Canton Jones

Artist Information

Biography

CANTON JONES
Handle Your Business
cantonjones.net

The lights dim over the standing room only crowd. The room is thick with an air of anticipation. A voice sprinkled with strong vibrato and a touch of old school R&B rings out. The crowd goes wild! The voice rings out again, this time with twice the intensity. The crowd screams as the young, but clearly seasoned artist Canton Jones points the microphone toward the audience and an unforgettable musical experience begins…
Part singer, songwriter, producer, and vocal arranger, Canton “CJ” Jones, a Deerfield Beach, Florida native, has entertained over 500,000 people in the past year few years, sold nearly 100,000 units independently; and has several songs in regular rotation in the U.S. and abroad, including the steppers groove “Love Song,” the cleverly penned “Stay Saved” and the uncompromising street anthem “The Password.” On any given day he can be found sharing the stage with hip hop heavyweights like T.I., David Banner and Ludacris to name a few; established creative geniuses like John Legend, Kirk Franklin and Patti LaBelle; and Gospel powerhouses like Smokie Norful, Dr. Bobby Jones and Kiki Clark-Sheard – the youngest member of the Clark dynasty. Canton’s unlimited repertoire, massive crowd appeal, and global fan base have set him on a course destined to shake the very core of hip hop, urban gospel, and R&B. Jones is signed to Arrow Records, a label owned and operated by Pastor Taffi Dollar, World Changers Church International in College Park, GA.
And his crossover appeal is undeniable. From urban youth with their pants sagging low, to progressive ministries that support Canton’s unique blend of hip hop, urban gospel and R&B, to middle age music lovers who remember how it was “back in the day, ” fans have embraced Canton’s lyrical edginess and warmed up to his heart felt ballads. On Kingdom Business, he gets down to business with his most creative album to date. Impacting radio with the smash hit “My Day”, Kingdom Business is an eclectic mix of undeniable street anthems and melodic story lines that take listeners from the streets to the suites to handle the business of life. The new album, distributed by Arrow Records, boasts Jones’ best work to date. With My Day currently climbing the charts, Canton recently dropped the gritty, urban riders’ anthem Living Clean (Riding Mean)spinning in heavy rotation on popular mix tape shows and creating a major buzz on Myspace and YouTube.
With three albums (20 Years, 3 Months, 12 Days, Love Jones, and The Password: Access Granted), a Grammy nod, a Stellar Award nomination, and three Gospel Choice Awards to his credit, Canton still maintains the unshakable confidence of someone who knows the tide is turning his way. More than an artist, CJ represents a philosophy, a movement, and a generation relentlessly advancing a positive new sound in the industry. He understands that it is not just about the music, but about a lifestyle that offers peace and prosperity for anyone bold enough to pursue their purpose.
Canton Jones is all about his business. – strengthening his influence in the mainstream marketplace while also creating viable opportunities abroad. As an artist, Jones has embarked on an ambitious plan to bring his unique style of hip hop, R&B and urban gospel to the forefront of the industry. As an entrepreneur, Jones is a consummate businessman, building an empire that will likely change the music business for years to come. Kingdom Business symbolizes his global business philosophy. CAJO International (a company CJ started with his wife Ramona nearly five years ago) – is quietly positioning itself in music, television, video, and global commerce, and raising a powerful new standard for young entrepreneurs around the world.




Several notable facts include:

1. First began singing at the age of 5
2. Produced his first track at the age of 16
3. Hails from Deerfield Beach, FL
4. Graduate of Morehouse College in 2000
5. Member of the world renown Morehouse Glee Club
6. Toured Russia, Poland, Africa, United Kingdom, and Denmark
7. Sang at the first Gospel concert held at the U.S. Pentagon
8. Performed for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Billy Taylor, Dr. Bobby Jones, Quincy Jones, Kirk Franklin, and the late Ray Charles
9. Independently distributed his debut album, 20 Yrs., 3 Mths., & 12 days.
10. Grammy Nomination in 2005
11. Founder and CEO of CAJO International
12. Arrow Records recording artist
13. Producer/Writer/Artist of the highly acclaimed
Kingdom Business, Password: Access Granted
and Love Jones

Instrumentation

Canton Jones - Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Vocal Arranger

Discography

1. Wrote and Produced the Stellar Nominated "I Trust God" by Johnny Sanders
2. Performed, Produced, and wrote The Grammy Nominated "You and Me" from the Taking Gospel to the Streets compilation.

Songs that have streaming or radio airplay are as follows:

1. Living Clean
2. My Day
3. 24s
4. Love Song
5. Stay Saved
6. The Password
7. Battle
8. You and Me

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter

Audio

• Window Canton Jones (Radio Master)
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• G.O.D.
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• necessary
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• BIG
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Video

Stay Saved Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Kingdom Business [+ Show ]
  

  Atlanta, GA – January 15, 2008 - When looking for a unique hip hop gospel sound, you need to look no...Atlanta, GA – January 15, 2008 - When looking for a unique hip hop gospel sound, you need to look no further than Canton Jones. Canton has been in the music industry for many years and has made an impact on both the gospel and mainstream genres.
  
