How Blest Jones Is Harmonizing Tennis
and Music in Los Angeles

In a city like Los Angeles, it’s not uncommon to meet someone juggling multiple passions, but few do it quite like Blest Jones. At just 28, he’s made a name for himself in the music industry, boasting over 800,000 monthly Spotify listeners and landing a feature on a breakout hit with nearly 74 million streams. Yet before the world knew Blest as a recording artist, many knew him for his excellence on the tennis court.

Roots of Rhythm and Rivalry

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Blest grew up in a multicultural home rooted in both discipline and creativity. His mother, Charlota, originally from Jakarta, Indonesia, played tennis in her youth, while his father, Quintin—a New Jersey native—was a Division I football player at Florida State University. With a grandfather who boxed professionally, adding to the family’s athletic legacy, it was no surprise that Blest and his younger brother, Justice, were drawn to sports from an early age.

Charlota and Quintin made it a priority to expose their children to a wide range of activities and experiences, and Blest looks back on that with deep appreciation. From ice skating to music and ministry, he was encouraged to explore, experiment, and discover what truly resonated.

“No matter the activity, I always found myself trying to be the best,” Blest said. “That competitive nature was just in me.”

Of the many things he tried, it was tennis though, that eventually would stick. Around the age of seven, his parents began taking him and Justice to the park to hit balls and see if they had a natural feel for the game. Their early interest quickly led to formal lessons and regular clinic attendance.

“Eventually, my brother and I went to a spring clinic at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) in Maryland, and after the first session, the coaches told our parents they saw potential in us,” Blest mentioned. “We had a great time, and something just clicked. We then joined the beginner program at JTCC, started training hard, and from there, it became a big part of our lives. We gravitated to tennis because it’s a non-contact sport that still demands a lot both physically and mentally.”

While he also dabbled in swimming—where he developed endurance and learned the discipline of breath control, skills that would later serve him well in long matches—Blest knew early on that tennis was where his heart truly lay. The sport’s unique blend of individual challenge, mental sharpness, and physical intensity kept him both engaged and motivated.

Though tennis took center stage, music was never far behind. Influenced heavily by his parents, Blest developed a deep appreciation for gospel and Christian music during long car rides, often listening to artists like Take 6 and Tauren Wells. Inspired by the sounds that filled his home, he joined the church choir at a young age. It was there that he began training his ear, honing his voice control, and developing a strong sense of rhythm, skills that would later shape his identity as a recording artist.

“For me, music was a different kind of space. It taught me how to relax and go with the flow, something tennis eventually mirrored for me,” Blest added. “I began to see how patterns, rhythm, and creativity could also be applied to how I play tennis. That connection between music and sport helped me develop a deeper feel for both. Gospel music in particular sharpened my tone and musical instincts. That foundation is something I still carry into my songwriting and production today.”

Dominating the Junior Circuit

Beginning to play tennis competitively on the USTA Junior Circuit in Maryland when he was twelve years old, Blest began to find his place in the sport. He formed lifelong friendships with both teammates and opponents and found a second home at the JTCC. Tennis provided not just a sense of belonging and accomplishment, but also instilled in him invaluable life lessons and skills.

“The USTA Circuit was intense but rewarding. It taught me discipline, time management, and how to handle pressure,” Blest said. “It also gave me a community—some of my best friendships were formed on that circuit. Competing against each other during the day and then hanging out at places like TopGolf, the movies, or bowling afterward gave everything a sense of balance. I realized that competition doesn’t always have to be cut-throat, it can also be empowering and unifying. Rivals became friends because we pushed each other to be better. Without my JTCC family, that journey would have felt much lonelier. That community played a huge part in shaping who I am as both a player and a coach today.”

On the court, Blest didn’t just participate, he thrived, thanks in large part to the high-caliber environment in which he trained. Surrounded by some of the nation’s top junior talent, including Frances Tiafoe, Andrew Fenty, Evan Zhu, and Hailey Baptiste, and often joined by players from around the world, Blest had the rare opportunity to sharpen his skills against elite competition. This exposure not only elevated his game but also gave him firsthand insight into what it takes to compete at the highest level. The blend of world-class training and cultural diversity made the experience all the more impactful for him.

