In early 2000s, he met Corey Green whom he found was in the same direction with him. Soon both formed a duo called 295 that experienced mild popularity. All the while Corey would hook them up with music executives that come to Washington just to watch their performances. They soon got frustrated for not getting discovered and eventually disbanded in 2003 while remaining friends until Holiday's solo career. Holiday would soon secure a record deal with Jazze Pha's Sho'nuff Records.[1]
The album was originally meant to be released by the end of 2006, however it was pushed back to early 2007 and then pushed to its final release of October 2. J. Holiday worked with Ne-Yo on three songs between December 2005 and January 2006 that did not make the album.
Singles
The album's lead single, "Be with Me", was released on October 31, 2006. The song was produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. The song did not fare well commercially, failing to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since peaked at #83 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.[2]
The third single, "Suffocate" was released on October 2, 2007, the song has peaked at #2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart and #18 on the Billboard Hot 100.[2] The video for the single was shot in Paris, France and debuted on BET's 106 & Park on November 7, 2007.[3]
"City Boy" featuring 8 Ball & MJG was released as a promotional single, the song was not included in the US version of the album, but is featured on the album only as a bonus track in several countries.
"Come Here" was released as a single but was ultimately canceled.
Back of My Lac' received mixed reviews from critics. Mark Edward Nero from About.com reviewed the album favorably, saying: "It's rare that young artist puts out such a well-rounded album, one that young men can totally relate to and that young women will be swept off their feet by, but Back of My Lac', is just such an album. It's charming, gritty, sensual, original and most of all-real. Ladies and gentlemen, J. Holiday has arrived. And he definitely is that dude."[4]
Fan reviews remain highly favorable for the album, praising its overall consistency and well roundness. "Fatal", "Bed","Thank You" and "Suffocate" have been frequently referenced as favorites.
Commercial performance
The album debuted on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart at number 5, selling 105,000 copies in its first week.[9] It debuted at #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album debuted in the Top 20 R&B/Hip Hop albums in Canada and charted within the Top 100 albums in Canada.[citation needed] It became a Top 10 R&B/Hip Hop album in the UK and a Top 40 UK album entry peaking at #32.[citation needed] In the U.S it also made it to #8 on the Tastemakers chart and #5 on the Top Digital Albums and Billboard Comprehensive Albums Chart.
