When Usher accepted his BET Lifetime Achievement Award, he made a heartfelt mention of his late father, Usher Raymond III. But what Usher didn’t mention is that he has three sisters that he shares his father with, and a brother from the same mother.
James Lackey: The Talented Brother Behind the Scenes
James Lackey, or J-Lack as he’s known in the music world, is Usher’s younger brother. Born on February 24, 1984, to mother Jonetta Patton, James may not be in the spotlight as much as his older brother, but he’s made quite a name for himself in music production.
Growing up in a family where music was a big deal, James naturally gravitated toward the industry. With Usher as his big brother and a major influence, it was almost inevitable. The brothers share a tight bond, and Usher often praises James’s talent and work ethic.
James has worked on some impressive projects, including producing tracks for Usher’s albums. Notable songs produced by James include “Get It Together” from Usher’s album “8701,” “Chivalry” from the “Hard II Love” album, “Boyfriend,” and “Lifetime.” His knack for blending different musical styles creates unique sounds that leave a lasting impression. While he’s not as famous as Usher, James’s contributions behind the scenes are significant and influential.
People reports,
The Grammy winner and actor couldn’t be more thrilled about all of J. Lack’s accomplishments in music. During an interview with MTV in April 2007, Usher gushed, “I’m so proud of him. J. Lack has his own individuality. A lot of celebrity brothers or family members always fall in the shadows. But he is different.”
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 on Instagram and 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.
For the first part of their childhood, Usher and J. Lack were raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There, Usher sang in the youth choir of the St. Elmo Missionary Baptist Church, which was directed by their mother.
When Patton realized that Usher had a real shot at a music career, she quit her job and moved the family to Atlanta, per The New York Times.
In October 2022, J. Lack showed his hometown some love on Instagram. He posted a few clips of him and Usher taking the stage together and wrote in his caption, “What up Vegas !!!! ATL over everything !!!!”
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.
During their 2007 MTV interview, J. Lack recalled touring with his brother and making valuable connections with industry folks along the way. “Well, at that time, my producing game wasn’t really up,” he said. “I would travel with him, go onstage, and at the end [of each concert], he would introduce me.”
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.”
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 for Sean “Diddy” Combs, Chris Brown and 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 its website, 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 as Justin Bieber, Whitney Houston and Nelly.
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.
J. Lack pointed out to MTV in their 2007 conversation, “Well, first of all, I didn’t want to follow in his footprints because I can’t sing.” He recalled enjoying the saxophone, drums and keyboard as a kid and learning how to play to his strengths. “I combined that all together and just started composing beats and using different sounds,” he said. “If you listen to my music, every sound has its own pocket and its own feeling.”
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. ”
While speaking with MTV in 2007, Usher had lots of words of praise for his younger brother.
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.”
Usher’s Emotional Tribute to His Father: What He Didn’t Say About His Siblings
When Usher accepted his BET Lifetime Achievement Award, his emotional tribute to his late father, Usher Raymond III, was heartfelt and memorable. In his speech, Usher reflected on the profound impact his father had on his life and career. However, many fans noticed that Usher didn’t mention his siblings, particularly his younger brother James Lackey, also known as J-Lack, and his half-sisters.
James, for instance, is a talented music producer, having worked on tracks like “Get It Together” and “Boyfriend.” His contributions to Usher’s music have been significant, even if not widely recognized. Usher’s half-sisters, who prefer to stay out of the public eye, also play an essential role in his life, though they maintain a low profile.
Despite their absence from his speech, Usher’s siblings remain an integral part of his story. Their support and presence, even behind the scenes, have contributed to his success and personal growth. Understanding the dynamics of Usher’s family adds a layer of depth to his journey, showcasing the importance of familial bonds, whether or not they are publicly acknowledged.
Wrapping Up
Usher’s fiery mention of his father during his BET acceptance speech shed light on the significant influence his father’s absence had on him. And, it also got people wondering about an often-overlooked aspect of his life—his siblings. Many people are unaware of the existence of James Lackey and Usher’s half-sisters, who have quietly supported and influenced him.
