Let’s get one thing straight—Jamie Foxx isn’t an actor who happens to sing. He’s a singer whose voice has carried confessions, seduction, heartbreak, and swagger across decades of music. As we celebrate his Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards, it’s time we give his music career its rightful due.

From slow jams that define bedroom playlists to chart-topping collabs that left their mark on 2000s R&B and hip hop, Foxx’s catalog is anything but lightweight. Whether crooning about love gone wrong or kicking it with Kanye West, his voice has always added depth to every track.

Here’s a deep dive into why his musical legacy hits just as hard as his acting one.

When Jamie Foxx lent his vocals to Kanye West’s 2005 smash “Gold Digger,” it wasn’t just a feature—it was a cultural reset. Reimagining Ray Charles’s “I Got a Woman” (ironically, the man he portrayed onscreen that same year), Foxx’s hook was the glue that made the record iconic. The song went on to become Kanye’s first No. 1 single—and marked Jamie’s entrance into the mainstream music world.

But what’s often overlooked is that Jamie held his own. He wasn’t overshadowed by Kanye’s star power. He added to it, bringing a suave, classic energy that made the song unforgettable.

In 2005, Foxx dropped Unpredictable, his sophomore album, and proved he wasn’t just dabbling in music—he was here to stay. The title track, featuring Ludacris, shot up the charts and became a staple of early 2000s R&B. With its sensual tone and velvety vocal runs, the track showed off his ability to set a mood like no other.

Unpredictable debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and eventually climbed to No. 1, going double platinum. That’s not a fluke—that’s a man who understands how to make timeless music.

Jamie Foxx has an uncanny ability to make every song feel like it’s 1 a.m. and you’re either in love, heartbroken, or both. Tracks like “DJ Play a Love Song” featuring Twista or “Can I Take You Home” had the bedroom vibes on lock before we started calling it “vibe music.” These weren’t just songs—they were soundtracks to situationships across the country.

What truly separates Foxx from so many of his contemporaries is his live performance skill. He’s not a studio-only singer—he performs with intention. His renditions of “Georgia on My Mind” at the Grammys or “Do What It Do” on late night TV felt like mini concerts. His voice is rich, expressive, and textured with real soul.

From Kanye to T-Pain, Ne-Yo to Drake, Jamie has always known how to share the spotlight without losing his shine. His collaboration “Fall for Your Type” with Drake is an underrated gem—a melancholic ballad that showcases both vulnerability and vocal power. And let’s not forget the ultimate club jam “Blame It” featuring T-Pain, which won Foxx a Grammy and remains one of the most iconic auto-tune anthems of all time.

Tracks like “Heaven” and “Do What It Do” carry an emotional, almost spiritual weight. Even when he wasn’t making gospel music explicitly, the church-trained singer brought that soulful feeling to his tracks. That’s why it hits you in your chest when he belts out a chorus—you know he means every word.

Foxx’s voice is smooth but textured, confident but sincere. He doesn't chase vocal gymnastics like some R&B vocalists. Instead, he controls the room with tone, phrasing, and feeling. You believe him, whether he’s whispering in your ear or belting to the heavens.

In an era where actors-turned-singers come and go, Jamie Foxx has sustained a real career. He’s got Grammys, chart-toppers, platinum plaques—and more importantly, he’s got respect from R&B and hip hop veterans alike.

Even now, Jamie Foxx is teasing new music and remains a voice people crave. Whether it’s a surprise appearance at a Tiny Desk or an impromptu freestyle on a talk show, he still reminds us why his voice matters.

Jamie Foxx is that rare blend of entertainer whose talents run so deep, we almost forget how good he is at any one thing. His music career is a testament to that. He didn’t just moonlight in R&B—he contributed, elevated, and left his mark.

As he prepares to accept the Ultimate Icon Award at the BET Awards 2025, it’s the perfect time to revisit his discography, remind yourself of his hits, and give the man his due—not just for acting, but for soundtracking our lives.

Don’t miss the celebration: Watch Jamie Foxx receive his honor live at the BET Awards 2025, airing Monday, June 9 at 8 PM ET/PT only on BET.