T'Juan
Jacksonville, Florida, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
The first time I encountered a T’Juan creation was back in 2008, DJ Promote handed me a promo CD that included a single titled “Crank dat church boy”. Unsurprisingly the song was a mainstream knock off and it lacked in originality. However, unlike the mainstream market, CHH consumers strongly believe in grace and in musical redemption. “29:11” is definitely an album that completely re-introduces T’Juan as an artist and unquestionably erases his musical past. With that being said, let’s dig in!
1. I Don’t Know feat. Lisa McClendon*: Production was great, Lisa’s part was on point, lyrics were solid and as a matter of fact it changed the atmosphere as I listened to it.
2. Lost So Much Time: A personal testimony that includes some storytelling, an addition for those “Rap” lovers.
3. That’s Me*: I can see this song circulating throughout women’s ministries across the nation for many years to come. An anthem for all the Godly women, my favorite line was “ask her bout’ the word and she will bust it wide open...” nuff said.
4. My Struggle: Almost had a reggae feel, unique yet easy listening.
5. The Love Song*: This is one of those “feel good” songs; T’Juan did a phenomenal job on the singing parts. I might just play this song on my next date with my wife.
6. I Got U Homey: This song will catch comparisons… Lyrical content was good though.
7. Atmosphere: There was a screwed sample that played throughout the song, wasn’t the best fit for the instrumental.
8. I’mma Still Be Me: Victorious, anthemy and southern. However the flow might catch a few comparisons.
9. Got Favor: The beat on this song took me back to 2006 when Hip Hop experienced a wave of southern beat makers sampling similar sounds within their productions. However, this song ain’t bad at all.
10. Lean: This song meets radio listener standards throughout the south. A song specially made for all the Tall-Tee wearing fellas that rock shades in doors and sporadically lean their shoulders back.
11. Best Friend*: Very well done, production was top notch, a hit amongst singles in the body. I can see a few of my single friends dropping this track on those “P31” women as they ride to Bible study together (Just saying).
(*= strongest songs)
Catchy hooks and solid production, this album is light years ahead of “Crank dat Church boy”. I must humbly admit that a few of these songs actually traveled their way onto my personal play list. It’s almost hard to believe that this indeed is T’Juan’s debut album.
I rate this album at 4 stars.
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Solid 4 is about right...
written by Vandell, June 13, 2010
I think there are more standout songs on this album than the feature tracks "That's Me and Best Friend" The production on the album is great. Good debut from TJuan. Also for all those bass heads... this album bumps!
- Published by DJ Vow Saturday, 12 June 2010 12:55
The first time I encountered a T’Juan creation was back in 2008, DJ Promote handed me a promo CD that included a single titled “Crank dat church boy”. Unsurprisingly the song was a mainstream knock off and it lacked in originality. However, unlike the mainstream market, CHH consumers strongly believe in grace and in musical redemption. “29:11” is definitely an album that completely re-introduces T’Juan as an artist and unquestionably erases his musical past. With that being said, let’s dig in!
1. I Don’t Know feat. Lisa McClendon*: Production was great, Lisa’s part was on point, lyrics were solid and as a matter of fact it changed the atmosphere as I listened to it.
2. Lost So Much Time: A personal testimony that includes some storytelling, an addition for those “Rap” lovers.
3. That’s Me*: I can see this song circulating throughout women’s ministries across the nation for many years to come. An anthem for all the Godly women, my favorite line was “ask her bout’ the word and she will bust it wide open...” nuff said.
4. My Struggle: Almost had a reggae feel, unique yet easy listening.
5. The Love Song*: This is one of those “feel good” songs; T’Juan did a phenomenal job on the singing parts. I might just play this song on my next date with my wife.
6. I Got U Homey: This song will catch comparisons… Lyrical content was good though.
7. Atmosphere: There was a screwed sample that played throughout the song, wasn’t the best fit for the instrumental.
8. I’mma Still Be Me: Victorious, anthemy and southern. However the flow might catch a few comparisons.
9. Got Favor: The beat on this song took me back to 2006 when Hip Hop experienced a wave of southern beat makers sampling similar sounds within their productions. However, this song ain’t bad at all.
