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Jon Bellion
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Key Information
Jonathan David Bellion[2] (born December 26, 1990) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer. He was born and raised in Lake Grove, New York on Long Island.[3] He is best known for his 2016 single "All Time Low," which peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Alongside his recording career, he has produced and written material for various artists. His credits include BTS' Jung Kook and Jimin, Maroon 5, Justin Bieber, the Jonas Brothers, Halsey, Camila Cabello, Selena Gomez, Tori Kelly, Rosé, Max, Chris Brown and The Kid Laroi.
Bellion has released four mixtapes and three studio albums. Released by Visionary Music Group and Capitol Records, his debut studio album, The Human Condition (2016), peaked at number five on the US Billboard 200.[4] His second, Glory Sound Prep (2018), peaked at number 15.[5] Bellion also opened for Twenty One Pilots' Emotional Roadshow World Tour, which also featured guest artists Judah and the Lion.
Early life
[edit]Bellion was born and raised in Lake Grove, New York. He is of Italian descent, and his family comes from Naples.[3] Torn between his love for basketball and music throughout high school, Bellion made the choice to pursue his music career in his junior year. After high school, he enrolled in the music program at the private Five Towns College in Dix Hills, New York.[6]
At the age of 19, he decided to drop out of college and focus on writing professionally. He worked under songwriter and Warner Brothers A&R executive Kara DioGuardi for a year and signed a deal through her personal publishing company. Through this experience, Bellion learned how to write songs for different artists, in genres such as rock and hip hop.[7]
Career
[edit]2011–2014: Early career and various mixtapes
[edit]Bellion's first mixtape, Scattered Thoughts Vol. 1 was released in early 2011 via his Facebook page and reached over 11,000 downloads. Bellion signed with Visionary Music Group in 2012 and released a cover of Drake's "The Motto" on VMG's YouTube page.[8]
In 2012, Bellion wrote the chorus to the song "The Monster" by Eminem featuring Rihanna.[9] This song won a Grammy Award in the 2015 Grammy Awards for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Bellion also co-wrote and produced the song "Trumpets" by Jason Derulo in 2012, which was not released until 2013 in the UK and 2014 in the US.
Bellion released his second mixtape, titled Translations Through Speakers on February 20, 2013, his third, The Separation on December 10 of the same year and his fourth, The Definition on September 23, 2014, along with the single "Luxury".[10] Bellion also headlined his first national tour called The Beautiful Mind Tour in October 2014.[11]
2015–2017: Touring and The Human Condition
[edit]Bellion released several singles in early 2015, including "Woodstock (Psychedelic Fiction)", "All Time Low", and "Woke the F*ck Up"[12] through Capitol Records. On March 31, 2015, Bellion announced his second national tour, The Definition Tour.[13] The tour began on May 26 and concluded on July 2. Bellion was also featured on "Beautiful Now", a song on Zedd's album True Colors, which was released on May 15, 2015. Bellion was also featured on American rapper B.o.B's album Psycadelik Thoughtz on the song "Violence".
Bellion released several acoustic versions of his songs, including one of "All Time Low" on February 26, 2016, and one of "Human" on March 4, 2016.
Bellion confirmed that his debut album The Human Condition was set to be released on June 10, 2016. He released three promotional singles from the album: "Guillotine", on April 13, 2016, "80's Films", on May 27, 2016, and "Maybe IDK" on June 2, 2016. The lead single from the album, "All Time Low" was released on May 13, 2016[14] and became his most successful single to date, reaching number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100[15] and was certified Double-platinum in the US and Australia.[16] On June 10, The Human Condition was officially released. Bellion states that the album is simply about being human, explaining, "Us as humans all have the same problems. We struggle with pride and tons of different issues that nobody really wants to talk about. So I figured if I'm the honest one showing how human I am, it will make people feel better about themselves." In his music, Jon talks a lot about God. He doesn't just talk about a vague idea of faith; he makes sure to emphasize God specifically.[3] Bellion also says the sonics and album artwork for The Human Condition were created in order to get the attention of Disney/Pixar, saying, "It's like a giant business plan for Disney Pixar because it's always been my dream to score a movie for them. So basically if my debut album blows up, John Lasseter [of Disney Pixar] and these guys will hopefully see these images and be like 'Wait a second this is not one of our movies, what is this?'"[17] The artwork for the album was created by visual development artist David Ardinaryas Lojaya. During The Human Condition tour, Bellion announced that a representative from Pixar met him at one of his shows.[18] He was invited to the Pixar Campus and said he might be involved with a Pixar film in the near future.[19]
In June 2017, Bellion was picked as Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month and was featured on NBC's Today show hosted by Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb and broadcast nationally where he performed "All Time Low" live. Bellion was the opening act for the US leg of rock duo Twenty One Pilots' 2017 Emotional Roadshow World Tour. The 33-show tour began on January 17 in Providence, Rhode Island and ended on March 5 in Louisville, Kentucky.[20]
On October 13, 2017, Bellion released his mixtapes Translations Through Speakers, The Separation and The Definition on digital stores as well as releasing a collection containing the three mixtapes entitled Growth.[21]
2018: Glory Sound Prep
[edit]On January 25, Bellion teased a snippet of an upcoming song on an Instagram video. On April 16, Bellion began teasing his next album with 4 pictures captioned with "GSP". He later changed the name of his Instagram to his band/group "Beautiful Mind". On June 23, Bellion released a behind the scenes video of his previous album's last track, "Hand of God (Outro)".
On October 9, Bellion posted a photo to his Twitter account from "GSP Staff", stating: "Tomorrow, Headmaster Stormzy requests your presence for an orientation ceremony in the main atrium. Time: 3:00 pm EST." The following day he announced the studio album Glory Sound Prep on his Twitter account, which was set to be released on November 9. On October 17, he released a preview on his social media accounts of the first single from the album, "Conversations with My Wife", which was released on October 19.[22] The following week, he released a preview on his social media accounts of the second single, "JT", and released it on October 26. "Stupid Deep", the third single off of the album, was released on November 2.
