Ohio’s Own Eman Jones on Collaborations, Career Moves, and Creative Growth
Written by Malik Perkins
July 25th, 2025
Source: Good Day Dayton
For Dayton native Eman Jones, music has always been more than a hobby—it was therapy, a lifeline, and eventually, a calling. Now, more than a decade into his career, the 33-year-old artist has found his voice, his stage, and a growing fanbase drawn to his authenticity, lyrical depth, and down-to-earth demeanor.
Jones first found his footing in music through poetry, using writing as a way to process depression and emotional turbulence. He credits Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill as a key influence in those formative years. “It helped me through my journey,” he said. “I started writing poetry inspired by that album, and it led me to try music—not for anybody else, just for myself. Then I realized it could help other people, too.”
From that spark, Eman began developing not only his pen but his craft—learning how to turn poetry into songs, refining his flow, and studying the mechanics of studio work. Thanks to his natural people skills and willingness to learn, he found mentors early on. “I’ve always been good at talking to people—even before I realized I was networking. People saw something in me and helped guide me.”
Some of that guidance came from industry veterans, including Moe Beats at Razor Bar Studios. “Moe Beats let me come in and record, helped me through the process—whether it was punching in, structuring songs, or just understanding the craft,” Eman said. “I had people already in the industry give me advice, invite me to their shows, and let me perform alongside them. They didn’t have to, but they did.”
That sense of community shaped his career early, even if it contrasts with the perception that Ohio artists rarely support one another. “There’s definitely a crab-in-a-barrel mentality in some places, but not everywhere,” he said. “You’ve got folks like Moe Beats, Ash Matthews—people who really want to see others win. I try to carry that forward, too.”
His career began to take off with early projects like Higher Learning and the more polished Oz and Easy 92, which reflected an artist coming into his own. But it was his high-profile collaborations that began turning heads far beyond Ohio.
One of the biggest moments came when he linked up with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony legend Layzie Bone for a track titled “Kings and Queens.” “It came together through a show I did with Bizzy Bone’s son. Layzie’s manager was there, and we set it up right there on the spot.”
Another major co-sign came from Houston icon Mike Jones—of “Still Tippin’” fame—who not only recorded a feature with Eman but took him on tour. “I just DMed him out of nowhere, told him how much I loved ‘Still Tippin,’ and asked him to check out my version. He hit me back, told me it was dope, and asked what I wanted him to do. I said the hook, and he was like, ‘Bet.’ Next thing I know, we’re performing together on tour. That one DM turned into a friendship I’ll probably have for life.” Their version is called “Tipping Still.”
Jones believes stories like that are proof that genuine connection still matters in the industry. “People forget the art of building relationships. But that’s how everything happened for me—through real conversations, through respect.”
Today, Eman Jones continues to grow his catalog and his presence on stage. “Touring is like fuel for me,” he said. “It keeps the creativity going. Being out there with the crowd, feeding off their energy—that’s when I feel most alive.”
His latest project, WWCD: What Would Cole Do?, is streaming on all major platforms. And fans can look forward to EHIO, an upcoming album that promises even more surprises and collaborations.
Whether on stage, in the studio, or mentoring up-and-coming artists, Eman Jones is a testament to what can happen when talent meets persistence—and when Ohio artists support each other instead of waiting for the coasts to crown them.