10. Lean: This song meets radio listener standards throughout the south. A song specially made for all the Tall-Tee wearing fellas that rock shades in doors and sporadically lean their shoulders back.
11. Best Friend*: Very well done, production was top notch, a hit amongst singles in the body. I can see a few of my single friends dropping this track on those “P31” women as they ride to Bible study together (Just saying).
(*= strongest songs)
Catchy hooks and solid production, this album is light years ahead of “Crank dat Church boy”. I must humbly admit that a few of these songs actually traveled their way onto my personal play list. It’s almost hard to believe that this indeed is T’Juan’s debut album.
I rate this album at 4 stars.
Set as favorite Bookmark Email this Hits: 387Comments (1)
Solid 4 is about right...
written by Vandell, June 13, 2010
I think there are more standout songs on this album than the feature tracks "That's Me and Best Friend" The production on the album is great. Good debut from TJuan. Also for all those bass heads... this album bumps!
- Published by DJ Vow Saturday, 12 June 2010 12:55
May 26, 2010, Hot Interviews
EXCLUSIVE: Hot 10 Talks with Rapper T'Juan
By Kia Buckner Lawton Sun, Nov 29, 2009
Transforming his career from the secular fast-track to Christian sensation, rapper T'juan is blazing his way through the entertainment world. T'juan has shared the stage with heavy hitters T-Pain, Rick Ross, and Marvin Sapp - to name a few - and launched performances at the Holy Hip Hop Awards and Stellar Awards among others. Now he's checking in with a Hot 10 exclusive as he prepares to release his first national single "Baadow"!
How would you describe your music? Timeless. Music that will be around forever because it is real, it feels good, and it is positive. The best way to define my music is "Kingdom." My music is much bigger than me!
How did you get your start in the music industry? Well, since I was a kid music was the only way I knew how to express myself. That anxiousness I had for expressing myself through music was the only and very thing that gave me hope. Music was my only source of inspiration. It became my passion, and I felt like music was the only voice I had. When all else failed, music was always there. This might sound crazy, but music always listened to me. So I started writing and pursuing it. I positioned myself to learn, and then I gave it to God. He started opening doors I only dreamed of walking through.
What has been the best part about your rise to fame? My feeling recognized for who I am and being accepted for who I am has been the biggest blessing by far. So many times we sell false images of who we are, and the people fall in love with the image and not the person. I consider myself to be so blessed to know that it is the real me, and the God in me, being recognized.
What has been the toughest part about your rise to fame? The toughest part is maintaining who I am, and not allowing the fame and recognition to change who I am. I always want my lifestyle to speak louder than my music.
How do you remain true to your faith in an industry known for naughtiness? I think it all goes back to knowing who I am again. I just keep it real with myself and others. I always remember He who gave me my new name, and He who blessed me to be in the position that I am in today. I always stay prayed up and I have a great support system and covering with and behind me everywhere I go. I keep Him with me and besides that, I fear God!!!
What would people be most surprised to know about you? Where I come from (Jacksonville, Florida). And on the fun side, y'all I'm scared to death of heights and I stay in a high rise over the city! (Lol) and I love cereal. I can eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I love Captain Crunch Berries, Lucky Charms, Fruit Loops with Marshmallows and Fruity Pebbles ALL mixed together! What you know about dat? (Lol)
Tell us about one of your most exciting experiences in the music industry thus far. Hmmmmmm.... Too many to count.... wow ok. I just finished my first official video to my first, soon to be released, national single "Baadow," and I had a budget y'all! (Lol). Every time I won an award I was excited, and, oh yeah, I can't forget my first promo tour! I went to the BET Hip Hop Award this year, and my most exciting experience thus far was becoming the newest member to the BET Rap It Up Tour! "Applause," thank you, thank you! (Lol)
What's next for you? I just finished my 2nd Real Positive Radio mix-tape hosted by none other than the man himself, DJ Bigga Rankin, entitled "Street Lights" set to release Thanksgiving weekend. You can download both RPR mix-tapes FREE at www.tjuan.com or call Dr. Estell at (904) 509-1627 (904) 509-1627 for FREE bulks, etc. My first project, entitled 29:11, is set to be released digitally in December 2009. Visit www.tjuan.com for more great news.
