J.R.

The familiar R&B voice behind many of CCM’s memorable hooks, is a versatile crooner and multi-talented producer with unmistakable style. His impressive list of collaborations includes “Cry No More” (Holy Culture/The Cross Movement), “N.F.L. (New Found Love)” (Moment of Truth/Da’ T.R.U.T.H.) and“My Clothes, My Hair” (The Thesis/The Ambassador) to name a few. He’s the point man behind So Hot Productions, the heavily sought after production company that contributes to the diversity of sound heard on many Urban & Hip Hop Gospel projects. His work has garnered GRAMMY®, Dove and Stellar Award recognition. Building on the foundation of his debut album, Metamorphosis, J.R. now presents the antithesis of an infamous heavy metal album of similar moniker, Death By Stereo, with Life By Stereo—signifying God’s use of music as a medium to communicate LIFE rather than DEATH. Life By Stereo centers on the human existence, its trials and the healing balm of the gospel message. Like the book of Psalms, J.R.’s pen scopes the lamentations, woes and triumphs of the whole person. Transcending generation and genre, the album ministers in a style all its own—fusing eclectic urban gospel, contemporary R&B, Rock and Pop styles in a way pioneered by tobyMac. J.R. has himself undergone a transformation and he sings about it with a soul-stirring grit and maturity that is revealed in the artistry of this album’s jam-packed array of percussive beats and explosive lyrical delivery. The Outkast-meets—Gwen Stefani single “Not a Slave” hones in on the perils of a past life ruled by sin contrasted with a present life ruled by the Holy Spirit.