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From Rookie To R&B: 7 Shocking Revelations About Titus Makin Jr.'s Life After Leaving The Rookie

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Titus Makin Jr., the multi-talented actor, singer, and dancer best known for his compelling portrayal of Officer Jackson West on the hit ABC series *The Rookie*, has undergone one of the most significant and principled career transformations in recent Hollywood history. As of late 2025, his focus has decisively shifted from television drama to music, where he thrives under the stage name Butterfly Ali. This article dives into the latest updates on his life, his reasons for leaving a major network show, and the fresh, soulful music he is creating today. The decision to step away from a successful role like Jackson West was not a simple one, but it was one rooted in deep personal conviction regarding the portrayal of law enforcement on television. Makin Jr.'s journey highlights an artist prioritizing authenticity and social commentary over mainstream fame, a move that has only deepened his connection with fans and cemented his reputation as a multi-faceted artist with a powerful voice. His recent musical output, including fresh singles released in 2024, confirms that his creative fire is burning brighter than ever.

Titus Makin Jr. Biography and Profile

Titus Makin Jr. is an American actor, singer, dancer, and songwriter who has built a versatile career across television, film, and music. He is known for bringing a blend of charisma and emotional depth to his roles, and a soulful, genre-jumping energy to his musical endeavors.

  • Full Name: Titus Odell Makin Jr.
  • Date of Birth: June 10, 1989
  • Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
  • Musical Stage Name: Butterfly Ali
  • Occupation: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Songwriter, Producer
  • Notable Acting Roles: Officer Jackson West on *The Rookie* (2018–2021), David on *Glee* (2010–2012), Lukas Parnell on *Star-Crossed* (2014), Clark on *Pretty Little Liars* (2015).
  • Early Life: Born into a military family, Makin Jr. began singing and dancing at the age of nine in his elementary school's talent show. He later moved to Los Angeles to pursue his professional career.
  • Alma Mater: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts (NYCDA).
  • Current Focus: Music career as Butterfly Ali, exploring soul music and R&B genres.

The Principled Exit: Why Jackson West Was Killed Off *The Rookie*

The sudden and tragic death of Officer Jackson West at the beginning of *The Rookie* Season 4 sent shockwaves through the fandom. The character, a fan-favorite and the son of an Internal Affairs commander, was killed off-screen during a confrontation with a drug cartel, a dramatic end that was necessitated by Titus Makin Jr.'s decision not to return to the show.

1. The George Floyd Incident and Social Responsibility

The primary and most significant reason for Makin Jr.'s departure was his growing discomfort with the role of a police officer in the wake of the George Floyd incident and the subsequent national discussion on racial injustice and police brutality.

Makin Jr. openly discussed his internal conflict, stating that he could not, in good conscience, continue to portray a police officer on television without the show fully addressing the complexities and need for police reform.

2. Demanding a More Authentic Narrative

The actor reportedly engaged in discussions with the show's producers, urging them to utilize *The Rookie* as a platform for deeper, more meaningful dialogue about the issues facing the Black community and law enforcement. When the narrative direction did not align with his conviction—or when he felt the show was not sufficiently reflecting the issues he cared about—he made the difficult choice to leave.

3. The Character's Legacy of Integrity

Despite the abrupt ending, Jackson West's character arc was one of integrity. He was often portrayed as the moral compass of the rookie class, a young Black officer determined to change the system from within. His departure, while unfortunate for the show, mirrored a real-world sentiment: sometimes, the system is too broken to fix from the inside, prompting a personal pivot to a different form of activism and expression—his music.

Butterfly Ali: Titus Makin Jr.'s New Creative Identity and Latest Music (2024/2025)

Since his exit from *The Rookie*, Titus Makin Jr. has fully embraced his musical alter ego, Butterfly Ali. This identity is more than just a stage name; it represents a complete artistic rebirth, allowing him to merge his personal experiences and social commentary into a vibrant, genre-jumping sound.

4. The Debut EP: *Preacher's Kid*

The core of his new body of work is the debut EP, *Preacher's Kid*. The title itself hints at a deeper exploration of his background and internal struggles. The EP features a blend of R&B, funk, and classic soul music, showcasing his vocal range and songwriting ability, which fans of his acting career may not have previously experienced.

5. Recent Singles and Musical Evolution (2024)

Makin Jr. has maintained a consistent release schedule, proving his commitment to his music career. His most recent singles, released under the Butterfly Ali moniker, provide the freshest look at his current artistic direction:

  • "Sanduki" (2024): One of the most recent releases, demonstrating his continued evolution and experimentation with new sounds.
  • "Ekumba" (2024): Another 2024 single, cementing his place in the contemporary R&B landscape.
  • "Echiro Yasarekire" (2023): A 2023 release that continued to build anticipation for his future projects.
  • "Asinini" (2022): Released shortly after his *Rookie* departure, this track helped define the new musical path he was forging.
  • "Rose": A standout single and video that has been praised for its stunning visual and emotional depth.

His music is a testament to his desire to create art that is both entertaining and meaningful, often touching on themes of love, self-discovery, and social observation. The transition from a major network star to an independent, genre-jumping musician is a bold move that has earned him respect within the music community.

The Versatile Career Beyond Jackson West

6. The *Glee* Connection: A Hidden Talent

Long before he was Officer West, Titus Makin Jr. was known to fans of the musical comedy-drama *Glee*. He appeared as David, a member of the Dalton Academy Warblers, from 2010 to 2012. This role was an early indicator of his vocal and performance talents, which he is now fully utilizing as Butterfly Ali. His time on *Glee* allowed him to showcase his skills as a dancer and singer, laying the groundwork for his current musical focus.

7. Other Notable Acting Roles and Producing Work

Makin Jr.'s filmography is diverse, including a recurring role as Lukas Parnell on the CW series *Star-Crossed* and a stint as Clark on *Pretty Little Liars*. He also has experience as a producer and actor in short films, such as the award-winning short film *Open Your Heart*. This background in production suggests a desire for creative control and storytelling that extends beyond simply acting in front of the camera, a trait that is clearly manifesting in his self-directed music career.

Titus Makin Jr.'s current journey is a powerful narrative about artistic integrity and the courage to pivot. By shedding the skin of Jackson West, he has fully embodied Butterfly Ali, an artist using the universal language of music to express his truth. Fans of the actor are now encouraged to become fans of the musician, following his exciting and authentic path in the world of R&B and soul.

From Rookie to R&B: 7 Shocking Revelations About Titus Makin Jr.'s Life After Leaving The Rookie
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