, featuring appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, and Chris Brown, was praised for its authenticity and insight into Jay Rock’s life experiences. With tracks like “Hood Gone Love It” and “Say Wassup,” Jay Rock began to receive wider recognition, gaining praise for his honest lyrics and vivid portrayal of inner-city life. Follow Me Home established him as a powerful storyteller, setting the stage for his future growth.
Collaborative Success with Black Hippy
Alongside his solo career, Jay Rock became known as a founding member of Black Hippy, a hip-hop supergroup formed with TDE labelmates Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, and ScHoolboy Q. Black Hippy’s collaborative work boosted each member’s visibility, particularly as Kendrick Lamar’s fame grew, drawing attention to TDE’s entire roster. Their synergy and chemistry produced fan-favorite tracks, with each member contributing their distinct style to create a unique and influential collective.
90059: A Critical Milestone
In 2015, Jay Rock released his sophomore album, 90059, named after the zip code of Watts. The project was a pivotal moment in Jay Rock’s career, showcasing his growth as an artist and his refined storytelling abilities. The album featured collaborations with TDE artists and further explored the harsh realities of life in his hometown. Tracks like “Vice City” (featuring Black Hippy) and “Easy Bake” were praised for their depth, while the project’s reflective tone displayed Jay Rock’s evolution as both a lyricist and an artist. 90059 solidified his reputation as one of TDE’s most compelling voices.
Near-Fatal Motorcycle Accident and Comeback with Redemption
In 2016, Jay Rock was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that resulted in multiple injuries, temporarily halting his career. This near-death experience became a transformative event, inspiring him to refocus on his goals and artistry. In 2018, he returned stronger than ever with the release of Redemption, an album inspired by his recovery journey. Redemption received critical acclaim, with tracks like “WIN” and “The Bloodiest” highlighting his resilience and growth. The single “WIN” became a motivational anthem, showcasing Jay Rock’s evolution into a more introspective and hopeful artist.
Recognition and Grammy Success with “King’s Dead”
Jay Rock’s collaboration on the track “King’s Dead,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, Future, and James Blake, earned him widespread recognition. Featured on the Black Panther soundtrack, “King’s Dead” won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 2019. The success of this track marked a career milestone for Jay Rock, bringing him into the mainstream spotlight and showcasing his versatility and impact in the music industry.
Influence and Legacy
Jay Rock’s music is celebrated for its raw honesty and vivid storytelling, with themes that often center on loyalty, struggle, and survival. His journey from the streets of Watts to mainstream success has made him an influential figure in hip-hop, particularly for fans who appreciate authenticity. As one of TDE’s original members, Jay Rock has played a crucial role in shaping the label’s identity and paving the way for other artists to follow.
Discography Highlights
- Follow Me Home (2011)
- 90059 (2015)
- Redemption (2018)
Personal Life and Future Plans
Despite his success, Jay Rock has remained grounded, frequently crediting his community and TDE family for his achievements. Known for his low-key personality and dedication to his craft, he continues to work on new music and inspire listeners with his journey of resilience. His contributions to both his own music and TDE have established Jay Rock as a respected figure, whose authenticity and dedication to his roots continue to influence his evolving career.
#1. How do I book Jay Rock? See below.
Hire Jay Rock for your party or event!
Learn booking fee and availability.
#2. How much does it cost to book Jay Rock? See below.
Jay Rock may be available for your next special event!
#3. What is the Jay Rock booking fee? See below.
Book Jay Rock, now!
For other great suggestions regarding booking popular music acts, look here.
Check Jay Rock tour dates:
Watch Jay Rock Videos:
Upcoming Tour Dates for Jay Rock on Ticketmaster
- August 26, 2025 — The O'Jays
Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Florida
Buy Tickets - July 11, 2025 — Rock The Country - Ashland, KY
Boyd County Fairgrounds, Ashland, Kentucky
Buy Tickets - September 13, 2025 — Nik & Jay Malaga
, Marbella, Málaga
Buy Tickets - July 19, 2025 — UP ON THE ROOF X NORMAN JAY
Brixton Storeys, London,
Buy Tickets - August 24, 2025 — 2025 Jay Park World Tour [Serenades & Body Rolls]
Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
Buy Tickets - November 14, 2025 — Jay Scott
Le Club Square Dix30, Brossard, Quebec
Buy Tickets - July 11, 2025 — The Sweet Caroline Tour Starring Jay White
Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, Tennessee
Buy Tickets - August 24, 2025 — The O'Jays
Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center, Tampa, Florida
Buy Tickets - February 14, 2026 — The Sweet Caroline Tour Starring Jay White
Plaza Theatre, Palm Springs, California
Buy Tickets - August 30, 2025 — Sir Charles Jones and Jay Morris Group
Robinson Center, Little Rock, Arkansas
Buy Tickets - September 24, 2025 — The Beach Boys & The O'Jays
Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Buy Tickets - September 11, 2025 — 28 Between with Jay Johnson
Backstage at The Green Hotel, Kinross,
Buy Tickets - May 2, 2026 — The Alarm with Jay Aston's Gene Loves Jezebel and Belouis Some
Emo's Austin, Austin, Texas
Buy Tickets - November 1, 2025 — The Sweet Caroline Tour Starring Jay White
George Van Dusen Theatre at North Shore Center, Skokie, Illinois
Buy Tickets - July 4, 2025 — NEIL DIAMOND LEGACY: Starring Jay White & The Sweet Caroline Tour Band
South Point Showroom at South Point Hotel Casino and Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada
Buy Tickets - July 5, 2025 — NEIL DIAMOND LEGACY: Starring Jay White & The Sweet Caroline Tour Band
South Point Showroom at South Point Hotel Casino and Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada
Buy Tickets - July 6, 2025 — NEIL DIAMOND LEGACY: Starring Jay White & The Sweet Caroline Tour Band
South Point Showroom at South Point Hotel Casino and Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada
Buy Tickets - October 14, 2025 — Neil Diamond Legacy Concert: Jay White & The Sweet Caroline Tour Band
South Point Showroom at South Point Hotel Casino and Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada
Buy Tickets - October 15, 2025 — Neil Diamond Legacy Concert: Jay White & The Sweet Caroline Tour Band
South Point Showroom at South Point Hotel Casino and Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada
Buy Tickets - October 16, 2025 — Neil Diamond Legacy Concert: Jay White & The Sweet Caroline Tour Band
South Point Showroom at South Point Hotel Casino and Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada
Buy Tickets
- Hire Jay Rock. -