Today we’d like to introduce you to Justen Best.
Hi Justen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story really started with a deep love for sound — not just music, but the feeling it creates. I grew up inspired by hip-hop and R&B, drawn to how artists could turn real-life experiences into something powerful enough to move people. That passion pushed me to start recording and experimenting with production early on. At first, it was just me in my room, teaching myself how to mix and master my own tracks. Over time, that obsession with perfecting my sound turned into a full-on craft — not only creating for myself but also helping other artists bring their visions to life.
Working behind the boards taught me a lot about patience, detail, and emotion. Mixing and mastering isn’t just technical work; it’s storytelling through frequency, space, and feel. I’ve spent years honing that balance — making sure every track I touch reflects authenticity and intention.
Recently, I dropped my latest album, Best Served Cold, which represents everything I’ve learned up to this point. It’s raw, it’s personal, and it’s a statement about growth, resilience, and staying true even when life tests you. The project let me stretch creatively — blending classic hip-hop grit with R&B smoothness while still keeping that modern edge.
Where I’m at today feels like a full-circle moment. I’m still creating, still learning, and still evolving — but now I get to share that process not just through my own music, but by helping other artists find their sound and tell their stories, too.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but every challenge has shaped who I am today. Back in 2013, during my first year at Tennessee Temple University, I was there to play basketball — that was my whole focus at the time. Then I got into a car accident that completely changed my perspective. I had to take a year off to recover, and that time away from the court really tested me.
The accident didn’t end my basketball career, but it did slow everything down. It forced me to reflect, to find strength in stillness, and to think about who I wanted to be beyond the game. That experience taught me discipline, patience, and resilience — lessons that later became the foundation for how I approach music.
When I eventually got back to school and basketball, I had a new mindset. I wasn’t taking anything for granted anymore. That same drive I had to get back on the court is the same energy I put into my music today. Whether I’m recording, mixing, or mastering, I carry that same determination to keep pushing, no matter what comes my way
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What I do really comes down to creating a full experience through sound. I’m an artist, engineer, and producer — I record, mix, and master my own music, as well as work with other artists to help bring their visions to life. My foundation is in hip-hop and R&B, but I like to blend genres and emotions to create something that feels both nostalgic and new. I’m all about detail — making sure every lyric, layer, and tone hits with purpose.
My latest album, Best Served Cold, is a perfect example of that. It’s not just a collection of songs — it’s a statement. The project represents growth, self-belief, and standing firm in your truth after everything you’ve been through. Each track has its own energy, but together they tell a story about perseverance and rising above. I wanted the sound to be cinematic — crisp mixes, rich harmonies, and a balance between raw emotion and precision.
What I’m most proud of is that I did it all myself — from writing and recording to mixing and mastering. It’s a true reflection of independence and dedication. Every step of the process pushed me to grow technically and creatively.
What sets me apart, I think, is my ability to wear all those hats without losing the soul of the music. A lot of people can make something sound clean, but not everyone can make it feel real. I take pride in giving every song that emotional fingerprint — that moment where a listener can connect with it on a personal level.
At the end of the day, I’m building more than a catalog — I’m building a sound, a legacy, and a story people can feel.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that timing is everything — and you can’t rush what’s meant for you. Early on, I used to get frustrated when things didn’t move as fast as I wanted them to. Whether it was with basketball, recovering from my accident, or building my music career, I had to learn that every setback and delay was part of my development.
Patience taught me how to appreciate the process — the long nights in the studio, the times when things didn’t click right away, the moments when I had to bet on myself even when nobody else saw the vision. All of it built character.
I’ve also learned the importance of authenticity. The more I stayed true to my story and my sound, the more everything started to fall into place. People connect to realness — and once I embraced that, both my music and my mindset reached a new level.
So if there’s one lesson I carry with me, it’s this: trust the journey, stay consistent, and never compromise who you are just to fit in. Your time will come — and when it does, you’ll be ready for it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justendbest/profilecard/?igsh=MW94d284NG5lanB6dA==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@justenbestmusic?si=cd9n2F8oUBLAwamh
Image Credits
Bryan Williams
APhotoThatFitz
