Published on May 3rd, 2019 | by Jameelah "Just Jay" Wilkerson

Who is Just Jr.?

Branden Barkley (born April 21, 1994), better known by his stage name Just Jr., is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and mc. He is best known as the visionary rapper of the American Hip Hop, R&B and Pop boy group, The Famous Boyz; the group achieved success around 2009 on the SouthEast Coast with singles like Private House Party (PHP), Come On, Make You Famous and many more. After the group disbanded in 2014, Just Jr. embarked on a solo career and released his first debut album Anxiety Attack in 2018.

Associated acts entail opening for the Snoop Dogg Puff Puff Pass Tour, Keith Sweat concert, private performance for Kelly Roland, Cee Lo Green’s niece’s sweet sixteen and a WMBA Atlanta Dream Team half time performance at the Philips Arena ‘aka’ the State Farm Arena.

As you see yourself, who is Just Jr., both as an artist and an individual?

My lyricism is a direct connection and reflection of who I truly am. My journey and aspirations are no different than most. Living this game called Life to the best of my abilities with hopes of sustaining the good life…peace, positivity, and prosperity.

What brought you to the entertainment industry and more specifically, music?

Growing up feeling like the only child. I always wanted more attention but not in a negative aspect. My cousins and I would put on talent shows in the middle of the living room and just to entertain. Car rides with my dad used to feel like we were on stage performing for a thousand people. Growing up, you sometimes lose your imagination but once my hometown friends and I came up with a group called Da Famous Boyzz we turned a basement into a studio and made imagination a reality. That was back in 2009, now it’s Just me still turning my dream to a reality.

Tell us about your current project “Anxiety Attack”?…

Anxiety Attack is my first solo Project. It will forever hold a close place to my heart. I used a lot of what I was going through at the time into every recording session I booked. At one point in time, I used anxiety as an excuse and it held me back. I had to go through obstacles just to get here and I still do, but I just wanted to leave an imprint on someone else letting them know you’re not alone. S/O to Rob Beatz for producing it.

Outside of your own tracks, what artists’ move you?

I enjoy listening to rappers who have a story to tell and know how to tell stories like Jay Z, Joyner Lucas and J. Cole. My household was a Biggie and MJ house. I wanted to tell stories like Biggie and entertain like Michael. And of course, I can’t forget to mention my peers like Vis, Aparicio, and Keem.

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement so far in your career in the music entertainment industry?

So far it’s been putting out this solo project. I always felt like the underdog and felt as if I never had anyone’s support. Me doing this album by myself and the love I’ve received just for touching on the things I got going in my life and having people be able to relate to my project feels incredible.

Tell us a bit about your work and passions OUTSIDE of music…

I like to entertain and I love to new talent I host open mic nights whenever I get the chance. I may perform, I may not. There’s a lot of talent out there and I just like to see people grind. It keeps me going.