Jack Freeman: The Heart of Houston R&B

Houston native Jack Freeman is not just making waves in R&B, he is carving out a lane that feels deeply personal, soulful, and rooted in both his city and his story. With his third studio album Nina released under Illustrate New Ideas, the creative content company he co-founded with Grammy Award-winning producer Bryan-Michael Cox, Freeman is proving he belongs in the conversation of artists shaping the sound of modern R&B.

The project is personal, reflective, and filled with the kind of songwriting that feels like it came straight from late-night studio conversations. When asked about the inspiration behind Nina and the deluxe version scheduled for release on September 17th, Freeman shared, “Nina is a collection of my experiences with love stories coupled with the perspectives from some co-writers including Adonis, Bryan-Michael Cox, and Felly. The song often lies in the conversations that we tend to have in the studio. We just take our experiences and make them rhyme and flow.”

The journey of Nina is as much about artistry as it is about partnership. Freeman’s collaboration with Bryan-Michael Cox is one of those rare bonds in music that feels destined. “Bryan came into my life when I wasn’t sure where else to take my career. One of the biggest things he’s done to date is simply believe in me when it seemed like no one else in the industry did. He continues to do that to this day, which allows me to go into the studio and create the type of music that feels good, opposed to trying to reinvent the wheel. For as long as he’ll have me around, Bryan is going to be my Jam and Lewis. My Quincy Jones, if you will.”

This faith in his artistry is now paying off in full-circle moments. Freeman recently announced that he will join Jagged Edge on their “An Evening With Jagged Edge 2025 Tour,” a celebration of the 25th anniversary of their classic J.E. Heartbreak.

For Freeman, the opportunity carries a weight that goes beyond the stage. “Joining Jagged Edge on tour meant the world to me. Having a group of guys believe in you enough to share their fanbase for a few minutes a night and let you rock is all that you can really ask sometimes. I’m forever indebted to Brian, Brandon, Kyle, and Wingo for the support they’ve extended in this past year alone. They made sure I had everything I needed on the road and made sure I was presented in the best light possible, literally and figuratively.”

And while Nina set the stage, Freeman’s single “MVP” took things even further, evolving into a movement with multiple remixes. Collaborations with DJ Candlestick, Big K.R.I.T, and Bun B brought new life to the track.

“Well, for starters, I’ve known DJ Candlestick before I started making music. So, that was a no-brainer. I’ve also known Bun B for a very long time. If you know Bun, you know that anytime you see him, his incredible wife is not too far. Bun is so comfortable in his skin and is probably the most happily married rapper I’ve ever met. That needed to be represented in a song like ‘MVP.’ We reached out to Cory Mo for a remix and had a few more names on the short list of who we wanted to feature. Once I heard the beat, I knew KRIT would be the guy. I’ve known KRIT since, probably, his first show here in the Houston area and I personally believe it was a long time coming. He’s one of the most talented lyricists in this game, but y’all knew that already.”

For Freeman, Houston is more than a backdrop. It is the energy that runs through his music. “Houston is such a special city. The way we embrace our own culture and ride with it whether anyone else likes it or not is incredible. Admittedly, we are, and have always been, a more independent, hip-hop heavy culture. So, it was hard to find an abundance of R&B artists that I could look for guidance. Instead, I took what I learned from my rap friends, tweaked it and created something for myself that really didn’t exist. Fortunately, it caught the eye of a fellow Houstonian, B Cox. We understand each other well because we know Houston’s cultural landscape. Hopefully our different perspectives and shared experiences ooze out of the records.”

It is clear his artistry has matured, both in craft and perspective. “First and foremost, I’m so much better now as an artist, vocally. My pen and ear have also evolved. Songs like ‘Nobody’ and ‘50 First Dates’ are moments in time where I knew I was really good at this. I have a lot more of those moments now. I can get the point across a lot easier. Because I’ve lived more life, matured and have gotten older, the work naturally progresses. The album following Nina is going to be a doozy.”

As R&B continues to evolve, Freeman stands firm in his authenticity. “Honestly, it’s about what feels good for me. I don’t spend a lot of my time trying to catch up with the trends. I hear what’s going on, I hear what isn’t being done and I continue to feel genuine and authentic. Love is a human emotion. So, my job as an artist is to keep writing about it and to keep digging for the sound that resonates. It’s all I know how to do! If that means we dip into other genres like Amapiano, Afrobeats, Funk or Jazz, then so be it.”

Jack Freeman is more than an artist. He is a storyteller, a student of life, and a reflection of Houston’s spirit. With Nina Deluxe arriving September 17th, fans can expect even more from an artist who is just getting started but already leaving an undeniable mark.