On November 9, Bellion released Glory Sound Prep.[23]
2019–2023: Producing and writing for other artists
[edit]Soon after the release of Glory Sound Prep, Bellion was cast for a voice role in the film Dragon Ball Super: Broly as Male Frieza soldier but had to step down to a lesser role due to a scheduling conflict.[24]
On May 13, 2019, he released a collaboration with American DJ Illenium titled "Good Things Fall Apart". He also released a single titled "Crop Circles" on May 30.[25] Bellion embarked on The Glory Sound Prep Tour, which began on June 12[26] and concluded on November 12 of the same year.[27]
Over the next few years, Bellion helped co-produce and co-write hit singles such as "Vulnerable" by Selena Gomez, "Daisies" by Katy Perry, "Stacy" and "Life Must Go On" by Quinn XCII, "Liar" and "Shameless" by Camila Cabello, "Graveyard" by Halsey, and "Memories" by Maroon 5. In 2021, he worked as a major collaborator on multiple songs from Justin Bieber's sixth studio album, Justice, including the singles "Holy" featuring Chance the Rapper and "Ghost", the latter of which Bellion wrote about his late grandmother and which reached number one on the US Pop Radio.
On June 8, 2021, Bellion took to Twitter where he tweeted "New music" before quickly deleting the tweet. Bellion was featured on Lawrence's song "False Alarms" released July 22, 2021. Bellion released his first single in over two years, "I Feel It" featuring Burna Boy, on September 17, 2021.
On February 19, 2023, Bellion released an unfinished song called "Fallen" featuring Jon Batiste to his social media.
Bellion also helped co-write and co-produce every song on Jonas Brothers' sixth studio album, The Album (2023), including its three pre-release singles: "Wings", "Waffle House", and "Summer Baby". He then co-wrote and co-produced the song "Middle Ground" by Maroon 5. In 2024, he co-wrote and co-produced Tori Kelly's fifth album Tori.
Beautiful Mind Records
[edit]In July 2019, Bellion launched his own record label called Beautiful Mind Records and signed the pop/soul band, Lawrence.[28] Lawrence was the opener for most of his shows on the Glory Sound Prep Tour. He helped write and produce three singles off of their 2021 debut album Hotel TV: "Casualty", "It's Not All About You", and "The Weather".[29][30][31] Bellion has stated that his intention with this new label is to "take care of artists for the rest of their careers" and to create a family of musical creators with whom he supports and collaborates.[32] In March 2023, Tori Kelly signed to his record label. In July 2023, Kelly released her self-titled EP. The following April, she released her fifth studio album Tori; all tracks on the album are co-written and co-produced by Bellion.
2024–present: Father Figure
[edit]In May 2024, Bellion was interviewed by YouTuber George Janko, where he confirmed that he was about three months into producing his first solo album since Glory Sound Prep.[33] He also revealed that he had paid himself out of his touring contract with Live Nation.
On September 17, 2024, Bellion posted an image of a link to his social media accounts. The linked website plays a 14-minute, behind-the-scenes video teasing the production of a new song called "Kid Again". The video also reveals that Bellion's recording contract with Visionary had been reversed.[34]
On September 25, 2024, Bellion revealed that "Kid Again" would release on September 27.[35] The song was Bellion's first solo release in nearly 6 years, and first release as a primary artist in three years since "I Feel It", his collaboration with Burna Boy.
On March 17, 2025, Bellion announced that “Wash” would release March 21 as a single from his next album.[36] The song released with an accompanying music video shot in Iceland. A downloadable version of the song was shared with fans on Bellion's email list and forum, beautifulmind.club, two days prior to the song's release.[37] Bellion revealed on his X account that the new album was called Father Figure.
After the album's tracklist and cover art were revealed, its opening track "Horoscope" was released as a single on April 18. The song features Pharrell Williams, who was a major influence of Bellion's. On May 23 Jon released "Why" featuring Luke Combs that was written 48 hours before the birth of Jon's first of his 3 sons.
On June 4, Bellion released Father Figure.
