Jussie Smollett Announces New Album 'Break Out' in Partnership with Rowdy Records

Award-winning actor and singer Jussie Smollett has revealed the key art for his highly anticipated new album Break Out, scheduled for release on September 30, 2025. The project marks Smollett's return to his musical roots through a partnership with the recently relaunched Rowdy Records, the iconic label founded by Grammy-winning executive producer Dallas Austin. The album is produced by David Michael Ott under Smollett's new deal with the label and represents a joint release between Music of Sound, Smollett's independent label, and Rowdy Records.

The newly unveiled key art captures the album's bold, unapologetic spirit, setting the stage for what promises to be a significant musical statement. Smollett described the project as incredibly special, noting that significant love was invested in its creation. This music is about freedom, he explained, characterizing it as a timeless album filled with love that audiences need right now. The collaboration with Dallas Austin and Rowdy Records has been an incredible creative partnership, according to Smollett, who expressed readiness to share this journey with listeners.

Dallas Austin praised Smollett's musical abilities, stating that the artist embodies classic R&B with an effortlessly smooth and uniquely expressive voice. Austin noted that Smollett brings rich, old-school soul to this fresh new project and described the experience of being part of his journey as incredible. The endorsement from Austin, a legendary figure in music production, adds significant credibility to Smollett's musical comeback and suggests the album may have substantial industry impact.

Break Out blends soul, R&B, and raw storytelling, positioning itself as both a personal artistic statement and a potential commercial force in the contemporary music landscape. The album's release timing coincides with Smollett's continued television presence on Fox's Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, which premieres September 25, and his ongoing acting work with films available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and BET+ | Tubi. This multi-platform visibility could amplify the album's reach across different audience segments.

The partnership between Smollett's Music of Sound and the revitalized Rowdy Records represents an important development in the music industry's evolving landscape. As major labels face increasing competition from independent operations, collaborations between established artists and legendary labels like Rowdy Records demonstrate alternative pathways for creative expression and commercial success. Break Out will be available on all major streaming platforms, ensuring broad accessibility for global audiences seeking authentic R&B and soul music.

For the music industry, this release signals continued interest in classic R&B sounds reinterpreted for contemporary audiences. Smollett's return to music after focusing primarily on acting and television work suggests that artists are increasingly leveraging their multi-hyphenate status to explore different creative avenues. The album's emphasis on raw storytelling and timeless quality could resonate with listeners seeking substance in an era of rapidly consumed content, potentially influencing other artists to prioritize artistic integrity over commercial trends.