Scott Gries/Getty
Over the years,Usherhas crafted major hits with a variety of talented producers, including his own brother, J. Lack.
Usher, whose full name is Usher Raymond IV, is six years older than his brother, J. Lack, whose real name is James Lackey. The duo share a mother,Jonnetta Patton, and grew up together in Tennessee and Georgia.
Usher and J. Lack formed a special bond through music and have worked together on several songs, including Usher’s tracks “Boyfriend” and “Lifetime.” In addition to producing, J. Lack owns Star Studios, and Usher is one of many A-list artists who have recorded there. In October 2022, the studio’s Instagram accountshared a photoof Usher seemingly in the middle of a session.
A couple of weeks before Usher was set to take the stage for the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show, J. Lack posted a promotional image of his brother onInstagramand shared some of Usher’s traits in the caption. “World Class Singer, Dancer, Father, Family First … Generous, Ambitious … Icon of our time,” he wrote to describe his brother ahead of his big performance.
So who is Usher’s brother? Here’s everything to know about J. Lack and his relationship with the R&B star.
They grew up in the South
Usher with his mother, Jonetta Patton, and his brother James “J.Lack” Lackey.J.Lack Instagram
J.Lack Instagram
When Patton realized that Usher had a real shot at a music career, she quit her job and moved the family to Atlanta, perTheNew York Times.
In October 2022, J. Lack showed his hometown some love on Instagram. He posted a fewclips of him and Ushertaking the stage together and wrote in his caption, “What up Vegas !!!! ATL over everything !!!!”
Usher gave J. Lack his big break
When Usher recognized how talented his brother was, he decided to help open doors for him in the music business. J. Lack’s first big break was producing the 46-second intro to his brother’s 2004 album,Confessions.
The Star Studios owner explained, “Me just traveling around and just going onstage, it’s a big experience and it helps me musically, because I meet all the producers that he worked with too, like Jermaine Dupri, Dre & Vidal, they’re my dudes right there. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.”
He’s a producer and studio owner
DJ Ruckus and James “J-Lack” Lackey.Ben Rose/WireImage
Ben Rose/WireImage
Since those days touring with his brother, J. Lack has forged his own impressive path in the music industry as a successful producer and studio owner. He’s credited on hits like Lloyd’s “Get It Shawty,” and has also produced forSean “Diddy” Combs,Chris Brownand more. His trademark introduction on the songs he produces is, “This is a J. Lack track, man.”
Usher’s brother owns Star Studios, which, per itswebsite, is “a place to escape the outside world. A place to feel at home and at ease. A place to come and conquer your goals. Achieve your musical dreams. A place to come to feel whole and complete. Be your best self.”
They offer audio recording, audio mixing and mastering, entertainment consulting and content marketing. A lot of well-known artists have worked at Star Studios, including Usher himself, as well asJustin Bieber,Whitney HoustonandNelly.
Usher Raymond and brother James “J-Lack” Lackey.Ben Rose/WireImage
In the episode,The OfficestarB.J. Novakposed as a Los Angeles store owner whocaught J. Lack shoplifting. When Usher showed up to address the situation, he was clearly frustrated with his brother.
Novak pretended to have a grand realization about who Usher was in the middle of their interaction and exclaimed, “I didn’t know who you were! That kinda changes things.”
He offered to let the situation go in exchange for Usher recording a rap jingle for the store, and Novak proceeded to perform the preposterous and insulting idea for the singer, who was obviously offended.
He isn’t interested in competing with Usher
Usher and brother James Lackey during The Usher x Motorola Party.Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage
Although Usher and J. Lack are both musicians, they’re able to celebrate each other’s success rather than compete against each other, and they’ve worked together a number of times at Star Studios and on Usher’s music.
He further explained that he isn’t concerned about escaping his brother’s “shadow," stating, “I don’t think about it. I just live life. That’s my brother, that’s my family, and that’s what it is.”
“I don’t even call him ‘Usher,’ ” the producer added. “I call him ‘Big Time,’ because that’s what I used to call him as a kid. I don’t even look at him as a big superstar. That’s my brother, I see him every day. ”
He’s a father and an uncle
Prince Williams/WireImage
He also gushed about her in an adorable 2016birthday tribute, which featured Star with a present alongside her grandma. “Happy birthday I love you like no other….” the producer wrote. “I would lay somebody down for this woman here !!!!! family first !!!!!! I love u girl !!!!! Birthday breakfast.”
In addition to being a father, the musician is a loving uncle toUsher’s kids, Usher “Cinco” V, Naviyd Ely, Sovereign Bo and Sire Castrello. He celebrated Sovereign’s birth in November 2020. “Welcome 🙏🏾My niece !!!!” hecaptioned a photoof her.
In December 2018, he posted a photo ofhimself and Naviyd, wishing his nephew a happy birthday.
Usher is very proud of him
Usher and brother James “J-Lack” Lackey during Royal Birthday Ball for Sean “P. Diddy” Combs in New York City.KMazur/WireImage
KMazur/WireImage
Recalling a time when J. Lack turned his bedroom into a full studio, the musician said, “That let me know that he was just dedicated and likely to succeed. All it would take is the right motivation.”
“J. Lack is on the move,” Usher emphasized. “I’m gonna tell y’all, you better watch out. It’s going to be a major invasion this year.”
source: people.com
