Jonathan Hay shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Jonathan, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, my normal day and night are completely swamped. The last time I was this busy was working nonstop on the Biggie Smalls house and techno project from December 2019 until March 2021 in New York, Dallas, and Los Angeles. That project took a severe toll on me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Fast forward to today, and for the last several months, I’ve been waking up to countless emails, calls, texts, and direct messages across all social platforms. Thank God for the Beverly Hills Agency, along with my support structure of friends, advisors, business partners, and legal team.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My brand is that I am a publicist, advocate, and influencer. These three roles are interconnected, as I leverage my extensive media connections to support investigative journalism, which can lead to convictions and positive change. I’m passionate about working with whistleblowers and supporting their fight for justice. I’ve also been fortunate to be an accomplished music producer, but I’ve stopped producing due to the impact of AI on the music industry.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I learned about business and entrepreneurship working for my father from a young age. I’ve never given him the credit he deserves. I have so much respect and admiration for him. He was the only one in my divided family who encouraged me to pursue my dreams in the music industry. Through his side of the family, I witnessed my grandfather and uncle help start one of the largest Christian churches in the United States today. My dad is my hero.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Whitney Houston’s father, John Houston, and his partner Kevin Skinner at John Houston Entertainment, were instrumental in my career’s early success. They listened and hired me, which proved to be a game-changer. Beyond working with them on projects with Whitney Houston and Teddy Riley, they also introduced me to the co-producer of Rihanna’s debut single. When the media listened and I broke “Pon de Replay” in March 2005, things really took off.
I remember when Nappy Roots listened to me towards the beginning of 2008 about my publicity and digital marketing strategy. I became their publicist and we had successful projects together including ‘The Humdinger’ album that featured “Good Day,” the most popular song of their storied career. I’m a die-hard fan of Public Enemy so when Chuck D listened to me in 2009 during an interview – it was beyond surreal and meant everything in the world to me. Chuck and I spoke for around 3 hours, and it was a paradigm shift in my way of thinking toward my career. I learned the importance of having “infrastructure” from him.
I remember when I first met Eric B. & Rakim back in 2019. They listened to my vision for reimagining their classic 1988 album, ‘Follow the Leader’, as a full-length jazz instrumental project. They not only listened but partnered with me, and the project hit No. 1 on multiple Billboard Jazz charts, staying there for 11 straight weeks.
In late 2024, popular YouTube channels and their subscribers started listening to me, which took my career in a completely new direction, lifting me to new heights in popularity and viral content. I also can’t forget to mention my mentor, Gary Meeks from Days of the New, who was the first person in the music industry to listen to me, believe in me, and give me a chance.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire Malcolm X. He’s my favorite non-Biblical human being. I read ‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X’ when I was a teenager and have been fixated ever since. I have a big tattoo on my forearm to honor him that ended up probably saving my life during a home invasion. On a very special day, my lady Diana took me to the Audubon Ballroom in Washington Heights, where he was assassinated, and also to the New York-Presbyterian Hospital where they pronounced him dead.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I am recognized for a publicity stunt related to Rihanna’s debut single, “Pon de Replay.” This event occurred in 2005 and remains a topic of discussion in mainstream media. Reports indicate that I penned and released Rihanna’s initial press release in March 2005, exclusively for MTV News. I played a role in launching her career, and she went on to become the first female musician to achieve billionaire status. Regarding her misunderstood PR stunts, I executed those in collaboration with one of her co-producers and a Def Jam staff member. This situation is often misinterpreted in the press and on social media, but it’s an undeniable part of my legacy, whether I like it or not. I consider Rihanna to be the Queen of Pop.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jonathanhaycelebrity.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanhaycelebrity
- Twitter: https://x.com/jonathanhay
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsqgEcKG3ds&t=1591s
Image Credits
Beverly Hills Agency, Diana Pagan, Hannah Nelson-Hay, Edgar Moreno, R.U.S.H Music
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