“Creating is in my blood. I love bringing ideas out of the ether. It’s something that pours out of me, and I don’t know how to stop.”
Ta’Rhonda Jones is a South Side Chicago artist who found her passion for hip-hop at a young age, starting to rap in seventh grade and recording professionally by age 17. Before gaining fame as Porsha Taylor on Empire, Jones was building her career as a musician, drawing on her Chicago roots, personal experiences, and bold storytelling to shape her sound. She continues to make music while expanding her creativity through acting, fashion, and community work, mentoring youth and advocating for change in Chicago.
Q: Chicago has a sound like no other place. How do you feel the city has shaped you as an artist?
Tarhonda Jay: Chicago has shaped my sound through my village, my upbringing and the people who raised me, especially the women. Shout out to my fifth-grade teacher, Ms. Trotter, who helped me find my voice. My first speech was “Ain’t I a Woman,” and because I did so well, she had me traveling to elementary schools all over Chicago reciting it. That’s when I discovered my voice.
I also have to shout out my next-door neighbor Ms. Simon. She was a blind woman who had a candy store, and before we could enter, she would make us recite “Hey Black Child.” Chicago and the strong women around me helped shape who I am and helped me discover my sound.
Q: Was there ever a moment you almost walked away from music? If so, what kept you going?
Tarhonda Jay: Always. As artists, we have those moments where we feel like nobody is listening, nobody is streaming, nobody is supporting. But creating is in my blood. I love bringing ideas out of the ether. It’s something that pours out of me, and I don’t know how to stop.
The people who do listen and the people who are inspired by my music are what keep me going.
Q: Tell us about the process behind your Grammy-considered project.
Tarhonda Jay: My album Dearly Beloved was a love letter to my deceased mother. I had been carrying grief for years, and I realized it was keeping me stuck. I’m usually someone who gives energy, love, and makes people feel seen, but grief changed me. I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize myself.
I decided to turn my pain into purpose and finally release everything I was holding onto. That project was considered for two Grammys, and it even reached Beyoncé through a friend of mine who writes for her. Beyoncé heard it and said I was one of the most talented people she had listened to.
My newest album, Breaking Character, is about my experiences and transforming them into something beautiful.
Q: You actually inspired me because I lost my mom too. What would you say to someone dealing with grief?
Tarhonda Jay: Losing a mother is something people don’t fully understand unless they’ve experienced it. It’s one day at a time, one minute at a time, one toe at a time. Your loved one is still an extension of you.
Make your mom proud. Everything has an expiration date, so while we’re here, live your purpose.
Q: Which visual you created hits different every time you watch it?
Tarhonda Jay: My latest visual “Villain” from Breaking Character. It represents killing the old version of myself & the people-pleasing version, the version that always said yes.
Everyone is used to me showing up for everybody else, but I had to learn what it means to experience myself. The visual represents my growth as an artist because my roots started with acting, then music, directing, and producing.
Q: If someone has never heard your music, what are the first three songs you’d play them?
Tarhonda Jay:
- “Talk Is Cheap” — because it’s about doing what you say you’re going to do. I’m big on actions matching words.
- “Mama Said I Got You” — because it’s one of my most personal songs. It’s about my relationship with my mother and realizing that nobody gets a manual on how to be a parent. We’re all learning through life.
- “Let Me Talk To Myself” — because it’s about knowing my worth, my relationship with God, and understanding that I am already fulfilled.
Q: What’s one thing you know you need to level up on as an artist?
Tarhonda Jay: Staying connected with my connections. Sometimes I meet powerful people and don’t always follow up because I have so much going on. Relationships matter, and I could do better at maintaining those connections.
Q: Are you looking for a record deal or do you want to remain independent?
Tarhonda Jay: I believe in divine alignment. Whatever is meant for me will find me. I love being independent because I have creative freedom, but ownership is the real goal.
Music and acting are great, but the future is ownership. I want my own network, maybe my own label, and I want to create opportunities for Chicago.
Q: Who in Chicago do you think is slept on and deserves more flowers?
Tarhonda Jay: Joel Q, because I love what he’s doing and his message about drill. Sherrion is incredible also, she’s different. J Bambi is also an amazing lyricist and deserves recognition.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the future?
Tarhonda Jay: I see myself receiving Oscars and Grammys. I’ve been stepping into producing and recently produced a digital series. I’m also executive producing my first show for a major network.
The future is about ownership, creating, and building something bigger than myself.
Q: Give us something nobody knows about you.
Tarhonda Jay: People think I’m extroverted, but I’m really an introvert. I love being home. I grow tomatoes, basil, and have a garden. I’m really a grandma at heart.
And my guilty pleasure is watching pimple-popping videos.
Q: What never fails to put a smile on your face?
Tarhonda Jay: Butterflies. They’re very significant to me. I believe my mother is connected to butterflies.
The transformation of a butterfly reminds me of life. A caterpillar has to completely transform before becoming something beautiful. Sometimes you have to let an old version of yourself die so you can become who you’re meant to be.
I always ask people, “Did you die today?” Meaning, did you let go of an old version of yourself? Did you transform?
We only get one life. What are we doing to live in our purpose?