Where can our readers check out more of your music? www.tjuan.com or www.myspace.com/tjuan2009
Do you have any advice for other performers trying to get into the industry? Keep God first and stay humble. Your gift will make room for you.
- Hot 10 Magazine
Antuan "T'juan" Kimbrough picked up a ballot after performing at a Memphis concert.
That's when he learned that his song, Crank Dat Church Boy, was nominated for the Youth Gospel Entertainment Group's Best Song of the Year.
Before he knew it, the 22-year-old was being regarded as the next big thing in the hip-hop gospel industry.
"I've watched God take over and use me. He had a greater calling on my life," Kimbrough told me. " I have a message of hope, life, truth and inspiration - there is a better way."
With so many negative images within his generation, Kimbrough could have been a traditional hip-hop artist. Instead, he wanted to reach his equals on a higher level. His mother, Tywanna Estell, could not have agreed more.
She said while her son is a member of Generation Next, "he's the now. His generation needs him now."
Kimbrough is aware of his talents and the ability to reach his peers. " I play basketball with my friends. I like to eat Rice Krispies treats," he said. "... I want people to identify with me."
Performing two to three shows per week (for the last eight months), his stops have included Michigan, South Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and Arizona. Even Ghana (yes, Africa) is on the list. The Forrest High alumnus has also opened for secular hip-hop artists like T-Pain, Bow Wow and Plies.
As far as his music goes, "You can hear the life in it. It doesn't make people feel bad, it's something that they can relate to. I'm not badgering people," he said.
In his spare time, Kimbrough is a youth pastor at New Life POWER Ministries. Kimbrough will also be starring as "Deuce" on As For Me and My House, a sitcom slated for Houston's KNWS-TV this fall.
The awards ceremony will be Sept. 20 in Atlanta.
For information on Duval's own music sensation, call (904) 509-1627 (904) 509-1627 or visit www.tjuan.com
- The Florida Times Union
"Best Friend" – T’Juan
March 11th, 2010 | Author: admin
“Best Friend” T’Juan From the No Compromise Records CD 29:11 www.101distribution.com/artist/?id=8205&srh=s Holy hip hop artist T’Juan (“Crank Dat Church Boy”) received accolades and awards for his mix-tape, The Arrival , hosted by Bigga Rankin. He recently toured with the BET Wrap It Up team to generate a greater awareness of HIV/AIDS. The Jacksonville, Florida-born artist’s new project, 29:11 , released last month, includes the single “Best Friend.” On “Best Friend,” T’Juan gives a simple shout-out for a special someone to complete him. “Times get tough, need someone I could be with…show you to the pulpit…you fit that description.” It’s a love song enfolded in what T’Juan calls “urban kingdom” or “real life” music. It doesn’t get any more real than finding someone who has your back at all times.
Continued here:
"Best Friend" – T’Juan
- The Restoration Center Inc.
T'Juan
Touched By God
By: Jake Kelley (Posted By: Bear Frazer)
Last updated April 8th , 2010
"I wouldn't say that my influence is my region. For me, it's bigger than a region," says Jacksonville, Florida singing sensation T'Juan. While many of his secular peers, such as T-Pain or Plies, bring the Sunshine State's nuance into their music, this versatile Christian artist says it's so much bigger than that. "I think my music and my message are influenced more by society as a whole. The nations inspire my different sounds. I am a student of music. I take everything that I have heard and re-create a sound that will prayerfully be universal."
T'Juan's latest album, 29:11, is based on The Bible's Book of Jeremiah. "It was one of the first scriptures that I adopted and applied to my life. It was one that reminded me that my life still had significance, though my circumstances reminded me otherwise." The artist says he found hope in the scripture, and like Marvin Gaye, John Lennon or even Tupac Shakur, he hopes to let that feeling come across in his own music.
