"There's something about just letting go and being free on stage, that can't be duplicated," multi-hyphenate Coco Jones shares with EBONY when asked about her recent rainy Broccoli City Fest performance. "I can't control the weather, but I can always control the type of show I bring to the table. I didn't want the weather to stop me from doing my part. I just let go of that doubt that told me not to continue. The reason why that show went so well, was because I was being free. That's the element I want to continue to elevate on stage."

"I can't control the weather, but I can always control the type of show I bring to the table."

Coco Jones

Fresh off the heels of that now viral moment, Jones is gearing up to hit the stage for iHeartRadio’s Living Black!” 2023, a special event inspired by the culture, history and innovation of Black culture and hip-hop featuring star-studded performances. The "ICU" songstress will join other heavy hitters like: Usher, Miguel, and GloRilla. While we're sure she will deliver yet another powerful set, she's most excited about being in the presence of her peers.

"It's such an amazing opportunity to be among my peers who are also really killing it. I love Usher, and I was listening to his set; he really eats it up. I'm always inspired by great talent, so it's exciting to be among such a fire lineup."

This truly is the season of Coco Jones. From overlooked to always booked, the Bel-Air actress is simply enjoying the ride and taking it all in. On June 25, 2023, she took home her first major music accolade during the BET Awards—'Best New Artist'. During her acceptance speech, the singer gave an emotional thank you, while also encouraging other Black girls and women.

"When I was in my season of uncertainty, I just wanted someone else to tell me that it was okay. So, because I didn't find that, I wanted to be that reminder for others," Coco Jones explains to EBONY when asked about the moving speech. "That reminder to take it easy on yourself as Black women, to show yourself grace and mercy, yet still expect amazing things for yourself. And, be okay with the time that it takes. That was the reassurance that I was looking for in my storm, and I want to give that to the next Black girl every chance I can."

"When I was in my season of uncertainty, I just wanted someone else to tell me that it was okay. So, because I didn't find that, I wanted to be that reminder for others."

Coco Jones

The 25-year-old doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon. Although we'll have to wait a bit longer for her part as Hillary Banks—due to the SAG-AGTRA strike currently happening—Jones is laser-focused on bringing fans more of those soulful, velvety vocals we've come to know and love.

"I am working on my first headlining tour, which will be this fall. I've been in rehearsals galore to make sure that this is an iconic moment in time for everyone who comes to watch me perform," she shares. "I'm also working on my debut album, which hopefully comes out at the top of 2024. It's going to be one of the most important projects that I put out, so I'm taking my time with it."

As for dream collaborations, of course, Brandy, SWV and Destiny's Child are high on the list. But, Jones says that teaming up with some of the 'new girls' of R&B would also be dope.

"Me, Chloe [Bailey], Ella Mai, Summer Walker—just a girls anthem. I think that would be really cool and refreshing. We haven't had something like that in a while."

Bel-Air
coco jones
ICU
iheart radio living black