Known professionally as J. Dukes, the Chicago based recording artist, born Jeremy Austin Dukes just closed out the decade with his hard-hitting “No Days Off” music video and single “Plug”. Listing his influences of present day artists such as J. Cole, Roddy Rich and 6lack, he attributes his lifelong infatuation with music as his driving force going in to the 2020’s.

Upbringing:

 The son of accomplished singer and songwriter Dwight Dukes of the Chicago R&B/Soul group Heaven & Earth, J. Dukes could be found since birth taking in the sights and sounds of his father recording and producing music. At eight years old his parents would enroll him at Sherwood Conservatory of Music in Chicago, where he studied the intricacies of a pianist, learning to play classical music of iconic figures such as Bach and Beethoven. Beginning high school in 2006, Dukes would become a member of the reputable King College Prep marching band. A quick study to the baritone saxophone, J. Dukes performed in numerous band competitions, several Windy City Football Classics and the inauguration of former president of the United States, Barack Obama among other events. While attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2010, Dukes gained popularity around campus as “the guy that could play anything on the keys”, lending his abilities to different artists and campus events.

Outlook: 

Presently J. Dukes has been steadily honing his craft as a pianist and lyricist since his return from school. Offering glimpses of his growth at select open mic events throughout the city, collaborating with other artists, establishing his family’s Dukes World Records label, while also releasing his own music, J. Dukes is all in for his biggest passion.