Influences
[edit]Bellion has stated on multiple occasions that Kanye West is one of his biggest inspirations. "I loved everything but it was Kanye West who really changed everything for me." Bellion has also stated that he was inspired by Eminem, Pharrell Williams, Coldplay, John Mayer, André 3000, and Paul Simon.[38][39] Bellion has also made it known that he is a big fan of J Dilla and animated film studio Pixar, drawing inspiration from the musician and computer animation film studio for both The Definition and The Human Condition. Bellion explains that he loves how Pixar movies are "simple yet presented in a way that is groundbreaking".[40] Bellion credits much of his musical development and success to his bandmates whom he met while in college, expressing his love for them in his Beautiful Mind documentary, stating, "everybody in my band has taught me something, and has gotten me to where I am because of them" continuing "I surround myself with people better than me at something, you will very rarely see somebody around me, especially musically, who I don't look up to".[41]
Personal life
[edit]Bellion announced that he was married during the early months of 2018. He and his wife have three sons together. Jon’s third cousin is rapper G-Eazy. [42][43]
Bellion is a Christian, and often references his faith in his work.[44]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
- The Human Condition (2016)
- Glory Sound Prep (2018)
- Father Figure (2025)
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Award | Year | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grammy Awards | 2022 | Album of the Year | Justice | Nominated | [45] |
| 2023 | Special | Nominated | |||
| 2024 | World Music Radio | Nominated | |||
| Record of the Year | "Worship" | Nominated | |||
| Hollywood Music in Media Awards | 2022 | Best Original Song in a Documentary | "My Mind & Me" | Nominated | [46] |
| MTV Europe Music Awards | 2017 | Best Push Act | — | Nominated | [47] |
References
[edit]- ^ Collar, Matt. "Jon Bellion AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
- ^ "Songwriter/Composer: Bellion Jonathan David". Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). Retrieved June 16, 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b c "Jon Bellion's Emotional, Inspiring Journey To The Top Of The Music Industry". Elite Daily. June 21, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
- ^ "Jon Bellion - Chart History | Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
- ^ Guarino, Nick. "Jon Bellion – Life (Music Video) : Indie / R&B / Pop Single [TSIS PREMIERE]". This Song is Sick. Archived from the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
- ^ "Five Towns College Former Student Jon Bellion Wins A Grammy Award | Five Towns College". Five Towns College. February 9, 2015. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
- ^ Shawn Setaro. "Jon Bellion: From Pop Songs To Pixar". Forbes.com. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
- ^ Guarino, Nick. "Jon Bellion – The Motto (Drake Cover) : Chill Original Indie / R&B Cover". This Song is Sick. Archived from the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
- ^ Markman, Rob. "Meet Eminem And Rihanna's "Monster" Songwriter". MTV. MTV News. Archived from the original on May 25, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
- ^ Ramirez, Erica. "Jon Bellion, 'Simple and Sweet': Exclusive Video Premiere". Billboard. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
- ^ Ortiz, Edwin. "Watch Jon Bellion's "Simple and Sweet" Video". Complex. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
- ^ "JonBellion's profile - Hear the world's sounds". soundcloud.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
- ^ "JON BELLION ANNOUNCES 2015 HEADLINING TOUR; RELEASES NEW SONG, "WOODSTOCK"". The Early Registration. March 31, 2015. Retrieved February 6, 2016.
- ^ "All Time Low [Explicit] by Jon Bellion". Amazon. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
- ^ "Top 100 Songs - Billboard Hot 100 Chart". Billboard. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
- ^ "Jon Bellion's "All Time Low" Certified 2× Platinum In United States". Headline Planet. May 30, 2017. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
- ^ Lovaas, Taylor. "From Choirs to Animations, Jon Bellion's Debut Album "The Human Condition" is Full Artistry Both Sonically and Visually: SU Featured Interview". Sway's Universe. Archived from the original on June 20, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
- ^ baha moore (December 4, 2016), Jon Bellion Pixar Announcement, retrieved November 5, 2018
- ^ "Jon Bellion's dreams come true at Pixar Animation Studios". The B-Side. November 15, 2016. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
- ^ "Jon Bellion Joins Twenty One Pilots For U.S. Leg Of 'Emotional Roadshow World Tour'". The Inquisitr News. September 12, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
- ^ Growth by Jon Bellion on iTunes, October 13, 2017, retrieved November 5, 2018
- ^ "Archived copy". twitter.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ Mila Yoch (November 15, 2018). "Jon Bellion's sophomore album paints the story of his life for listeners". The Gonzaga Bulletin. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
- ^ Osiel. "Osiel on Twitter: "Just finished watching it! Amazing. Was able to get this picture during the credits, for everyone asking who Jon voices‌". Twitter.com. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
- ^ VisionaryMusicGroup (May 30, 2019). "VisionaryMusicGroup on Twitter: ""Crop Circles" by @jonbellion is now available on all streaming services. #BeautifulMind "". Twitter.com. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
- ^ Bellion, Jon (November 14, 2018). "The Glory Sound Prep Tour. Tickets on sale Friday". Twitter.com. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
- ^ Bellion, Jon (November 12, 2019). "This era is over and I will be removing myself from socials for a while". @jonbellion. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
- ^ "Beautiful Mind's Instagram photo: "Beautiful Mind Records. @JonBellion is proud to launch a platform for artists where total freedom and infrastructure to support ideas comes..."". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
- ^ Lawrence – Casualty, retrieved April 25, 2020
- ^ Lawrence – It's Not All About You, retrieved April 25, 2020
- ^ Lawrence – The Weather, retrieved April 25, 2020
- ^ Stephan, Tiara (July 23, 2019). "Review – Jon Bellion Electrified and Improvised at the Fillmore". 303 Magazine. Retrieved August 6, 2019.
- ^ Fitzgerald·CULTURE·, Matt (May 24, 2024). "Jon Bellion Breaks Down The Music Industry's Unjust Power Structure & The Hardships For Producers, Writers & Artists". Whiskey Riff. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ Bellion, Jon (September 17, 2024). "N/A". X (formerly known as Twitter).
- ^ Bellion, Jon (September 25, 2024). "Friday". X (formerly known as Twitter).
- ^ Denning, Reagan (March 25, 2025). "Jon Bellion begins new chapter with "WASH" » // MELODIC Magazine". www.melodicmag.com. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
- ^ "WASH - JON BELLION". YouTube. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ Khan, Ahmad (July 11, 2014). "No Genre: An Introduction to Jon Bellion". Huffington Post. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
- ^ "Artist Interview - Jon Bellion". Song Revelation. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
- ^ "jon bellion "definition" album is a mix between dilla and pixar". MTV. Archived from the original on October 20, 2014. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
- ^ Visionary Music Group (February 19, 2014), Jon Bellion - Beautiful Mind Documentary, retrieved April 2, 2017
- ^ "Jon Bellion Talks Working with Jung Kook, Latto & More | GRAMMYs 2024". YouTube. February 4, 2024.
