FROM THE COURTROOM TO THE STUDIO: Jaleel Ross, aka J-S.A.N.D, blends law and lyrics
November 4, 2024
(Photo courtesy of Ja’leel Ross)
As Ja’leel Ross, known in the music world as J-S.A.N.D., stood on stage, he felt the anticipation and energy of the crowd, with a pulse that surged through him like a familiar beat. As he began to perform each line, he would show a reflection of his journey, not only in his identity as an independent hip-hop artist from Lafayette, Louisiana, but as a Xavier alumnus and now a St. John’s University law school graduate navigating the complex world of criminal law. As the lights illuminated his face, they revealed the visual representation of dedication and creativity, highlighting what led him down the dual path that he travels. But while he is pursuing a career in law, you can also hear him in “The Vow,” one of the tracks on two-time Grammy-winning rapper L.L. Cool J’s 2024 album “The Force.”
“I grew up in a very musical family. We would record during family gatherings, and I would see my mother recording with my uncles. Seeing that, it just naturally happens,” Ross said, recalling to his first introduction to music.
Ross’ journey began in Lafayette, La. where his uncle taught him how to produce beats at age 7. He began rapping at 9 and launched his musical career in 2012. Given the landscape of studios that surrounded him on a daily basis and his mother’s status as a poet, Ross was destined to become a creative force in the arts.
While Ross was beginning his music career, he was inspired to also dive into politics. Following the deaths of African American teens Trayvon Martin and Mike Brown, Ross was more motivated to study criminal law.
“Seeing my own encounters and my own friends get caught up in the system, I thought something needs to be done about this,” he said.
Ross would go on to major in political science at Xavier, a place where he would showcase his musical talents and connect with fellow peers.
“When I first met Ja’leel, he had an aura about him that just commanded attention,” said Cleopatra Singleton, a friend of Ross, and a fellow Xavierite alumna in the political science program. “I knew that whatever he put his mind to, he was going to accomplish it,” Singleton said.
J-S.A.N.D., an acronym for “Jaleel Supplies All Needs & Demands,” embodies Ross’ versatile excellence. Amongst many, he is a rare blend of legal prowess and musical talent, forging a path that connects his passion for music with his dedication to justice. Beyond both his music and law professions, he excels in production, graphic design, directing, and film editing.
Though balancing two careers can be challenging, Ross still finds a way to bridge the gap. Within his music are socially conscious and thought-provoking messages, reflecting his views of the real world.
“If I can’t make change in the courtroom right away, some people would at least hear a song and think differently about life and their approach,” Ross said.
Ross’ creativity is what also led him to produce and collaborate on a song with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame rapper, LL Cool J. The song’s title “The Vow,” executively produced by Q-Tip, was a huge milestone for Ross because it allowed him to work with one of his idols while conveying important topics frequent in his music.
“I think that was the proudest moment thus far in my career. A lot of my music speaks to stuff I went through, and I feel like some of that stuff can help a lot of people,” Ross said, “I want people to get in tune with themselves and focus on their mental health. By me just speaking on my personal story, I just hope somebody can find something they relate to, and it improves their life in some way.”
In the legal field, Ross recently won a misdemeanor case and successfully had it dismissed while in his final year of law school.
“I hope that people take away from Ja’leel’s story that you don’t have to choose between your creativity and your education,” Singleton said, “He is evidence that you can be prolific in multiple endeavors.”
While making strides within each field, he plans to merge them by exploring entertainment law. Within music, he plans to expand his network and market himself independently while broadening his range in audio production.
“My goal is to maximize and elevate. I’m really big on speaking things into existence, and I think people need to just have that kind of faith in themselves,” he said.
