Coco Jones Talks Breakthroughs, Setbacks, and the Release of Her Long-Awaited Debut Album

Appearing on "The Breakfast Club" alongside hosts Charlamagne Tha God, Jess Hilarious, and Lauren LaRosa, Coco Jones discussed the highs and hurdles surrounding the release of her long-anticipated debut album, "Why Not More." Despite a last-minute scramble—with Def Jam sending the album to the show just hours before the interview—Jones remained poised, taking the moment to advocate for her team while acknowledging areas for improvement. "I love my label. They do right by me," she said, though Charlamagne and LaRosa noted that the delayed delivery reflected larger challenges for emerging artists.

Jones made it clear that despite behind-the-scenes frustrations, she was determined to enjoy her moment. "I'm going on tour right after this album, so I want to share it," she emphasized. Her enthusiasm was palpable, even as the interviewers critiqued the missed opportunity to properly digest her project beforehand.

From Disney Roots to R&B Starlet

Although "Why Not More" is Jones’ first full album, her journey has been anything but typical. Fans know her from earlier days as a Disney Channel star, but Jones has since transitioned into a rising R&B artist and a key cast member of Peacock’s "Bel-Air." Reflecting on her evolution, she said, "Music is like home to me. It just feels safe." While acting offered creative fulfillment, it was music that became her truest outlet.

She credited her ability to stay grounded to her early experiences navigating fame. "There was a window of time where nobody was checking for me," Jones admitted. "That kept me down to earth. Nothing can really gas my head up now."

Artistic Growth and Embracing New Sides

In the interview, Jones explained how "Why Not More" marks a maturation of her artistry. Moving beyond the polished image fans grew accustomed to during her Disney years, the album embraces themes of love, sensuality, and self-discovery. Tracks like "Taste" reveal a more daring side, while maintaining what Jones described as "tasteful" boundaries.

"At 27, I have other sides to me—the way I talk with my girls, the way I talk when I'm mad," she said. "I wanted people to see all those parts."

Recording "Taste" was a freeing experience for Jones, allowing her to push past internal fears about audience expectations. "When do I do that if not now?" she asked rhetorically, explaining that authenticity was a primary driver for the album’s evolved sound and visuals.

Resilience and Finding Balance

Throughout the conversation, Jones emphasized the importance of resilience in an industry often defined by public highs and private lows. She candidly spoke about the pressure of past struggles, including periods when she considered stepping away from music altogether. Yet it was faith, she said, that ultimately sustained her.

"If you know it's on the way, how would you move?" she reflected. "I would still write songs, still put my voice out there, still show up." Jones described the internet as "not a real place," choosing instead to measure success by her own growth and creative satisfaction.

Her hit single "Here We Go" channels some of those hard-won lessons, drawing on experiences with complicated relationships and emotional boundaries. "I'm trying to make songs that are useful—that people really relate to," Jones explained.

Navigating Industry Realities

As a former child star now building an adult career, Jones has witnessed firsthand the challenges that come with reintroducing herself to the world. She expressed frustration over the lack of formula for catching and keeping public attention but remained optimistic about carving her path with authenticity.

She also addressed questions about Def Jam's promotional efforts with humor and professionalism, defending her label even while acknowledging that artists, particularly those still developing, require consistent advocacy. "It takes a lot of effort to make an artist work," she said. "I'm trying to make timeless music—and that takes time."

Personal Life and Guarded Optimism

When asked about her rumored relationship with NBA player Donovan Mitchell, Jones stayed coy. "I'm happy, and that's all I got to say about it," she said with a smile. She noted that she prefers to let her music offer glimpses into her emotions, keeping her private life relatively protected.

Jones co-wrote around 90% of "Why Not More," ensuring that even when she collaborated, the project reflected her personal voice. "I love to co-write," she said. "It helps create songs that feel more real, that sound like how we actually talk."

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead, Jones is focused on touring, with stops planned across the United States and Europe. She also teased ongoing work on Season 4 of "Bel-Air," which she called the "final season" but an opportunity to put a strong bow on the story.

Her favorite track from the new album, "By Myself," reflects a deeper message of self-reliance and inner peace. "If this all went away, it would just be me by myself," she said. "I always want to check myself and make sure I'm cool with that."

For Jones, "Why Not More" is more than a debut album; it is a declaration of self-belief forged through persistence, patience, and personal growth. In the words she shared with "The Breakfast Club," "Everything happens the way it needs to. It's above me now."