Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
One of the rarest talents to come from R & B in the last 20 years, J,C, is set to blow in the near future. With a versatile style, smooth delivery, and humble attitude he is poised to be the next to break out of Nashville. We sat down with J.C. to see what the streets are buzzing about.
How did you get into music?
I began singing in the church choir. My parents say I began singing at age 3, but I started singing professionally at age 9.
Who are some of the artists that influenced you and your music?
Brain McKnight, Sam Cook, Marvin Gaye, & Fred Hammond are some of my favorites.
The majority of your influences are old school any particular reason why?
They are more soulful, the music they make you are able to feel,
Do you believe the artist now are lacking in those departments?
Definitely, artist like India Arie and Alicia Keys are perfect examples of soulful singers with feeling.
What's the name of the upcoming project you am working on?
All Of Me, it's scheduled to be released on November 4, 2005. The weekend of TSU's homecoming. I also have a untitled LP coming spring/summer of 2006 that will be released nation wide.
Any collaboration on the album?
"Ridin"' feat. PlayfBoy is the track we pushing off the project right now. I also have a Gangsta Grillzmixtape dropping with DJ Drama, and it will be featuring the likes of AllStar, Young Rell, Paper, Fate Eastwood, etc.
With the talent you have, do you believe you are a cut above the rest?
To be honest, yes I do. I am blessed with a team of producers and management that back me up 110%. At the same time I am in the same boat as others (locally) but I am trying to set my self apart from the crowd. I am very humble, I have 7 deals on the table, but that doesn't make me better than the next person.
As you know I have a online radio station (SEA N o m i n a t e d
W.U.N.T. Radio) would you like to slide us some slow jams for the ladies?
Of course, I'll have my manager get in contact with you, and be on the look out for the upcoming projects. I will also be having an album release paw. I will be performing live so keep your ears open for that.
You have a way that people can contact you and or keep up with what's going on with J.C.
You can visit me online at: www.jcsmoothmusic.com
Interview By Tony 'Black" Soprano
For W.U.N.T. Radio
- Escape
Discography
"All of Me" - JC - 2005
"Lotto" feat Yung Joc - "Welcome To My Block 2" - Block Entertainment & DJ Smallz "Dirty RNB 15"
"Ride feat. Playboy" - DJ Sense Rhythm & Streets 8 - Gangsta Grillz Mixtape
"Starlitto's Way" - Allstar - Cash Money Record
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
The voice of Justin “JC” Crowder offers music lovers all over the world a distinctive, soulful R&B sound. The 21-year-old, Nashville, Tennessee native captivates audiences not only during live performances; but also, with his debut independent album, “All of Me”. JC, nicknamed Lotto by Yung Joc, is the newest member of the elite Block Entertainment/Bad Boy South family.
JC’s introduction to singing came as a member of the Nashville Youth Chorus, where the then 9 year old performed and learned the basic elements of his art. From these humble beginnings, JC moved on to experience the thrill of a roaring audience at the “Showtime at the Apollo” as a member of the a’cappella quintet Nu Image. While JC's passion for music grew, he also desired a college education. Putting his shoulder to the grindstone, he took three short years to attend Tennessee State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with Magna Cum Laude honors, followed by a Master’s degree, which he obtained in only 1 year and did so with a 4.0 GPA. Simultaneously, JC was recording demos, performing, writing, and participating in talent shows.
It was the union between JC and writer/producer Tre Stylz that developed JC “the artist” rather than JC “the singer.” Stylz, who is also JC’s best friend and business partner, is responsible for helping launch JC’s professional career and enhance his sound. He also shared with him the importance of songwriting. Together they’ve started a production company called Versastyle Entertainment. The two met in a local studio after Stylz noticed that JC’s manager at the time was getting over on him. Stylz decided to help JC, and the two have been working together since. As JC was finishing his undergraduate studies, he was introduced to writer/producer Ahmande “Mondo” Grimes through a mutual contact at Big Picture/Zomba Music Publishing. Mondo instantly recognized JC's talent, not only as an astounding singer, but also as a gifted songwriter. Mondo is responsible for serving as a beacon in JC’s artist development phase. The two immediately began collaborating on songs, with mid-tempos and ballads flowing quickly from their creative inspiration. The nine best selections encompassed JC’s demo CD.
This nine song demo led to the signing of JC with Free 4 All/ So So Def Records in the fall of 2003, which launched his professional solo career. However, it was later to JC’s best interest to leave the label and search for a new label home. While continuing to work with producer Mondo, he reunited with writer and producer, Tre’ Stylz, who had been in Los Angeles, CA seeking opportunities for their company (Versastyle Productions). Through this union, JC refined his talents as a musician, multi-genre music writer, and a breathtaking performer.
Though it was a long journey filled with the aches and pains associated with the music business, JC has finally begun to reach his goals in the music industry by becoming the newest addition to the Block Entertainment/Bad Boy South family. JC’s new success is credited to Ephren Taylor and Trevor Grimes of Amoro Entertainment who introduced JC to Russell “Block” Spencer (President of Bad Boy South/CEO of Block Entertainment) after JC performed in a talent showcase held by Amoro Entertainment in Louisville, KY.
Throughout his career, JC has opened for major artists including 112, Eve, Amerie, Ginuwine, Sole, Twista, Kem, Javier, Take 6, Lyfe Jennings, Ce Ce Winans, and Yolanda Adams, and a marquee spot opening for L.L. Cool J in Atlanta during the 2003 NBA All-Star Game weekend. He has also been the feature artist at numerous venues across the country, as well as the feature artist on songs with both independent and major artists. In 2005, he was an SEA (Southern Entertainment Awards) Artist of the Year nominee and was nominated once again in 2006 for both R&B Album and Artist of the Year.
Because of his uniquely textured voice, JC has been requested to sing the National Anthem for several sporting events including Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic games and also currently performs the theme song for Nashville’s WQQK-FM 92.1 Sunday morning gospel show, Gospel Inspirations with Connie Denell. He recently did the theme song for the DJ Smallz Dirty R&B mix-tape, which was sponsored by BET and the Scream Tour. Simultaneously, JC has recorded with artists such as Yung Joc and Boys N Da Hood to name a few and has also been featured on several mix-tapes including: DJ Smallz “Dirty R&B, Volume 15,” DJ Sense “Trendsetter (Gangsta Grillz),” Block “Welcome to My Block 2,” and he also hosted one of DJ Smallz “Dirty R&B” series (coming soon).
JC prides himself with clean lyrics and a unique, refreshing sound. Life is simple for him: “Live life like you just won the lotto.” According to Escape Magazine, JC is “one of the rarest talents to come from R&B in the last 20 years.” All The Rage newspaper stated that JC “exceeds expectations both on and off stage
Links
