Coco Jones always finds herself surprised as she looks at her career trajectory in music and film. As she prepped for the new season of Peacock’s Bel-Air, she remains grateful that fans have stuck around during the era of reimagined classics. “I think it shows how much passion we put into the show, and it’s exciting to continue to have a fan base waiting on us,” Jones tells GU. “We all know how important this show is for our culture, so it’s rewarding to represent and inspire on all sides.”
The cast has evolved remarkably since the show’s debut, with their dynamic becoming more nuanced and tightly woven as the series progresses. As the show delves deeper into themes of identity, privilege, and belonging, the relationships within the Banks family and their extended circle continue to evolve, as the chemistry among the cast members has only strengthened over time, making their connections feel genuine.
“I feel like we’re just so comfortable with each other that we kind of feel, I mean, we’re like family at this point,” Jones says. “As an actor, I feel like you’re constantly in this auditioning war zone, but to be comfortable doing your job is a blessing.”
Photo Courtesy: Travis Ellison/PEACOCK
The past two seasons have taken us on a journey with Hilary Banks, from her experience in turning content creation into a thriving business to her complicated love triangle with her current and ex-boyfriend Jazz and Lamarcus. “I’m not even going to lie, I don’t think she’s grown [laughs],” she says. “I think she’s distracting herself from the truth, and I do feel like in season three, she does mend some of her bridges, and I still feel like she is excited because great things are happening, but I don’t know if she’s ready for them, and I think the audience will agree.”
While she embarks on this new journey, she realizes the friend Hilary needs and is ready to give her some tough love. “She needs to spend some time alone,” she says. ”Hillary was in a relationship then doing a love triangle, and now [this season] she’s doing other stuff and I’m like, ‘Girl, I think you just need to go to Paris and just recalibrate [laughs].”
Read ‘ GU Jams: The Anatomy And Cultural Influence Of Neo Soul’
Throughout this journey, specifically this season, Jones has taken a new meaning behind life, imitating art as she’s stepped into Hilary’s shoes. She’s allowed herself to be open and honest about what she would do if she encountered these scenarios, making way for her own storytelling. “Hillary’s storyline [showed me] to make sure that you prioritize yourself, fill up your cup, and don’t just worry about the exterior.”
Photo Courtesy: PEACOCK
The show is helping her with her storytelling to show her extensive growing process, and she continues to prioritize her music in this new chapter. The Grammy award-winning songstress had a stellar beginning of the year after her song “ICU” snagged the achievement for Best R&B Performance. Now, she’s ready for the actual beginning stages of her music career: her debut album. “I thought my EP was my starting line,” she says. “In my own internal journey, I realized that I have to speak up, be vocal, be decisive and make choices, so to me, my debut album is the most I’ve been vocal.”
As she continues to juggle all that comes with being an entertainer, she’s constantly reminded that all these moments are investments in what she wants for her future. “I think about where I was a couple of years ago and how I would be dying to be where I’m at right now, so it’s a continual investment in myself,” she says.
Coco Jones’ new era marks a pivotal moment in her journey toward becoming the multifaceted entertainer she envisions. With her evolving artistry and unwavering dedication, she’s redefining her sound and presence and setting a new standard for herself.
About the Author: Kenyatta Victoria is the lead writer for Essence GU, working on all things pop culture, politics, entertainment and business. Throughout her time at GU, she’s garnered devoted readers and specializes in the Zillennial point of view.