- ^ ""Conversations with my Wife" by Jon Bellion - Song Meanings and Facts". www.songmeaningsandfacts.com. Archived from the original on February 19, 2020. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
- ^ "Jon Bellion's "Glory Sound Prep" Review". November 15, 2018. Archived from the original on April 5, 2022. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
- ^ "Jon Bellion | Artist". The Recording Academy. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ Grein, Paul (November 3, 2022). "Rihanna, Lady Gaga & More Nominated for 2022 Hollywood Music in Media Awards: Full List". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ Renshaw, David (October 5, 2017). "Here are all the nominations for the 2017 MTV EMAs". The Fader. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
External links
[edit]Jon Bellion
View on GrokipediaBiography
Early life
Jonathan David Bellion was born on December 26, 1990, in Lake Grove, New York, to an Italian-American family of Neapolitan descent.[8] His parents, William and Judy Bellion, raised him in a suburban household on Long Island alongside his older siblings, including two sisters and one brother.[9] Bellion grew up in the middle-class community of Lake Grove, attending local schools in the Sachem School District, including Sachem High School North, from which he graduated in 2009.[10] During his formative years, he balanced interests in sports and creative pursuits, particularly developing a passion for basketball alongside his emerging love for music.[11] Bellion's early exposure to music began in high school, where he started experimenting with beat-making and songwriting during his junior year, using his brother's keyboard to create his first compositions.[12] At Sachem High School North, he began rapping and producing beats, honing skills that would shape his future career, before briefly attending Five Towns College and deciding to pursue music professionally.[10][13]Personal life
Bellion married his longtime partner, whom he has known since their teenage years, in early 2018. The couple maintains a high degree of privacy regarding their relationship, with Bellion rarely discussing personal details in public forums, though he confirmed aspects of their life together in 2025 interviews.[14] Together, they have three sons, and Bellion has described fatherhood as a profound transformative experience that reshaped his priorities. In June 2025, he dedicated his album Father Figure to his wife and children, emphasizing the centrality of family in his creative return. He has openly reflected on the struggles of balancing demanding career commitments with being a present parent, particularly during an extended production hiatus when he grappled with work-life equilibrium and the fear of not being fully available for his sons. These challenges, including a panic attack just before his first son's birth, underscored his commitment to prioritizing emotional presence over professional perfection.[15][14][16] Bellion's faith journey has been a key element of his personal evolution, marked by a spiritual awakening around 2014 after being raised attending church with his family. In a July 2025 interview with Word on Fire, he discussed how his deepening exploration of Christianity has influenced his growth and infused themes of redemption and purpose into his music. The family resides in the Long Island area of New York, embracing a low-profile lifestyle that avoids public sharing of family photos to protect their privacy. His experiences as a husband and father ultimately inspired his return to solo work after years focused on production for others.[14]Career
Early career and mixtapes (2011–2014)
After graduating high school, Jon Bellion transitioned to a professional music career, forgoing college to focus on self-taught production in a home setup using basic equipment like tape recorders and early digital tools.[17] He began selling beats as a teenager and honed his skills independently, composing, producing, and performing vocals for his own tracks without formal training.[17] This DIY approach allowed him to experiment with blending hip-hop, R&B, and pop elements during his early 20s. Bellion's debut mixtape, Scattered Thoughts Vol. 1, arrived in early 2011 as a free download shared via his Facebook page, organically amassing over 11,000 downloads and marking his initial foray into building an online audience.[17] He followed with Translations Through Speakers in 2013, a 10-track project released digitally for free, which showcased his evolving production style and gained significant online traction through platforms like SoundCloud.[18] Later that year, The Separation dropped on December 10, featuring introspective tracks like "Luxury" and early collaborations with local Long Island artists, further distributed via free digital channels to expand his reach.[19] In 2014, The Definition served as a follow-up, refining his sound with additional local features and solidifying his independent mixtape era. Throughout this period, Bellion earned early songwriting credits on small indie projects, contributing beats and lyrics to emerging local talents while maintaining full creative control over his own releases.[17] He cultivated an initial fanbase known as "The Bellionaires," who engaged directly through social media shares and downloads, helping propagate his music organically.[2] In 2012, Bellion signed with Visionary Music Group, distributed by Capitol Records, though he continued releasing mixtapes independently without full major-label promotion. These efforts laid the groundwork for his eventual major-label breakthroughs.The Human Condition and touring (2015–2017)
Bellion's deal with Visionary Music Group and Capitol Records provided major-label distribution for his debut studio album, The Human Condition, released on June 10, 2016, which debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 32,000 equivalent album units in its first week.[20][21] The album's lead single, "Guillotine" featuring Travis Mendes, was released on April 22, 2016, and showcased Bellion's blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop elements with introspective lyrics.[22] Follow-up single "All Time Low," released May 13, 2016, became his breakthrough hit, peaking at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a 4× platinum certification from the RIAA as of 2025 for 4 million units in the United States.[23] The Human Condition explores themes of personal introspection, mental health struggles such as depression and self-doubt, and the broader human experience of joy, suffering, and relationships, drawing from Bellion's own life reflections.[24] Bellion handled production on the majority of the 14 tracks, collaborating with engineers like Mark Williams and Raul Cubina to create a sound layered with orchestral swells, electronic beats, and raw vocal deliveries.[25] To promote the album, Bellion headlined The Human Condition Tour from June 2016 to November 2017, spanning three parts with over 40 dates across North America and select European venues, including sold-out shows at major arenas like the House of Blues in Boston and the O2 Institute in Birmingham, UK.[26] He also served as an opening act for Twenty One Pilots' Emotional Roadshow World Tour in early 2017, performing at large venues such as Barclays Center in New York and Prudential Center in Newark, which helped expand his live audience.[27] Commercially, The Human Condition achieved gold certification from the RIAA in September 2017 for combined sales and streaming equivalent units exceeding 500,000 in the United States.[28]Glory Sound Prep (2018)