More specifically, you can hear that in songs from 29:11 including "My Struggle." Its writer explains the inspiration, "I felt as if I was lifting a heavy burden off of myself. It was a huge release for me. It was just a moment for me to reflect on where I came from. It was my own personal way of reminding me of how good God has been to me. Every time I hear that song, I go back to that emotion I had when I wrote it. It was just so real to me. The song heals and speaks to the heart." With fans of the album contacting T'Juan expressing similar sentiments, he adds, "I would like to build my career on writing songs that touch people where they are and move them to a better place."
That relationship between artist and audience is not only a rare one these days, it's one of T'Juan's drawing-points. His manager, Reginald Estelle, speaks about why the talented young singer/emcee/composer is a man for the masses. "He is so many young peoples' story. He is no cookie cutter/rubber-stamped hip-hop artist. He speaks, raps and sings from the soul of a young man that has seen life be ugly and cold, and now beautiful and embracing. T'Juan has a passion for creating music that not just entertains, but speaks to and for the heart of his generation."
Like a true optimist, T'Juan doesn't like to speak on that ugly. However, through acts such as joining BET's "Wrap It Up" tour to promote HIV prevention and frequent motivational speaking opportunities, the artist carries an authenticity to his past, just as much as he does to his present.
Another cut off of 29:11 is "I'mma Still Be Me." The frequent street expression has greater context to T'Juan's calling, especially with his spiritual reinforcements. "My long-term goal is to maintain longevity in all that I seek to accomplish. No matter what I go through, I want to stay grounded and humble, yet, over all, I just want to become the best me that I can become, while inspiring others to do the same. I look forward to being remembered as one of the many who made a difference in all that he did."
With this latest album supported by a Bigga Rankin-hosted mixtape, The Arrival, and a packed calendar of spot-dates, T'Juan is bringing his Holy-minded hip-hop out with the same infrastructure used by traditional rap stars. He's shared the stage with Rick Ross, T-Pain and Lil Wayne, but although they may be speaking to the same ears in the same mediums, the messages are distinctly different.
- 101 Distribution
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Duval Diamond Awards Winners
By Ms Rivercity • Dec 9th, 2009 • Category: Blogs 204 views
We’ll post our photos as soon as the gallery maintenance is complete. In the meantime, you can check out the pics by Exclusive Access. And the list of winners when we continue…
Positive Music Award – T Juan
Best Rap Artist – Male: Yo Gotti
Best Rap Artist – Female: Heather Marie
Best R&B Artist – Male: R&B Sanga
Best R&B Artist – Female: Tarvoria
Best Male Rap Group: Triple Cs
Best Female Rap Group: Pretty Money
Best R&B Group: Mullage
Best Reggae Artist: Tony Palmer
Rookie of the Year: Swazy Baby
ATL Rookie of the Year: Young Dose
Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Lil Ru
Duval Artist of the Year: Young Cash
Single of the Year:
Yo Gotti – 5 Star
Club Banga of the Year:
Bizzle – Naked Hustle
Duval Single of the Year:
T Rone – Cocaine Cowgirl
Producer of the Year: Justice League
Duval Producer of the Year:
Dread Beats
& Melle Mel (250 Plus Productions)
Indie Label of the Year: Big Spenda Ent
Duval Indie Label of the Year:
Loyalty Ent
& Hustle House
Duval DJ of the Year: Dr. Doom
Mixtape DJ of the Year: DJ Head Bussa
Radio DJ of the Year (Ft. Pierce): DJ DA
Radio DJ of the Year (Mississippi): Bigg V
Duval Radio DJ of the Year:
Eazy E, G Wiz, & T Roy
Breakthrough DJ of the Year: King EJ DJ
Club DJ of the Year: Supastar J Kwik
Teen DJ of the Year: TJ Da DJ
Rookie DJ of the Year: DJ Byrd
Reggae DJ of the Year: Justice Sound
Street Promoter of the Year:
Kingpin Productionz
Internet Promoter of the Year:
Bottom Feeders
Club Promoter of the Year:
Point Blank Entertainment
