J. Black

At the end of 2009 I decided to hang up the mic professionally. After about 8 years of gigging and 5 years of recording, mixing, selling CDs, etc., I moved on. The time I spent doing this work was fun. I enjoyed it. People were touched. That's the best part of it. I'll probably always remember when a young lady I used to go to church with told me that her cousin listened to the first version of Absolutely Wonderful in one sitting, and subquently chose to believe God. Sometimes I think, "It's just music, entertainment, or something to ride to," But that testimony alone reminds me that this is more than that. That's why I'm leaving this site up for a while and continue to offer the music. Thanks to all the people who catch me at an open mic and give me props, and to the people who insist that I do another CD. I appreciate the love. I know I still got it. As a matter of fact, I'm rhyming better than ever, and the old CDs don't do me justice. Our Father has blessed me with a gift to bring Him glory and build up others. I will continue to use it, just not professionally. I'll use it when the kids at "the court" run up to me and ask. I'll use it when I'm doing missions in Ethiopia. I'll use it when I feel like going to an open mic show; or when cats ask me to collab on their projects. In short I'll do it at my leisure, and not on the clock. Zenk, Matt, Smoove, Lenny, Kingdom...thanks for keeping it moving. I'm not quitting because the work ain't needed, but because I need to work elsewhere. Hold it down for your allotted time. Remember that the life matters a whole lot more than the music. Eboni, thanks. I got nothin' to say that'll do you justice. You married a broke man with a big plan. Ain't you glad it's working out! To the only wise God, all the props. Without you nothing moves.