Look no further than West Oakland, CA for Cory J who’s bringing the heat all summer. Cory J is back with his highly-anticipated visual “Play It Cool,” which is out now on YouTube. The melodic track reminds us that

“This song is about that one shorty you got and everyone wants what y’all have,” Cory J says in a recent interview. “The homegirls wish they had it. Haters hating but, it’s no need to ‘play it cool’ you still better ‘act up.’”

Cory J of West Oakland, California, continues his outstanding run of songs with “Play It Cool,” with the new buttery visual.

Cory examines being in an almost poisonous relationship when two loves are completely and entirely focused on one another without interruptions, although he is aware that there are distractions.

“I was always interested in music,” Cory J said. I played multiple instruments and being a person who always had an open mind, I allowed my self to be immersed in so many different genre’s of music early. That played a role in my influences today and is why my sound is so unique.”

The music is somberly enticing, the percussion are just so, his gently vocals lie passionately on top of the music, and it all adds up to a well-knit all-around tune to drive to late at night or light candles to on a night in.

Start the night off with this one and check out the new visual below. In addition, keep reading to learn more about Cory J, his early beginnings in music, some of his inspirations, and more.

Read more of his interview below.

What’s your artist name and how did you get your artist name?

My artist name is Cory J. My real name is J’den (pronounced jayden) Smith. My artist came naturally as it’s my actual middle name.

When did you decide to actually pursue a career in music?

2020 was the year I decided to actively pursue music.

What’s the reason you got into music and what inspired that?

I was always interested in music. I played multiple instruments and being a person who always had an open mind, I allowed my self to be immersed in so many different genre’s of music early. That played a role in my influences today and is why my sound is so unique.

What keeps you busy and creative outside of music? Do you have any hobbies?

Outside of music, I sleep, eat, and relax. Ain’t nothing else going on but music on this side. Before music I had just graduated from high school wit a 3.8 and was enrolled in college to become an agricultural engineer.

Who would you say are some of your musical influences if you had to pick a few?

I can’t even give a straight answer here because the influences come in bunches. You got Jay Z, 3 stack, Smino, Mick Jenkins and Kanye West on one end but, then you got MJ, Musiq Soulchild, Bryson Tiller, and so many others.

What are some of your main goals in pursuing a music career?

My goal is to simply have people enjoy my art as much as I do.

What was the inspiration behind “Play It Cool?”

The inspiration behind “Play It Cool” was actually a flashback moment I reminisce about.

What’s the song about in your own words?

This song is about that one shorty you got and everyone wants what yall have. The homegirls wish they had it. Haters hating but, its no need to “play it cool” you still better “act up…”

What are you proud of so far in your career and tell us one thing you’re happy about?

So far I’m proud of the effort. It’s going to take a lot more than this but I’m happy with the way my team had been moving with me.

What’s next for you and what can audiences look forward to from Cory J musically?

Hit after hit! Next up is more music. Really want to expand the catalog and share this music with people.

If you’re not familiar with Cory J by now, now’s the time. Make sure to keep up with him on social media @juscoryj