CJ The Genesis

Christian Jones (age 23), better known as CJ The Genesis, is a hip hop artist from Maryland. Specializing in rapping, producing and singing, CJ is creating his own world, sonically. CJ began writing at 9 years old, but didn't start taking music seriously until he was 15. In 2008, CJ started taking producing more seriously and released his first solo effort, "World Domination" at 16 years old. Though the project was received well at the time, CJ wanted to push harder in order for his real vision to be seen. With most of his early musical influence being drawn from video games, he began to focus more on channelling continuity and emotion more effectively through his music, which was progressively shown in the 4 projects that he released in 2009. Using the internet to his advantage, he began to gain some traction through social media and online music forums. In 2010, CJ's production efforts were recognized on a more noticeable scale once Wale rapped over one of CJ's beats on Ustream and released it. As his fanbase gradually grew, CJ continued to perfect his rapping, producing and singing abilities to the point where he was able to release his first free album, "Impulse" (2011) that he fully produced. After the great reception that "Impulse" had, CJ stepped away from the microphone for some time to focus his efforts into honing his production skills. He began to work with other local artists as well as solidifying the collective he is a part of, "The Brotherhood" comprised of friends who are artists as well. During this time, the water became a little murky when CJ dropped out of college and moved to Atlanta for 6 months in 2012. CJ broke his silence in the beginning of 2013 by suprising his fans and releasing his 2nd free album, "Salvation" regardless of the uncertainty of peers and family alike. With a more 808-heavy, aggressive, yet honest sound, "Salvation" provided listeners with a contrast that showed another side of CJ. Surprisingly, "Salvation" was received well by fans even though the release was impromptu. After doing local shows in the spring while promoting "Salvation", CJ treated his fans to his most recent free album, "Aloha Mahalo" which was released on his birthday (August 16) in the summer. With the genre being labeled "TRAPICAL", CJ takes his listeners on a vacation through sound by blending elements of hip hop and Hawaiian music. Songs like "A-Ok!" and "Boardwalk" most accurately demonstrate this sound. On "Aloha Mahalo", CJ gives his audience an electronic experience while displaying panache with his songmaking abilities. CJ continues to push "Aloha Mahalo" into 2014 while doing shows and perfecting his craft. With the body of work and talent that CJ has, it's not hard to see the promise of great things to come.

www.cjthegenesis.com