Biographie
Lyric Jones is a genre-defying artist whose journey through music has been defined by reinvention, soul, and purpose. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, she began her career deeply rooted in hip-hop-as a sharp-witted MC, drummer, and live performer influenced by legends like Nas, Black Thought, and Rakim. Over the last few years, Lyric has pivoted into the world of dance music, where she now shines as a vocalist, songwriter, DJ, and producer-bringing new energy and authenticity to soulful house and electronic sounds.
Her musical foundation was laid early through the Boston City Music Program at Berklee College of Music, where she studied drums and voice as a joint-enrolled high school student. At just 15, she began recording and performing under the mentorship of Brian "Raydar" Ellis. That same year, she appeared on Discovery/TLC's Trial By Choir series and served on the Boston Mayor's Youth Council, while engaging in community service projects across the East Coast.
In 2006, Lyric moved to Georgia to study Broadcast News at The University of Georgia. While there, she became the lead drummer for UGA's Big Band, performing with icons like Jennifer Holliday and the late Dave Brubeck, and touring internationally in China and Italy. These formative experiences, along with her deep involvement in Atlanta's indie rap scene, became the true launchpad for her career in hip-hop.
After relocating to Los Angeles over a decade ago, Lyric built a strong reputation as a lyrical force and live performer, collaborating with artists like Little Brother, Skyzoo, Vic Mensa, Blu, Guilty Simpson, Rah Digga, and Ras Kass. She also independently worked with the late Phife Dawg (A Tribe Called Quest) and Grammy-winner Esperanza Spalding on her 2012 debut album Jones St. Her later projects, Ga$ Money (2019) and Closer Than They Appear (2020), earned critical acclaim and media coverage from Pitchfork, Vibe, Okayplayer, and XXL. She's also made five standout appearances on Sway in the Morning.
In recent years, Lyric has transitioned into house and dance music, taking on a new creative lane that highlights her soulful vocals, global influences, and magnetic energy. She's collaborated with Grammy-winning producer Terry Hunter, house legend Melba Moore, and experimental artist Byron The Aquarius, and her single "Sunshine" with Moon Boots (Fool's Gold Records) has further solidified her sound in this space.
In 2025, Lyric signed with Issa Rae's RAEDIO sync label and performed on major stages including Coachella's YUMA Stage and the Chosen Few Picnic & Festival Closing Party in Chicago-milestones that reflect her growing impact in the dance music world. She also made a celebrated vocal appearance on the SpongeBob SquarePants 25th Anniversary Album, as well as Sesame Street alongside Phonte.
Outside of her performance career, Lyric continues to lead with purpose as a Grammy U Mentor, a regular contributor to Serato's Audio Affect series, and an alumni guest of DJ Jazzy Jeff's Playlist Retreat.
In 2025, she launched her own record label-dedicated to reclaiming space in house and dance music for Black women creatives. Her latest single, "Call Me," is the debut release under this imprint, representing both her sonic evolution and her commitment to cultural restoration and innovation.
From hip-hop stages to dance floors, Lyric Jones is a rare artist who continues to push boundaries while remaining grounded in truth, rhythm, and voice.
