Charlotte’s music scene is buzzing, and one of its rising stars is Jinnat, better known as Baby J. A singer, songwriter, and producer, Baby J is carving out a space in pop music with fearless honesty, vibrant energy, and a knack for blending genres in ways that feel both nostalgic and fresh.
She joined Local Music Somewhere at rBeatz.com to talk about her new EP, Since You’re Listening, and the journey that’s brought her to this moment.
Baby J on Pop, Heartbreak, and Finding Her Own Lane
About Me – Baby J
Early Beginnings & DIY Spirit
Jinnat’s love for music started early. By the age of eight, she was writing songs, and soon after, she began teaching herself instruments like ukulele and guitar. Piano lessons came first, but the real turning point was discovering music production.
“YouTube University is where it’s at,” she laughed, crediting online tutorials for teaching her how to produce her own tracks. That self-driven approach has stayed with her, leading to collaborations with local studios and a steady stream of releases since her late teens.
The Grindhouse Connection
One of the pivotal points in her career came when she connected with Grindhouse, a Charlotte creative hub. “They were just starting it up… I was at like every lock-in,” she said, reflecting on the immersive, late-night studio sessions that introduced her to some of the city’s most talented artists. Charlotte’s music community, she noted, is still growing compared to other cities, but spaces like Grindhouse are helping artists connect and thrive.
Big Moments & Inspirations
In 2016, Jinnat performed at Levine Children’s Hospital’s Ryan C. Kress studio — an experience that solidified her belief in music’s power to inspire. A young girl told her afterward, “I wanna be a singer now,” a moment Baby J still treasures.
Her influences run deep in pop history — Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson — but she’s also drawn to the energy of girl groups like Little Mix, Fifth Harmony, Spice Girls, and Destiny’s Child. That love for pop shines in her songwriting, even when the subject matter is bittersweet.
Since You’re Listening – A Breakup Diary with a Beat
Her latest EP, Since You’re Listening, is a mix of upbeat, “crying in the club” tracks and more mellow moments. Songs like You and Me, Danger, and Let Me Be the One explore love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. But her personal favorite turned out to be a surprise — Investigate.
She wrote Investigate with a vision of an “island vibe,” drawing from her Caribbean roots and slipping in Trini slang for flavor. That cultural influence adds warmth and rhythm to her pop sensibilities. The EP title, she admitted, has a double meaning. On one hand, it’s a nod to the fact that an ex was listening to her music and assuming the songs were about him. On the other, it’s an open invitation to anyone who stumbles across her work — since you’re listening, why not stay a while?
Lessons in the Industry
Jinnat has already experienced both the freedom and frustrations of the music business. She’s been signed to small labels, faced controlling contracts, and even walked away from deals to preserve her artistic vision. Her biggest takeaway? “Do it for the vibes, never do it for the views. If people like your vibe, they will come.”
She values artistic integrity over fame, believing that staying true to herself will bring the right opportunities — whether she stays independent or one day signs a major deal.
Looking Ahead
With her ability to write, produce, and perform, Baby J is building a career on her own terms. She’s proof that Charlotte’s creative scene is not just alive, but evolving into a hub for ambitious artists ready to put in the work.
From bedroom recordings to polished pop EPs, from heartbreak to empowerment, Jinnat’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to her craft. And as long as we’re listening, she’s got plenty more to share.
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