Following the success of his debut album The Human Condition and subsequent touring, Jon Bellion announced his sophomore effort Glory Sound Prep on October 10, 2018, via an album trailer shared on social media.[29] The project was released on November 9, 2018, through Capitol Records and Visionary Music Group, reflecting Bellion's independent creative approach under major-label distribution.[30] Unlike his debut's polished pop-rap fusion, Glory Sound Prep embraced a more experimental structure, conceptualized as a metaphorical "school" where each track serves as a lesson in personal growth, relationships, and introspection, allowing Bellion greater artistic freedom away from commercial expectations.[31] Bellion handled the writing and production for all ten tracks himself, drawing from his early career roots of recording mixtapes in his parents' basement to maintain a raw, home-studio intimacy.[30] The album's production incorporates eclectic elements—blending hip-hop beats, alternative rock guitars, R&B melodies, and orchestral swells—to create a genre-defying soundscape that reflects themes of nostalgia for simpler times, marital dynamics, and spiritual reflection, often laced with Biblical allusions like references to the Book of Daniel.[32] This self-directed process minimized external collaborations, with only select features such as Joywave on the upbeat "Good Af," which explores casual escapism, and a collective of rappers including RZA and Roc Marciano on the narrative-driven "Let's Begin."[33] Another standout, "Conversations with My Wife," offers a candid, Pixar-like vignette on sustaining love amid fame's pressures, highlighting Bellion's shift toward vulnerable, story-centric songwriting.[30] Upon release, Glory Sound Prep debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 24,000 equivalent album units in its first week, a solid but diminished performance compared to the debut's top-five entry, signaling a pivot toward artistic experimentation over mainstream appeal.[34] The album garnered mixed critical reception, with praise for its creative ambition and boundary-pushing production—described as a "vast scope of genre-defying musical and lyrical vision"—but critiques noting its uneven pacing and overly polished edges that occasionally overshadowed lyrical depth.[30][35] Tracks like "Stupid Deep" quickly amassed over 2 million streams in their debut week, contributing to the album's initial 8 million total streams, underscoring Bellion's enduring fanbase despite the project's introspective leanings.[30] Overall, reviewers lauded the album's thematic focus on authentic relationships and post-fame reflection as a bold evolution, though it lacked the anthemic hooks of prior work.[36]Production and songwriting for others (2019–2023)
Following the release of his second studio album Glory Sound Prep in 2018, Jon Bellion entered a hiatus from solo music releases, shifting his focus to production and songwriting for other artists as a means to maintain creative output amid contractual constraints with Capitol Records. This period allowed him to explore collaborations without the pressures of promoting his own work, and in 2019, he founded Beautiful Mind Records and Beautiful Mind Publishing to foster emerging talent and gain greater artistic autonomy.[15][37] Bellion's contributions during this era were prolific and impactful, spanning multiple chart-topping projects. In 2019, he co-produced and co-wrote Halsey's "Graveyard," the lead single from her album Manic, which peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcased his signature blend of electropop and introspective lyrics. The following year, he co-produced and co-wrote Justin Bieber's "Holy" featuring Chance the Rapper, the lead single from Bieber's album Justice, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and emphasized gospel-infused production elements.[38][39] By 2021, Bellion co-wrote Maroon 5's "Memories," the poignant opener to their album Jordi that honored late collaborator Jordan Feldstein and reached No. 9 on the Hot 100, while also co-producing and co-writing Bieber's "Anyone," a romantic ballad from Justice that earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.[40][41][42] In 2022, he co-wrote Lizzo's upbeat "Birthday Girl" for her album Special, adding to his string of high-profile pop anthems.[43] He continued with credits on Jonas Brothers' "Walls" featuring himself in 2023. These efforts solidified Bellion's reputation as a behind-the-scenes powerhouse, with credits on over a dozen Billboard Hot 100 entries during the period, including several No. 1 hits like "Holy." His work generated substantial production royalties and highlighted his versatility in crafting emotionally resonant tracks for major artists, all while navigating label obligations that delayed his solo return until 2024. This phase not only sustained his influence in pop music but also allowed him to mentor through Beautiful Mind Records, emphasizing collaborative creativity over individual spotlight.[44][15]Father Figure and return to solo work (2024–present)
In late 2023, Jon Bellion resolved protracted contractual issues with Capitol Records, which had restricted his ability to release solo material for several years.[15] This resolution allowed him to immediately begin work on new music, a development he discussed openly during a May 2024 interview with YouTuber George Janko, where he revealed being three months into production on his third studio album.[45] The album, titled Father Figure, marked his return to front-facing artistry following a period focused on production for other artists. Released independently on June 4, 2025, via his own Beautiful Mind Records in partnership with Virgin Music Group, Father Figure comprises 14 tracks exploring themes of fatherhood, personal reclamation, and emotional vulnerability—drawing inspiration from Bellion's experiences as a new parent.[46] In January 2025, Bellion signed with management firm Make Wake Artists to oversee the project's rollout.[47] The lead single, "WHY" featuring Luke Combs, arrived on May 23, 2025, blending pop and country elements into a reflective ballad that became a crossover success, highlighting the overwhelming aspects of paternal love.[48] Promotion for the album centered on intimate media appearances rather than extensive touring, reflecting Bellion's prioritization of family life. On June 5, 2025, he joined Zane Lowe on Apple Music for an in-depth discussion about the album's creation, his industry frustrations, and themes of independence. By November 2025, no major tour had been announced, though Bellion performed select dates, including a two-night stand at Forest Hills Stadium in August 2025 billed as "1 Big Show."[49] Father Figure received positive critical reception for its raw honesty and artistic maturity, debuting on the Billboard 200 chart and underscoring Bellion's evolution as a solo artist.[5] Throughout 2025, he teased potential additional collaborations, though none beyond the album's features had materialized by year's end.[50]Artistry
