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, marking a significant return to his musical roots. The project represents a new era for Smollett as he partners with Grammy-winning executive producer Dallas Austin through the recently relaunched Rowdy Records label. Break Out is scheduled for release on September 30, 2025, and will be available on all major streaming platforms.

The album blends soul, R&B, and raw storytelling, produced by David Michael Ott under Smollett's new deal with Rowdy Records. This collaboration between Smollett's independent label Music of Sound and Austin's iconic label represents a powerful creative partnership. Smollett described the project as incredibly special, stating that so much love was put into it and expressing hope that listeners will feel that emotional connection.

This album comes at a time when Smollett maintains a diverse creative presence across multiple platforms. He can currently be seen on Fox's Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, which premieres September 25, and continues his acting work with films streaming on services including Amazon Prime Video with The Lost Holiday and on BET+ | Tubi with B-Boy Blues. The timing of this musical release alongside his television and film projects demonstrates Smollett's continued relevance across entertainment mediums.

Dallas Austin's endorsement carries substantial weight in the music industry, given his legendary status as a producer who has championed innovative music for over three decades. Austin praised Smollett's vocal abilities, noting that he embodies classic R&B with an effortlessly smooth and uniquely expressive voice that brings rich, old-school soul to the fresh new project. This professional validation from an industry heavyweight like Austin signals the album's potential significance in contemporary R&B music.

The newly unveiled key art captures the album's bold, unapologetic spirit, setting the stage for its forthcoming debut. Smollett emphasized that the music is about freedom and described it as a timeless album filled with love, noting that everyone could use more of that emotion in current times. This thematic focus on love and freedom suggests the album may address personal and societal themes relevant to contemporary audiences.

The partnership with Rowdy Records represents more than just a distribution deal—it signifies a creative alignment between Smollett's artistic vision and Austin's industry expertise. Rowdy Records, founded by Austin, has been a trailblazing label known for breaking boundaries and amplifying authentic voices for over 30 years. This collaboration positions Smollett within a legacy of innovative artists who have worked with the legendary producer.

Break Out marks Smollett's return to music after establishing himself as a multi-hyphenate creative with a career spanning over three decades. The album's release timing, creative partnership, and thematic content collectively represent an important moment in Smollett's artistic evolution and could potentially influence the contemporary R&B landscape.