  February 5, 2008, will be another milestone for Canton as he releases his 4th album. When he first debuted, he sang a Love Song, then, he challenged you to Stay Saved. Canton’s 3rd release gave you The Password. Now he’s coming back telling you that he’s about Kingdom Business. This album is a pure head banger and you won’t be disappointed.
  
  With a Grammy Nod, a Stellar Award nomination and two Gospel Choice Awards to his credit, Canton is not just an artist he represents a philosophy, a movement and a generation of believers who are relentless in their pursuit to bridge the gap between the church and the streets.
  
  Canton’s ministry is geared towards abstinence, positive living and making wise choices. The delivery of the music is diverse. One track he could be singing on another he is rapping. Canton truly is a mainstream gospel artist at his best.
  

• The Password [+ Show ]
  

  Canton Jones The Password Canton Jones has been a big-time force within the Holy Hip Hop move...
  Canton Jones
  The Password
  
  Canton Jones has been a big-time force within the Holy Hip Hop movement —and yet has seemingly been in the background for far too long. Having written, produced for, and collaborated with artists such as Lil' iROCC and Mr. Del, the head of Cajo Entertainment is now launching his national debut on Arrow Records.
  
  The follow-up to the underground classic 20 Yrs. 3 Mths. & 12 Days is The Password, which has has CJ picking up where the initial release left off, and then travel to a totally different musical stratosphere.
  
  Jones offers 15 tracks that range from ballads to funky R&P to a virtual crunkfest, and is guaranteed to keep your attention throughout the entire CD. Fantastic as a songwriter and with the ability to fuse slammin’ beats with meaningful and prolific lyrics that relate candidly to the heart of the Christian experience, CJ is the real thing.
  
  "Stay Saved" is a bonafide smash hit that identifies numerous situations that test a believer's ability to do the right thing. From impatient people to road rage to poor customer service, Jones provides an honest account of very real situations that challenge a believer's love, and then offers encouragement to simply "stay saved". It’s a classic that could quickly become the theme song for 2005.
  
  "Okay" is a song of affirmation that addresses the situation of a believer looking to find a safe spot with his mate. Addressing the real insecurities that all believers occasionally face, CJ testifies that we can be properly affirmed and encouraged by our brothers and sisters. This song really highlights Jones' vocal dexterity —the man can really blow!
  
  Who needs Reality TV when you have 'reality music —a term that would aptly describe this effort from Jones. He continues to talk about real issues in songs like "Cute", where he deals with the rejection of intimacy with an attractive female in favor of staying true to his commitment to Christ. This very real battle is one to which all single Christians can attest.
  
  Continuing with the relationship them, Jones describes the ultimate female as the "Holy Ghost Girl", someone with a blend of external beauty and internal virtue. This song is off the hook and can help any single male looking for that promised “good thing”.
  
  Jones is no stranger to the uptempo jams. The leadoff cut, "On the Floor", is a dance floor invitation to get your praise on. No age limits here, as CJ invites youth ministries along with the mothers and deacons.
  
  "Everybody Dancin'" is perhaps gospel's closest answer to Andre 3000's "Hey Ya!". This distinctly hand-clappin', foot-stompin' church groove gets a 21st century twist that's representative of the Southern innovation found in his Atlanta hometown. Speaking of the ATL, Jones contributes a song with that title that testifies of the universal appeal of the Holy Spirit and His ability to touch and operate in every major city in the nation. It's another hot one!!
  
  Then CJ gets decidedly crunk on "Warrior", decreeing to stand firm and fight the enemy victoriously. This war cry is laced with dirty South funk that will stomp a spiritual mudhole in the Devil's camp.
  
  Check out the hilarious skit titled, "What's the Password?" that serves as the perfect segue into "The Password: Jesus", which cites Jesus as the password. Continuing in the spirit of all that is good and crunk, Jones enlists the help of Holy South leader Mr. Del to provide the lyrical flow. This partnership proved to be lethal on Mr. Del's HolySouth Worldwide effort and continues to be a potent combination on this track. This one is another one that'll get several spins in the CD player.
  
  Jones even drops something for all of the steppers with "Love Song", a throwback to the 70's era of R&B that reminds us all that we can't have love without our Savior.
  
  Without question, The Password defies the sophomore jinx and proves to be an amazing piece of work for Jones. This project continues to highlight his multiple musical gifting while showing his true passion to see souls won to Christ. Indeed, Jesus is The Password and this effort is slated to burn up the airwaves.
  
  Producers: Canton Jones, Dean Beresford, Randy Hairston
  album release date: December 2004
  Arrow Records
  
  — reviewed by Gerard Bonner —
  

• Canton Jones: Love Jones [+ Show ]
  

  Album: Love Jones Artist: Canton Jones Distributed by: EMI Gospel In-Stores: August 16, 2005 T...Album: Love Jones
  Artist: Canton Jones
  Distributed by: EMI Gospel
  In-Stores: August 16, 2005
  
  TABA MUSIC MEDIA (Album Review): Canton Jones: Love Jones
  
  August 15, 2005. From conga riffs and acoustic flutes, strong tones of reggae, Latin, R&B, contemporary, and traditional gospel Canton Jones introduces to the music world one the most musically diverse projects in Holy Hip Hop.
  
