Jacquees is the stage name of Rodriquez Broadnax, an American singer from Decatur, United States. Born in 1994, he works in contemporary R&B, hip hop, pop rap, R&B, soul and trap. He is also associated with FYB.

Early life and start in music

Jacquees develops an interest in singing and dancing at the age of nine, inspired by The Jacksons: An American Dream and The Temptations. He begins performing in school talent shows, first at Canby Lane Elementary School, where he performs the Jackson 5 song “I Want You Back” and wins first place. He continues competing at Mary McCleod Bethune Middle School, where he wins multiple talent shows, including two at the school and one at the DeKalb County Middle School Talent Show.

Career beginnings

In 2007, Dexx Lee introduces him to his manager, Orlando Grind. Orlando then introduces him to Russell “Block” Spencer, founder and CEO of Block Entertainment. At first, he blends into the studio environment without much chance to show his own style, and Block Entertainment is focused mainly on rap rather than R&B. In summer 2009, Spencer recognises his ability and changes that direction, leading Jacquees to work closely with Block Entertainment on recordings and wider exposure.

Recording and collaborations

His first single is “Krazy”, which features T.I. He also records with label mates Gorilla Zoe and Scotty, as well as T.I.P and Atlanta rapper J-Real. He names Lil Wayne, Drake, Justin Bieber, Bow Wow, Lil' Chuckee and Chris Brown among the artists he wants to work with.

Style and outlook

Jacquees describes himself as aiming for success in the music industry while crediting faith as part of that path. His early development is shaped by performance in local talent shows and by his interest in both singing and dancing from a young age.