Naarai Jacobs grew up in Sarasota with a dream of making it in the music industry. In 2015, she packed up and moved to Los Angeles to pursue that dream full-time. Eleven years later, that decision has paid off in a way most people only fantasize about. The Suncoast native just landed not one but two tracks on the Rolling Stones’ brand new album: “Mr. Charm” and “Back in Your Life.” It’s a milestone that represents more than just one album credit. It’s the culmination of a decade of hard work, professional dedication, and staying open to unexpected opportunities.
The path to working with the Rolling Stones came through a simple Instagram DM. Producer Andrew Watt, who had previously collaborated with Jacobs on an Elton John track called “Finish Line,” reached out last fall with an incredible proposition. Before she knew it, Jacobs was in the studio working directly with Mick Jagger on the legendary rock band’s new project. She described the experience as surreal but grounded, emphasizing that Jagger was genuinely friendly and warm. What Jacobs has learned over her decade of collaborations with artists like Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Lady Gaga is that you have to get out of your own head when you’re in the room with these icons. Confidence, preparation, and professionalism are what separate the opportunities from the moments you actually capitalize on.
Jacobs’ father puts it perfectly: the success his daughter is experiencing comes from years of consistency, professionalism, and undeniable talent. She never created a list of dream artists to work with or plotted her career in a calculated way. Instead, she focused on doing great work, building genuine relationships, and staying grateful for whatever came next. Now, with her music on one of rock’s most iconic albums, Jacobs is proof that the long game actually works. What aspect of Naarai’s journey resonates most with you—the persistence, the networking, or the luck of that Instagram DM?
