Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Thomas.
Justin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Chicago-native SJ Money
discovered his passion for music earty, growing up in recording studios alongside his father. Inspired by artists like Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Tupac, and Kanye West, he recorded his first song at 14 and has since developed a style defined by lyrical storytelling,
• versatility, and authenticity rather than following Chicago drill trends.
In 2026, he earned an Associate’s Degree in Music Engineering from LA
Film School and is pursuing a bachelor’s
degree in Audio Engineering, expected in 2028. Driven by the belief that being multi-talented makes you undeniable, $J Money continues to create music while encouraging others to stay determined: “If you do it once, you can do it twice.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say it’s definitely been a drive from interstate to off road. Being at your highest point that you feel in your career to losing it all can finish a lot of creatives. With my faith that everything happens for a reason and keeping god first I was able to find my way and overcome.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an artist/music engineer from Chicago, IL based out of California. I graduated from LA Film School in May of 26′ with my Associates Degree in the Science of Music Production. I re-enrolled in June for my BA In Audio Production to complete the entire music engineer experience. Outside of my music career I volunteer with my friends non-profit/grassroots initiative “Umoja Now” which is Swahili for unity. We raised over 15k in community outreach, We ordered/cooked over $1k meals, purchased 400 hygiene kits in McArthur Park, passed out 500 book bags for the back-2-school drive in Inglewood last year. Multiple news channels and the Inglewood mayor we’re in attendance with our recent connections and bigger network we plan to expand and collaborate for a greater outcome this year.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see myself in multiple lanes as I establish my brand and brand identity in this next quarter. Modeling and acting in short film or movies building my own studio as I get established behind my recording studio. While my foundation grows to a Non-profit I want to incorporate artist development courses that are affordable for those who can’t.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/jmoneyy773 – Linktree
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmoney773_/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-thomas-7361a1410
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/MbWPTRgvyKo?si=ReH9N2lp5tyu0GsO
