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

Award-winning actor and singer Jussie Smollett has unveiled the key art for his highly anticipated new album Break Out, produced through a new deal with the recently relaunched Rowdy Records. The album, set for release on September 30, 2025, represents a significant return to music for Smollett and a creative partnership with one of the industry's most respected figures, Grammy-winning executive producer Dallas Austin.

Break Out marks a new era for Smollett as he returns to his musical roots with an album that blends soul, R&B, and raw storytelling. The project is a joint release from Music of Sound, Smollett's independent label, and Rowdy Records, which maintains its online presence at https://www.rowdyrecords.com. The newly unveiled key art captures the album's bold, unapologetic spirit, setting the stage for its forthcoming debut across all major streaming platforms.

Smollett described the personal significance of the project, stating, "This album is incredibly special to me. So much love was put into it and I hope folks feel that. This music is about freedom. It's a timeless album filled with love." He emphasized the collaborative nature of the venture, adding, "Working with Dallas and Rowdy Records has been an incredible creative partnership. Grateful to share this journey with them. We're ready." The collaboration represents Smollett's first major musical project since focusing primarily on his acting career in recent years.

Dallas Austin praised Smollett's musical abilities, stating, "Jussie embodies classic R&B. His voice is effortlessly smooth and uniquely expressive, bringing a rich, old-school soul to this fresh new project. It's been an incredible experience to be part of his journey." Austin's involvement signals the project's professional credibility and industry support, potentially helping Smollett reach new audiences through the established Rowdy Records platform.

The album release coincides with Smollett's current television appearance on Fox's Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, which premieres September 25, and his ongoing film work available on streaming platforms. This multi-platform visibility could significantly boost the album's exposure, creating synergistic promotional opportunities across different media formats.

The timing of Smollett's musical return holds particular significance as it represents both a personal and professional reinvention. By partnering with an established industry veteran like Austin, Smollett positions himself for a credible comeback in the music industry while maintaining his acting career. The album's themes of freedom and love, as described by Smollett, suggest a deeply personal project that may resonate with audiences seeking authentic artistic expression in contemporary R&B and soul music.

This partnership between Smollett's independent label and the revitalized Rowdy Records demonstrates how established industry platforms can provide infrastructure and credibility for artists returning to their musical roots. The collaboration could signal a trend of actors and multi-hyphenate creatives leveraging their platform visibility to launch or relaunch music careers with established industry support.