Musical style
Jon Bellion's music is characterized by a genre-blending approach that fuses alternative R&B, pop, hip-hop, electronic, and orchestral elements, often described as a cross-pollinated form of contemporary pop.[4][7] His sound draws from hip-hop's rhythmic foundations and indie pop's melodic introspection, incorporating emo influences and electronic textures for a dynamic, multifaceted aesthetic.[51] Critics have noted this eclectic mix as emblematic of alt-pop and electropop, with contemporary R&B undertones that prioritize emotional resonance over rigid genre boundaries.[52] Bellion has been associated with "pop soul" as a descriptor for his soul-infused pop sensibilities, evident in the warm, layered arrangements that evoke vulnerability and introspection.[52] In production, Bellion employs intricate beats and layered vocals to create depth, using software tools to craft emotional, narrative-driven soundscapes that emphasize raw feeling rather than overly commercial sheen.[53] His techniques often feature skeletal boom-bap rhythms blended with electronic elements, resulting in tracks that feel both intimate and expansive.[54] This signature style highlights meticulous attention to vocal stacking and atmospheric builds, allowing his music to evolve from personal confessionals to broader sonic explorations. Bellion's vocal delivery is versatile, spanning falsetto ranges for ethereal highs and rhythmic rapping for hip-hop-infused verses, with smooth transitions between registers that enhance his genre-fusing live arrangements.[36] His falsetto, often compared to influences like Ben Gibbard, adds a haunting quality to ballads, while his rap cadence draws from hip-hop roots, as seen in tracks like "Adult Swim."[54][36] Over time, Bellion's style has evolved from the raw, hip-hop-heavy mixtapes of his early career—such as The Definition (2014), which leaned into unpolished beats and introspective rap—to the polished pop orchestration of his debut album The Human Condition (2016).[55] Later works like Glory Sound Prep (2018) embraced experimental flair with retro samples and orchestral swells, pushing genre boundaries further.[56] His 2025 release Father Figure features genre-defying production with grand, layered soundscapes and introspective themes centered on fatherhood, family legacy, and personal growth, incorporating elements like piano ballads, hip-hop grooves, and collaborations with artists such as Pharrell Williams.[15][57] Critics have praised Bellion's genre-defying approach for its innovative fusion, highlighting his ability to transcend traditional categories and create cohesive, boundary-pushing albums that resonate emotionally.[56][58] His work has drawn comparisons to artists like Frank Ocean for its introspective R&B elements and Childish Gambino for the seamless hip-hop-pop integration, underscoring his impact on modern alternative music.[58][36]Influences
Jon Bellion's musical development was profoundly shaped by a diverse array of artists and experiences, beginning with his childhood exposure to pop and hip-hop icons. Growing up, he cited Michael Jackson as a key early influence, particularly admiring the singer's vocal delivery, performance style, and innovative production techniques, which inspired Bellion's own multifaceted approach to songwriting and performance.[17] Eminem also played a pivotal role, influencing Bellion's rapping skills and narrative-driven lyrics, as evidenced by his early emulation of the rapper's storytelling in personal tracks and later collaboration on the hit "The Monster."[17][59] Similarly, Justin Timberlake impacted his appreciation for polished pop production, while André 3000 and Kanye West encouraged a boundary-pushing ethos that blended genres without adhering to conventions.[17] Hip-hop production techniques from the 1990s and 2000s further molded Bellion's sound, with J Dilla emerging as a major figure for his rhythmic "swing" and pocket grooves, which Bellion incorporated into his beat-making process starting from his mixtape era.[60][61] This genre exposure extended to broader influences like Pharrell Williams and Timbaland, fostering Bellion's interest in electronic and R&B elements.[61] Additionally, he drew from melodically rich artists such as Phil Collins and Sting, obsessing over their lyrical depth and emotional directness in song structures.[2] Beyond music, Bellion's creative process was heavily informed by non-musical sources, including Disney Pixar films, which he credits for teaching universal storytelling that transcends age or background, directly influencing the conceptual arcs of albums like The Definition and The Human Condition.[2][62] Film composer Hans Zimmer also inspired his use of orchestral scoring to create a cinematic quality in pop arrangements, aiming to bring epic, movie-like depth to mainstream tracks.[2] His deepening Christian faith, embraced around 2014, became a core influence on lyrical themes of redemption, vulnerability, and spirituality, permeating works like the outro track "Hand of God" on The Human Condition and continuing in later works, including Father Figure (2025), where spiritual reflections on redemption and family are central.[63][14] These influences manifested progressively in Bellion's output: early mixtapes like The Definition (2014) directly emulated hip-hop pioneers through looped samples and introspective raps, while his debut album The Human Condition (2016) synthesized them into a unique hybrid, blending Jackson-esque vocals with Dilla-inspired beats and Pixar-like narrative cohesion for a more mature, orchestral pop-rap fusion.[62][2] This evolution reflects a deliberate integration, prioritizing emotional resonance over genre constraints.Professional ventures
Beautiful Mind Records
