Meet Justin Famous | Recording Artist and Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Famous and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a child, I developed a love of music, art, science, math, and God. To me, they were all interconnected. When I was 13, I combined these loves to become a music artist and develop my personal brand, Justin Famous. The “Famous” part came about because my friends called me “J-Fam” as a nickname. One day, my mom was joking around and asked, “What does ‘JFam’ stand for, J famous?” I thought, “Yeah, you know what? I am Justin Famous.”
As I got older, I realized that the word “famous” meant a lot to me. I was creating an original and meaningful message through my music, drawing from my passions and my upbringing near the West Side of Chicago. I wanted my message to spread globally and resonate with people everywhere who are also unique and living in their authenticity. I wanted my words to become renowned and live on forever.
In my senior year of high school, I developed Sworv Nation Studio to have a business entity where I could release and market my music and other creative projects, like the vodcast I now produce and co-host, Music 4 Thought. Sworv Nation Studio gave me the ability and power to own my work, learn the business side of the music industry in-depth, and stay true to myself in everything I do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a bold, self-assured, yet humble man, deeply committed to achieving my dreams. I compose, produce, and record music influenced by my childhood in Maywood, IL, and studies in physics while combining elements of hip-hop, house, soul, and R&B.
I am deeply rooted in faith and driven by a deep interest in psychology and astro/quantum physics. My inspiration comes from Black physicists such as Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chicago artists Gil Scott-Heron, Quincy Jones, and Kanye West. I am also inspired by my amazing and talented wife. Since releasing two albums and four EPs, I’ve performed around Chicagoland, Illinois State, Bradley University, and the Quad Cities.
I want people to know you can make it in this industry while staying true to your morals and values. The longer path may be more difficult, but it will be easier for those who follow and more fulfilling for you.
At the end of my career, I want to leave a legacy that stands the test of time. I want to create art and ideas that inspire future generations. I want people to discuss my work two, three, four, or even five hundred years from now, just like they talk about great artists such as Bach and Van Gogh. That’s a major aspiration of mine. I want to be a part of history and contribute to the future.
Of course, I want to win a Grammy (or ten), earn multiple platinum records, and perform on every continent. Teaching a college music course is another goal of mine. While these achievements would be incredible, my ultimate hope is that everything I accomplish will resonate long after I’m gone.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is so much to do in Chicago, from the Chicago Riverwalk to the great local restaurants. A great day in the city would start with a morning walk down the lakefront trail in Hyde Park for a few miles and sitting on the stoned shore as the sun rises. Then, head to the south loop to stop at Overflow Coffee for lunch for fresh juice and coffee. Afterward, we’d visit the Art Institute to check out the new and classic exhibits. As the sun begins to set, we’d drive up north to get some vegan dinner at Handlebar Chicago and then finish off the night in the west loop at a hidden speakeasy, Lazy Bird Bar, under the Hoxton Hotel, listening to live music from the amazing Verzatile Band. That would be one of the best days ever.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to the one and only Cari Jayy, my beautiful wife. She has been a pivotal pillar in my life and career for the past 11 years and has kept me grounded and inspired through our eight years of marriage. She also owns a hair salon in Chicago, which we built from the ground up. This has given her a personal understanding of what it means to be a creative entrepreneur, so her ability to empathize with my wins and losses is incalculable. I wouldn’t be where I am without her, so I want to give her the biggest shoutout!

Website: https://linktr.ee/justinfamous

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Justinfamous_

Twitter: https://x.com/justinfamous_

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jfjustinfamous