Teen Promoter of the Year: Pretty Ricky
Publicist of the Year (South): Elora Mason
Publicist of the Year (Midwest): So Sincere
Magazine of the Year:
Big L – Duval Streetz Magazine
Model(s) of the Year: Ms. Dynasty
Photographer of the Year:
Terrence Armand (Hood Mag)
Videographer of the Year: Break Platinum
Graphic Designer of the Year: D Cap
Behind The Scenes Award: Ivy Box
Big Business Award:
Island Tropics Restaurant
SPECIALTY AWARDS
Mr. Florida – Blood Raw
Mr. Houston – Tre
Next to Blow – Ball Greezy
The Baddest Bitch Award – Jade (CTE)
Man of the Year – Tony Neal
Big Boss Award – Wendy Day
Lifetime Achievement Award
– TJ Chapman
Underground Film of the Year
(Off Da Hook) – Kaspa & Macadocious Films
WRNR Producer of the Year – Lil Breezy
Manager of the Year – Derek Walker
Duval Legend – Derek Washington
Duval Hustler of the Year – Grand Prix
Hustler of the Year – Montana White
Video Director & Producer of the Year
– Jamie (Ground Break Pro)
The Team Bigga Rankin Award
Lex Promotions
Ultimate Hustler – Rap Star Promo
Internet Record Breaker of the Year
– MP3Waxx
MAN OF MY CITY
Alabama – 6Tre Gangsta
Mississippi – Boo Rossini
New Orleans – BG
Englewood, CA – 2Eleven
Tallahassee – M Beezy
Orlando – Papa Duck
Tampa – Tom G
Miami – E Class
Virginia – Red Rum
Ft. Meyers – Frank Lini
Detroit – DJ Henhouse
Valdosta – Big Nick
Memphis, TN – Fred Hydro
- Ozone Magazine
http://www.tjuan.com
Mixtape of the Year, 2009
Remember the Souljah Boy's song , Crank Dat? Well, T'Jaun came up with the Christian equivalent, and church craze, 'Crank Dat Church Boy'. With his boyish good looks and well-pulled together presentation T'Juan is posied to be gospel rap's biggest success. You would think the Jacksonville, FL nativie, who has shared the stage with Bow Wow, Da' Truth, and Mr. Del would be plenty cocky, but he is so humble. He shared with me how he just wants to reach young people with his music and make sure that God is pleased. Oh yeah, he did have Mixtape of the Year for gospel rap in 2009 - so I'm pretty sure his success if coming. - Kingdom Swag
T'JUAN
By: Richard Picart
Youth minister and musician T'Juan is blowing up in popularity. Experience in the streets of Jacksonville, FL has made T'Juan an effective minister of the Gospel, but most importantly a credible one. No stranger to the music industry, T'Juan has just released a single. Church Boy- a sanctified, Truth-filled song laced with slamming hip hop beats and a dance track. - Gospel City
“I Don’t Know”
T-Juan
From the No Compromise Records CD The Arrival 2008
www.nocompromiserecords.com
Opening with faux snippets of radio reports about the shooting of sixteen year-olds in Jacksonville, Florida, religious rapper T-Juan’s “I Don’t Know” is a head shaker about the tragic consequences of street violence.
The young victims, a boy and girl, are good kids “attracted to the bad dudes;” the young man had a “heart you could see through.” The only thing they were guilty of, T-Juan infers, is wanting desperately to be loved and accepted. In the process, they make two different but equally poor lifestyle choices that take them to their graves way too soon. T-Juan regrets they never had the chance to know Jesus, who loved and accepted them unconditionally.
By the line, “now his mama walking slow with her head down,” the track struck me as a modern version of James Cleveland’s gospelized version of “In the Ghetto.”
“I Don’t Know” is technically not a single at the moment, but for those who appreciate or are open to Holy Hip Hop, this track by the 21 year-old Jacksonville native T-Juan is an effective listen and reminder that parents should never have to bury their children. - The Black Gospel Blog
Discography
Crank Dat Church Boy....2008 Single Cd
The Arrival RPR1............2009
The Album 29:11............2010
Street Lights RPR2.........2010
Photos
Bio
Biography
Name: Antjuan Tavarris Kimbrough
AKA: T’juan
Born: Jacksonville, Florida
High School: Cornerstone High School
Founder of: Project 16
Status: Rapper (Inspirational Hip Hop,), Singer, Actor, Author, Producer, Host/Mc, Motivational Speaker, Model.