Beautiful Mind Records is an American independent record label founded by singer-songwriter Jon Bellion in July 2019.[64] Initially functioning as an imprint associated with major labels, it transitioned to full operational independence by 2024, coinciding with Bellion's departure from Capitol Records.[65][66] The label's purpose centers on providing a supportive platform for emerging talent in soul, pop, and alternative genres, with a focus on long-term artist care and creative autonomy.[64] Bellion, who serves as the primary A&R executive and producer, discovered early signee Lawrence through a 2017 performance and prioritized collaborative relationships that preserve artists' authentic voices.[64] As Gracie Lawrence noted, "Jon is such a great collaborator. He is so genuine and in a pure way, really cares about the music."[64] This approach allows for hands-on development, including production and co-writing, while enabling artists like the sibling duo Clyde and Gracie Lawrence to retain ownership of their masters.[64] The roster's inaugural signing was the pop/soul band Lawrence on July 22, 2019, marking the label's debut act.[64] Lawrence released their third album Hotel TV in 2021 and fourth album Family Business in 2024 exclusively through Beautiful Mind Records, with the latter highlighting the band's evolution under Bellion's guidance.[67] In 2024, Tori Kelly joined as a key artist, issuing her self-titled album TORI. via a joint venture with Epic Records and Beautiful Mind Records.[68] The label's publishing division, Beautiful Mind Publishing, formed a creative joint venture with PULSE Music Group that same year, signing multi-instrumentalist Elijah Noll as its first artist.[69] Amid Bellion's personal and professional hiatus from solo projects from 2019 to 2023, Beautiful Mind Records sustained momentum by nurturing roster releases and fostering internal collaborations.[70] By 2025, the label integrated into the rollout of Bellion's independent album Father Figure, leveraging its artists for shared promotional efforts and underscoring its role in his broader creative ecosystem.[66]Production credits for other artists
Jon Bellion has established himself as a prolific producer and songwriter, contributing to tracks for a wide array of artists across pop, R&B, and country genres, often involving hands-on studio collaboration and co-writing to shape both lyrics and sonic elements. His production style emphasizes meticulous layering of vocals, rhythmic percussion, and emotional depth, drawing from his background in self-producing early mixtapes. Over his career, Bellion has amassed credits on more than 280 recordings, including several multi-platinum releases that have propelled artists to commercial and critical success.[71] A landmark project was his extensive involvement in Justin Bieber's 2021 album Justice, where Bellion co-produced and co-wrote key tracks such as "Ghost," "Holy" (featuring Chance the Rapper), "Hold On," and "Anyone." These contributions helped Justice debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and achieve multi-platinum status, while the album's introspective themes aligned with Bellion's signature blend of vulnerability and polished production. Bellion's work on Justice marked his first Grammy nomination, as the album contended for Album of the Year at the 2022 Grammys, and supported Bieber's win for Best Pop Vocal Album that year.[41][38][39][40] In the 2020s, Bellion continued to diversify his credits, producing "On the Ground" for Blackpink's Rosé in 2021, which topped charts in multiple countries and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance. He also helmed "Waffle House" on the Jonas Brothers' 2023 album The Album, infusing the track with upbeat, nostalgic pop elements that peaked at No. 44 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other highlights include co-production on Maroon 5's "Memories" (2019), a tribute single that reached No. 2 on the Hot 100 and went multi-platinum, and Miley Cyrus's "Midnight Sky" (2020), which showcased Bellion's ability to craft empowering anthems with retro-futuristic vibes.[72][73][40] Bellion's impact extends to Grammy-winning works for other artists; for instance, his chorus writing on Eminem's "The Monster" (featuring Rihanna) from 2013 contributed to its 2015 Grammy win for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. In 2025, amid a shift toward selective projects to prioritize his solo return, Bellion produced Rihanna's "Friend of Mine" for The Smurfs Movie soundtrack, co-writing and handling production alongside Pete Nappi and Fallen, marking his expansion into family-oriented soundtracks. This period reflects a deliberate reduction in external commitments, allowing focus on personal artistry while maintaining high-impact collaborations.[40][6]| Artist | Track/Album | Year | Role | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Bieber | Justice (select tracks: "Ghost," "Holy," "Hold On," "Anyone") | 2021 | Co-producer, co-writer | Multi-platinum; Grammy win for Best Pop Vocal Album |
| Rosé (Blackpink) | "On the Ground" | 2021 | Co-writer, co-producer | No. 1 in South Korea; Grammy nomination |
| Jonas Brothers | "Waffle House" (The Album) | 2023 | Producer | Peaked at No. 44 on Billboard Hot 100 |
| Maroon 5 | "Memories" | 2019 | Co-producer, co-writer | Multi-platinum; No. 2 on Billboard Hot 100 |
| Rihanna | "Friend of Mine" (The Smurfs Movie soundtrack) | 2025 | Co-producer, co-writer | Soundtrack single release |
Discography
Studio albums
Jon Bellion's studio albums, all primarily self-produced, highlight his evolution as a multifaceted artist blending pop, R&B, hip-hop, and experimental elements, with collective worldwide sales exceeding 1 million units.[74][75] His debut studio album, The Human Condition, arrived on June 10, 2016, through Visionary Music Group and Capitol Records. The 14-track release includes introspective cuts like "All Time Low" (featuring Travis Mendes), "Fashion," "Maybe IDK," and "Woke the F*ck Up," drawing on themes of emotional turmoil and self-discovery. It debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, spent 51 weeks on the chart, and has sold over 550,000 copies, achieving RIAA Gold certification in the United States for 500,000 units shipped.[76][77] Critics acclaimed its vibrant production and Bellion's dynamic songwriting, with Apple Music describing it as an "alternately beautiful and banging set of pure, modern pop."[76] Glory Sound Prep, Bellion's sophomore effort, was released on November 9, 2018, also via Visionary Music Group. This 10-track album experiments with rock-infused pop and electronic textures across songs such as "Conversations with My Wife," "I Felt You" (featuring Mansa), and "Blu," reflecting a more narrative-driven approach. It debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200. Reception noted its bold, genre-blending ambition, though some found it uneven; The Daily Nebraskan praised Bellion's "warped bass lines" and vocal effects as showcases of his production prowess.[78][34][56] Bellion's third studio album, Father Figure (stylized in all caps), marked his return after a seven-year hiatus and was independently released on June 4, 2025, via Beautiful Mind Records and Virgin Music Group. The 14-track project, featuring guest appearances from Pharrell Williams on "HOROSCOPE," Luke Combs on "WHY," and Jon Batiste, centers on themes of fatherhood, personal growth, and family balance, with tracks like the title song and "OBLIVIOUS." It debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200. Certifications remain pending as of November 2025, while reviews have highlighted its emotional depth; Spectrum Culture commended how Bellion "spends most of the record thinking about fatherhood" amid his ambitions.[5][50][66][57]Mixtapes and EPs