  Canton Jones delivers a positive spiritual surprise with the project Love Jones. The message of praise, love, hope and inspiration in everyday life keeps the listener wanting to dive in one song after another eager for the next hot musical mix. Jones continues to prove the God given-ability of a talented singer, songwriter, producer and vocal arranger all in one package with his sophomore project, which is quite different from his freshman project, Canton Jones.
  
  One of the album star surprises is the foot stomping song “Fix-It”, which includes his father adlibbing on the phone, I said, “on the phone!” to the well known spiritual with a touch of R&B and Hip Hop flavor. This song clearly shows where he gets those strong vocal cords and spirited-filled lifestyle. The song absolutely leads you into having “church” towards the end with the classic way his father continues even after the mix stops. “Dance”, smoothly invites you into a nice soft praise song that shows Jones rich vocals and smooth R&B background vocals. “Dance” continues to take you on a peaceful vocal ride that allows you to lie back and enjoy the lyrics.
  
  The artist Redd and Esso lean their musical talents on the song “It’s Your Birthday” that helps you to enjoy some upbeat praise, along with Lil IROC on the track, “Goodtime”. Another great surprise is the fully musical stringed “#1 Fan” with Jones vocals pulling you in with every word showing his versatility.
  
  Love Jones is truly one of Holy Hip Hop’s refreshing surprises sure to take the listener/musical lover on a true adventure of a complete musical experience.
  
  Throughout his project Jones shows us a family man side just by naming the project after his baby daughter (‘Love Jones’). To sum it all up one can tell that Christ is the center of Canton Jones music and Canton Jones is sure to gain number one fans wherever he Ministers the Gospel.
  
  Jo Scaife
  TABA Music Media -- (J.Scaife, a writer for ten (10) years, formerly with CCM Magazine and Founder/Visionary for U (Urban) Magazine, Nashville (TN))

• Canton Jones Secures Distribution [+ Show ]
  

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Arrow Records and Holy Hip Hop Music form Strategic Alliance - To Distribut...FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  
  Arrow Records and Holy Hip Hop Music form Strategic Alliance - To Distribute, Minister of the Gospel: Canton Jones, WorldWide Via EMI Gospel
  
  March 28, 2005. Atlanta. Atlanta-based Holy Hip Hop Music and Atlanta-based Arrow Records announced today that they have entered into a multi-year Strategic Alliance. The terms of the Agreement provide generally that: Holy Hip Hop Music will distribute, as a part of its exclusive Agreement with EMI Gospel, Arrow Records Renowned Minister of the Gospel: Canton Jones.
  
  "We had not planned, at all, for any single album releases at this juncture, but after receiving recommendation from our partners at EMI, the decision to adjust course has been made - beginning with distribution of solo Minister of the Gospel: Canton Jones. This decision was also accelerated by the fact that Canton Jones is so visible and so heavily touring, on a weekly and daily basis, that it only makes sense. This is further accentuated by the statistic that highlights, out of over 10,000 active singers and groups with Electronic Press Kits (EPKs) on Sonicbids, Canton Jones is consistently ranked in the top tier for the past two (2) years (see chart below):
  
  Canton Jones has been, without question, a staple and respected leader within and throughout the Global Holy Hip Hop, Rhythm and Praise and Gospel community over the past five (5) years; and Canton continues to gain momentum in recognition and impact, everywhere he is blessed to Minister or grab a Mic. In Internet Stores or at live shows, Canton Jones CD's rarely remain in-stock and Canton always brings a crowd roaring to its feet, with his powerful live performances, memorable testimonies and music that inspires, enlightens and uplifts the heart, body and soul.
  
  Holy Hip Hop Music and EMI Gospel are excited and blessed to have Canton Jones, as a part of the family; and we look forward to Canton's August 16, 2005 debut album release to hit retail stores,” said Panchetta Harris, General Manager.
  
  For more information on Minister of the Gospel -Canton Jones-, Click Here. For more information on Arrow Records, log on to: Arrow-Records.com.
  
  EMI Gospel, a division of EMI CMG, is a global leader in the production, marketing and distribution of the best in Gospel music (including but not limited to: Kierra Sheard, Smokie Norful, Bishop Eddie Long, Bishop T.D. Jakes and more). For more information, log on to: EMIGospel.com.

Setlist

1. Living Clean
2. The Professional
3. My Walk
4. I Won't Stop
5. WCJ1:Cajo Radio
6. Hater Day
7. What You Want
8. Kingdom Business
9. 24s
10. Pimp Hard
11. Vacation
12. Kool
13. Nobody Cared
14. My Day
15. Ringtone

Basic Requirements

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