CHICAGO — Actress and recording artist Ta’Rhonda Jones is expanding her creative work into music with Breaking Character, a project centered on identity, perception and personal transformation.
The project includes tracks such as “Favor on My Soul” and “Villain,” which explore contrasting emotional perspectives, one rooted in alignment and affirmation, the other in perception and misunderstanding.
“Breaking character is really about stepping outside of what people expect from you,” Jones said. “It’s personal.”
Jones, known for her role as Porsha Taylor on the television series Empire, is using music to expand her storytelling beyond the screen.
“I choose to be present. I choose to be 100% me,” she said. “No more performing. No more people pleasing. I’m no longer who society wants me to be.”
The duality presented in “Favor on My Soul” and “Villain” reflects a broader theme of balance within the project.
“I wanted to show that balance is necessary,” Jones said. “I can be both soft and firm. Soft says I understand you, and firm says I still choose what’s best for me.”
Production for “Favor on My Soul” is underway, with visuals emphasizing tone, reflection and transformation. The project’s visual direction aligns with its themes, focusing on mood-driven storytelling and emotional depth.
“There are moments where you’re misunderstood for growing,” Jones said. “That’s where ‘Villain’ comes from.”
Jones also described the creative process as liberating, noting that each phase of development has expanded her perspective.
“Every time I create, I discover new freedom,” she said. “It feels like a phoenix rising, like I’ve unlocked a new level of consciousness.”
A release date for Breaking Character has been confirmed for June 6. The project marks Jones’ continued expansion into music and visual storytelling, positioning it as a personal and creative evolution.
a’honda Jones
-Ta’Rhonda Jones
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