Jones was born in Flint, Michigan, and shortly after moved with his family to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he was raised in a neighborhood known as 23rd & Wolfe Street.

On May 23, SL Jones released the Don Cannon-hosted mixtape The Number 23,[8] a project which included features from Killer Mike, Pill, Trae Tha Truth, Waka Flocka Flame, and Yo Gotti, along with production from various producers, most notably: Lex Luger, Shawty Redd, Don Cannon, and Smiff & Cash.

[11] This version, with a total of 16 songs, included two new tracks: "Out Here", which features Rocko and JBar, and "Michael Jordan", produced by Lex Luger.

"[14] In 2012, SL Jones announced his intention to release a series of EP projects; instead he began working to complete a 12-track mixtape with Atlanta producer DJ Burn One for the first five months of the year.

In concert with the announcement, SL Jones released “Wave Runner,” a song produced by DJ Burn One that ultimately was not included on the mixtape.

[16] On May 23, SL Jones released Paraphernalia, which includes features from rappers Freddie Gibbs and Rittz and singer Ebony Love.

"[15] FADER Magazine wrote, "Paraphernalia boasts variety, songcraft and attention to detail, a tough trifecta to find.

[26] Like Trapper's Delight and Paraphernalia, SL Jones collaborated exclusively with one producer, Metro Boomin, for Way Of Life No Hobby.