It’s the dawn of a new chapter for K. Michelle. The Memphis-born singer and songwriter has released her highly anticipated country single “Jack Daniel’s” via Real Outlawz Records/BBR Music Group.
On the Kristian Bush and Jeff Balding production, K. Michelle — a.k.a. Puddin — sings about the comfort her favorite whiskey brings when love disappoints. It’s K. Michelle at her best – pouring her heart out with the raw vulnerability she’s known for.
“‘Cause I’ve been let down like a bottle just collecting dust / And there’s something that hits a little different when it comes to us / He keeps me warm, I keep him close / Holding me down and now I know / Jack Daniel’s, I’ll be damned if he ain’t the only man I trust,” she sings.
“Jack Daniel’s” was co-written by K. Michelle, ERNEST, Jordan Dozzi and Rocky Block. Speaking on her new single, K. Michelle shares, “This is me coming home. Country is in my blood. I was raised on southern soil in Memphis, Tennessee, where soul and country grew from the same roots. This new music is a celebration of where I come from — the pride, the bittersweet and the whiskey-soaked truth of it all.”
“Jack Daniel’s” is K. Michelle’s first single since announcing her deal with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville in July 2024. Her labelmates include Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Blanco Brown, and Lainey Wilson, among others.
“I have been ready. I am grateful for this moment,” said K. Michelle. “Rebels and Real Outlawz, it’s time! I am excited and want to thank my BMG Team. I am happy to finally sing the music I grew up on. I am a country girl at heart and can’t wait to share my country music with you.”
Katie Kerkhover, BMG’s vice president of A&R, added, “When we first met K. Michelle, she radiated her passion for country music. It’s the fabric of who she is because the lyrics represent truth. She’s built an incredible fanbase with her unique vocals anchored with storytelling at its heart and that is what transcends genres.”
“Jack Daniel’s” is the first taste of what’s to come from K. Michelle’s long-awaited country album, which she first teased in 2019. In a 2024 interview with Rated R&B, she explained that she intentionally wasn’t rushing to put out her country project.
“I’m not going to let anything rush me. I feel like everything has a time [and] a place,” K. Michelle said. “The album is basically done. I probably will add a couple more ballads, but right now, the focus is on how I’m going to release it.”
Not only does K. Michelle have a deep connection to country music, but she’s also always been a fan of Jack Daniel’s. In 2015, she partnered with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey for herMy Twisted Mind Tour. She made history as the first Black woman to strike an endorsement deal with the whiskey brand.
“I’ve always been a huge Jack Daniel’s fan – especially Tennessee Honey, which reflects my Southern roots,” she said. “I’m excited to work with a brand I’ve personally enjoyed for years.”
Casey Nelson, senior brand manager for Jack Daniel’s flavor portfolio, noted, “Our partnership with K. Michelle is a natural fit, she’s a Tennessee native and has always been a huge fan and supporter of the brand. Jack Daniel’s has history with some of the greatest names in music and she is joining a very distinguished group. We’re excited to welcome her to the family.”
In 2017, K. Michelle and Jack Daniel’s teamed up to launch the Southern Peach flavor, which was sold in stores nationwide.
Circling back to the song “Jack Daniel’s,” it follows the “V.S.O.P.” singer’s 2023 album,I’m The Problem, which she dubbed as her final R&B project.
The album included the No. 1 hit “Scooch,” which topped Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, as well as the country-soaked bonus track “Tennessee,” produced by Louis York.
Stream K. Michelle’s new song “Jack Daniel’s” below.