In a rare and impressive feat, Blest became a four-time Maryland State Boys’ Champion, claiming titles in the 12s, 14s, 16s, and 18s divisions. Each victory not only boosted his confidence, but also gave him valuable momentum heading into future tournaments, affirming that he was on the right path. These high-stakes matches helped prepare him both mentally and physically for national-level competition. At his peak, Blest earned a junior ranking as high as No. 6 in the state of Maryland.

Off the court, Blest was equally committed to his academics and extracurricular pursuits, keeping his future options open, whether he chose to focus on tennis or prioritize a degree. He was enrolled in Abeka Academy, a homeschool program he attended from middle school through high school, which provided the flexibility to travel and compete while staying on top of his studies. Throughout his years in high school, Blest was an honors student, participated in the “Game On” Community Service project and the First Tee Leadership Program, and was actively involved in the choir and the International Ministry.

As college recruitment picked up, Blest drew interest from several academically prestigious institutions. Schools like Brown, Carnegie Mellon, and Columbia all pursued him for their tennis programs, but he ultimately chose to stay closer to home while still receiving a top-tier education. He committed to Loyola University Maryland, a Division I school competing in the Patriot League.

“Originally, I had my sights on bigger-name schools, but Loyola came up in conversation because a player I trained with was playing tennis there,” Blest commented. “The location, close to D.C. but far enough for independence, was ideal.”

An All-Time Greyhound

Blest arrived at Loyola University Maryland ready to make an impact, and he did just that. As a freshman, he led the team with 17 singles wins and made deep runs in several invitational tournaments. In his sophomore season, he shattered the school’s single-season wins record with 32 victories, including a 15-match win streak. Playing alongside teammate Brett Shriver, the duo dominated at the No. 1 doubles spot. By the time he graduated, Blest held the record for most career singles wins in Loyola history, was the first Greyhound to earn All-Patriot League honors, and was named team MVP multiple times.

Blest’s remarkable collegiate career laid a strong foundation for life after graduation, whether in tennis or another pursuit. Reflecting on his time at Loyola, he acknowledges the ups and downs that came with the journey, but remains grateful for the experiences, both on the court and in the classroom, that helped shape him into the person he is today.

“Like most college experiences, it was a mix,” Blest stated. “I loved the campus and the athletic facilities, and being a student-athlete came with perks like early registration and access to academic resources. I did well in my classes and felt supported as an athlete. Socially, it was a bit harder. Being one of the few black students on campus, I often felt like people couldn’t fully relate to my experiences. That said, my team became my family. We bonded deeply through tennis, and over time, those relationships grew off the court too. Loyola gave me the space to grow into the man I wanted to become, and I’m thankful it ended up being part of my journey.”

Rediscovering Music

It was also at Loyola where Blest’s passion for music was reignited, leading him to pursue opportunities to share his talent more seriously. One day, while casually singing for a friend, his voice left such a strong impression that it sparked a deeper reflection on his love for music and the possibility of revisiting it. Not long after, he recorded a cover of John Legend’s “All of Me” and uploaded it to SoundCloud. The response was immediate, as multiple producers reached out, asking him to feature on their tracks. That moment marked the true beginning of Blest’s professional music journey.

He soon began releasing music with producers like LYAR, BL3R, and Olwik, collaborations that helped his name gain recognition in the industry and steadily build his credibility.

Graduating in 2018 with a degree in International Business and Marketing, as well as the distinction of being the most decorated player in Loyola tennis history, Blest left college confident in both his academic and athletic accomplishments, ready to take the next step in his professional and musical pursuits.

Coaching and Creating in NYC and LA

Upon graduating, Blest kickstarted his professional journey by moving to New York City, eager to immerse himself in the city’s music scene. Over the next few years, his creative pursuits expanded beyond music into fashion, allowing him to fully express his artistic vision.

Collaborating with artists like Mickey Valen and Lucian, Blest steadily gained recognition within the EDM community. While his focus shifted away from competing as a tennis player, he began channeling his passion for the sport into coaching in the area, balancing both worlds as his career evolved.