Jon Bellion began his recording career with a series of independent mixtapes released as free digital downloads, primarily distributed through platforms like SoundCloud and DatPiff, which helped build his initial online fanbase known as the "Bellionaires." These early projects showcased his self-produced blend of hip-hop, pop, and alternative R&B, establishing a grassroots following before signing with major labels.[7][79] His debut mixtape, Scattered Thoughts Vol. 1, was released in early 2011 as a free digital download via his Facebook page. This initial project introduced his introspective style and garnered over 11,000 downloads organically. His second mixtape, Translations Through Speakers, was released on February 20, 2013, and consists of 10 tracks, including "LIFE" and "The Wonder Years." Clocking in at approximately 35 minutes, it highlighted Bellion's introspective lyrics and experimental production, serving as a key early release that introduced his unique sound to a wider digital audience.[80][81][82] Later that year, on December 10, 2013, Bellion dropped The Separation, a 12-track mixtape featuring songs like "Jim Morrison" and "2 Rocking Chairs," with a total runtime of about 34 minutes. Originally available only as a free digital download, it was later reissued on vinyl in 2017 by Capitol Records, reflecting its enduring appeal among fans. This project solidified his reputation as a DIY artist capable of crafting cohesive, narrative-driven works that resonated emotionally with listeners.[83][84][85] In 2014, Bellion released The Definition, another free mixtape comprising 10 tracks such as "Carry Your Throne" and "Pre-Occupied," further expanding his online presence through viral promotion on social media and streaming sites. During this period, the single "Luxury" (featuring Audra Mae), released on September 22, 2014, emerged as his first major viral hit, amassing over 45 million streams on Spotify alone and drawing attention from media outlets for its infectious hooks and genre-blending style.[86][87] Bellion's mixtape series continued with Sundae Sauce in 2022, a release that further explored his genre-blending sound and maintained his connection with fans during a period focused on production work.[1] Following these foundational mixtapes, Bellion did not release any major standalone EPs, though select singles occasionally appeared in compilation formats or promotional bundles. These early efforts were instrumental in cultivating a dedicated digital following, paving the way for his transition to commercial studio albums.Singles
Jon Bellion's singles as a lead artist have primarily served as promotional releases tied to his albums, with "All Time Low" standing out as his biggest commercial success. Released in 2016 from his debut studio album The Human Condition, the track peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified 4× Platinum by the RIAA, reflecting sales and streaming equivalents of 4 million units in the United States.[88] The song's introspective lyrics and blend of pop and R&B elements contributed to its radio airplay and longevity on charts. Earlier that year, Bellion released "Guillotine" featuring Travis Mendes as the lead promotional single for The Human Condition. While it did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100, the track garnered over 149 million streams on Spotify, showcasing Bellion's growing fanbase through its soulful production and thematic depth. Following the 2018 release of Glory Sound Prep, Bellion entered a period of limited solo output, focusing on production for other artists. During this hiatus, he issued the promotional single "Crop Circles" in 2019, an independent release that explored experimental funktronica sounds and accumulated significant streaming traction without formal chart entry or RIAA certification.[89] In 2021, he returned with "I Feel It" featuring Burna Boy, marking his first major solo single in nearly two years; the reggae-infused track highlighted his collaborative approach but did not achieve notable chart positions. Bellion's return to consistent solo work in 2024–2025 culminated in the singles supporting his third studio album Father Figure. Promotional singles included "Kid Again" (September 2024), "Wash" (March 2025), and "Horoscope" featuring Pharrell Williams (April 2025). The lead single "WHY" featuring Luke Combs, released in May 2025, debuted strongly on digital platforms, reaching number 6 on the US iTunes chart and blending pop and country elements in a heartfelt exploration of fatherhood.[90] The album's title track, "Father Figure," followed as a key release in June 2025, accompanied by an official music video emphasizing personal symbolism and family themes.[91] Overall, Bellion's lead singles have amassed over 2.5 billion streams on Spotify as of late 2025, underscoring his enduring digital impact despite selective releases.[92]| Title | Year | Album | Peak Chart Position | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guillotine (feat. Travis Mendes) | 2016 | The Human Condition | — | — |
| All Time Low | 2016 | The Human Condition | US Hot 100: 16 | RIAA: 4× Platinum |
| Crop Circles | 2019 | Non-album single | — | — |
| I Feel It (feat. Burna Boy) | 2021 | Non-album single | — | — |
| WHY (feat. Luke Combs) | 2025 | Father Figure | US iTunes: 6 | — |
| Father Figure | 2025 | Father Figure | — | — |
Recognition
Awards
Jon Bellion's awards primarily recognize his behind-the-scenes contributions as a songwriter and producer, with a focus on shared credits for commercially successful tracks across genres. In 2015, Bellion received his first major accolade, sharing a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for co-writing the chorus of "The Monster" by Eminem featuring Rihanna, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved multi-platinum status.[93] Bellion has earned multiple citations from Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) for co-writing some of the most performed pop songs of the year, highlighting his impact on radio and streaming airplay.- In 2018, he was honored at the BMI Pop Awards for "All Time Low," his own single from the album The Human Condition, which peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.[94]
- At the 2021 BMI Pop Awards, Bellion received recognition for co-producing and co-writing "Good Things Fall Apart" with Illenium, a track that blended electronic and pop elements and charted on the Billboard Hot 100.[95]
- In 2022, he shared a BMI Pop Award for "Anyone" from Justin Bieber's album Justice, a ballad co-written and co-produced by Bellion that debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.[96]
- The 2023 BMI Pop Awards cited Bellion for co-writing "Ghost" from the same Bieber album, which became Bieber's 12th No. 1 on the Pop Airplay chart.