The Story:
At an early age, T’juan was mesmerized by the microphone.
As he grew up, so did his passion for music. His home was a place where music was constantly playing. This love continued into the halls of middle school where he was a member of a small male group that caused the girls to forget about the "real" artists on the video countdowns.
As he approached high school, he found himself in small cliques huddled at the lockers grooving to the latest tunes. This love resulted in him becoming a part of the school chorus which allowed him to get the proper training. It was there that he awed audiences with ballads and entered many local talent shows.
It was not long after he saw Lil Bow Wow in concert and everything changed. He said “I can do that!” He went from being a balladeer to a rapper. T'juan started to write lyrics and found himself in a new place with a totally new sound. Amazing….Soon, rap became his first love. It consumed his days and nights. Writing took precedence over everything. Before long, he was moving fast in the world of underground hip hop music. He became affiliated with a local record label and ghost wrote for many local artists.
Then in 2007, he had an encounter with God that changed his life forever. He walked away from his old music and a starring role in a secular movie deal to follow Christ. Many did not understand his posture, but he was convicted to be obedient to the voice of God. As result of his stand, he was offered an opportunity to become Vice President of Promotions for No Compromise Records, Inc.
Immediately, the CEO took notice of his work ethic, loyalty, passion for music and his heart in embracing and supporting the careers of others. Quickly, he became the right hand to the CEO, and T’juan’s efforts helped to quickly advance the company. Within two months of his new position, he was offered a sitcom deal to play Duece, in “As for Me and My House,” based out of Houston, Texas. T’juan relocated to Houston for two months to film the first episode, yet he worked the business long distance, checking in daily. Upon his return to Jacksonville, he was back on the grind working and traveling for the company.
In early December, 2007, while clowning around with one of his producers, Big Boi, he searched for a song that was touching the heart of young people. Surfing the internet he found the CRANK DAT movement and it clicked. Within an hour, Crank Dat Church Boy was on and popping. What was thought to be just fun was really God’s favor. It was not his plan, but H.I.S. (His Impacting Savior) plan. Just weeks later, he found himself at the 2008 Stellar Awards, and the rest is history.
Presently, T'juan is the newest cast member to Black Entertainment Television, Rap It UP Campaign. This group consists of a stellar cast including, Jessica Ready(Sunday Best), Creepa ( G's to Gents), Ray Cunningham (College Hill) Asiajoy(Baldwin Hills) and the cast from BET's 106 &Park.
T'juan is also the founder of PROJECT 16 - a 501C organization designed to empower young people to choose life vs.death and pursue education as a way of life. He is married to Paula Kimbrough.
Admires:
Trey Songz, Kirk Franklin, Nelly, Tamia, Fantasia
Shared the Stage:
DaTruth, Soul P, Pettidee, Lil Prophet, BB Jay, Johnathan Nelson, Alvin Slaughter, Shaun Slaughter, Mr. Del, V3, K-Drama, T-Pain, Rick Ross, Bow Wow, Plies, Yo Gotti, Lil Boosie, Pleasure P, Dewayne Woods, Lisa McClendon, FOXX, DJ Will, DJ Bigga Rankins, 21:03., Marvin Sapp, G.R.I.T.S., Leon Timbo, Antwan Stanley, and many others
Performances:
Holy Hip Hop Awards 2008 – Atlanta, Georgia
Rapture Conference 2008 – Memphis, TN
Stellar Awards 2008 Venues – Nashville, Tennessee
GMWA/Dove Awards 2008 Venues- Nashville, Tennessee
Plies Hypnotized Tour 2008
Bow Wow Tour 2008
“As For Me and my House” Debut- Houston, Texas
All Eyes on Me Awards Show 2008 – Houston, Texas
Floyd Mayweather Retirement Celebration- Grand Rapids, Michigan
Fraternal Order of Police Gospel Explosion – Columbia, South Carolina
Teen Rally 2008 – Waycross, Georgia
And many many others…
Links