“After graduation, tennis remained central in my life. I shifted into coaching, which allowed me to pass on everything I’ve learned. Coaching keeps me connected to the game, but also lets me be creative—finding new ways to teach, motivate, and inspire others. It’s a different kind of performance compared to competing, but just as rewarding. Simultaneously, I was building my music career—writing, producing, and collaborating with other artists. It all evolved naturally. I kept following my passions and found a way to balance both music and tennis professionally.”

In 2022, Blest was featured on his breakthrough hit “Meio Pá,” a track that significantly elevated his presence in the music industry. Since then, he has been featured on over 50 songs and recently released his latest single, “Bling,” which is now available on all major streaming platforms. When it comes to his music, Blest describes his approach to songwriting as deeply personal.

“My creative process is intuitive,” Blest explained. “Sometimes it starts with a melody, sometimes with a phrase or feeling. I pull from real-life experiences—love, ambition, struggle, faith. I usually produce the beat myself, then layer lyrics that feel honest and impactful. I treat music like storytelling with rhythm. My goal is always to create something people can feel.”

When reflecting on his work, Blest emphasizes that the projects which resonate most deeply with him often stem from collaborations that developed organically.

“Some of my favorite projects are the ones that came from spontaneous collaboration,” said Blest. “Working with artists like Russ, Thiago Veigh, and Connor Price stands out—each brought something unique to the table. I also loved creating my upcoming album; it’s the most personal and experimental project I’ve done. It’s a blend of genres that reflects who I am.”

Following spending a handful of years in New York, Blest decided to make a fresh start in Los Angeles in February of 2024, drawn by its tennis scene, music community, scenery, and high quality of life.

“The tennis scene out here is incredible—diverse, competitive, and vibrant,” shared Blest. “Coaching here has been a blessing. The players are hungry to improve, and the environment keeps you sharp. The weather doesn’t hurt either. It’s also been a great place to network in music and grow creatively.”

Current Endeavors and Reflections

Currently, Blest helps coach at events led by All Love Racquet Club, a Los Angeles-based organization dedicated to fostering inclusivity and diversity within racquet sports. All Love Racquet Club stands out for its unique approach, blending tennis with elements of music, food, culture, and fashion to create welcoming, community-driven events. The club partners with top-tier brands like On, helping to cultivate a dynamic environment that goes beyond traditional tennis training. Blest’s coaching philosophy centers around empowering young athletes to develop not only their skills but also confidence and a love for the game.

In addition, Blest has launched his own tennis lifestyle brand called “Coach Blest.” Through the brand, players can book him for lessons, events, or coaching engagements. His vision for “Coach Blest” mirrors the inclusive spirit of All Love, to create a movement that brings people together through tennis and increases access to the sport for underrepresented communities.

Blest remains deeply committed to coaching, also serving as Assistant Coach for the women’s tennis team at Occidental College, where he also provides private instruction and mentorship to up-and-coming players. This role allows him to blend competitive experience with a nurturing, holistic coaching style—emphasizing patience, persistence, and personal growth.

Off the court, Blest is equally creative and engaged. He frequently shares glimpses of his multifaceted life on social media (@blestjones), highlighting his passions for music, fashion, art, and travel. He has his own partnerships with major brands like Wilson and Diadora, and has also modeled for the Arthur Ashe brand. Notably, he was featured on a Calvin Klein billboard in SoHo on Broadway,

“I’m into fashion and creative direction, especially when it intersects with my music and brand,” Blest added. “I also enjoy spending time outdoors—hiking, skating, even the occasional pickup basketball game. I like anything that keeps me active and inspired.”

Reflecting on his journey, Blest underscores the importance of balance and mindfulness across all his passions.

“I’ve learned that everything in life—whether tennis, music, or relationships—requires both patience and persistence. The process matters,” Blest emphasized. “Whether I’m coaching a young player or writing a new song, I want to be present, intentional, and inspired. I’m just grateful to be living a life rooted in my passions. As for my goals in tennis, I want to build a top-tier coaching brand that impacts young athletes globally. In music, I’m aiming for longevity—creating timeless projects that resonate worldwide. In life, my goal is to keep evolving—spiritually, mentally, creatively—and to use my talents to uplift others.”

With his feet firmly planted in both the worlds of tennis and music, Blest continues to carve out a unique path, one where passion, creativity, and community intertwine to shape his evolving legacy.