Exec-turned-artist Jones launches gospel label

NASHVILLE - It's a long way from an executive office at high-profile label Island Def Jam to a pulpit in Georgia, but the artist known only as Jones has made the journey.

The Bronx, NY, native has built a church near Atlanta and is starting his own label, RITW Records. He has worked with Mary J. Blige, Heavy D and Montell Jordan, but he will step into the spotlight and make his bow as an artist with the January 10 release "Breathe Again" by Jones and the RITW Worshippers.

RITW stands for Restoration in the Word, Jones says of the Atlanta-based label.

"I wanted to do a label that would (provide) an opportunity for artists struggling to put their music out," he says. "It's not for me alone. I want to help other artists get their music heard."

Jones began his career as an intern under Sean "Diddy" Combs at Uptown Records. Known in the mainstream music world as Junior, Jones' career advanced quickly. He became Uptown's A&R director, then was promoted to VP of A&R (artists and repertoire) . He segued to Def Jam in 1995 in the same role.

A respected writer/producer, Jones worked with some of the top names in R&B and hip-hop and served as executive producer for the "Rush Hour" and "Nutty Professor" soundtracks.

'Something was missing'

Not long after joining the Def Jam team, he became a Christian.

"It was a time in my life where I was very successful in the music industry," he recalls. "I had a lot of money and a lot of everything, but I felt like I was still alone. There was a void in my life. Something was missing, and that was when I found the Lord."

He remained with the label until 1998, when he became one of the casualties during a regime change. He continued consulting and producing, but felt God calling him to make a change.

He and his wife, Caron, moved to Atlanta in 2001. A year later, they began a church in nearby Stone Mountain, Ga. Both serve as pastors at Restoration in the Word Ministries. When Jones is on the road with his music, his wife preaches the sermons, but he says he tries to make it back to his home church on Sundays.

He is cultivating a talented group among his flock. Though "Breathe Again" features guest performances from such established artists as Tonex, Debra Killings and Jordan, the project serves as a showcase for the RITW Worshippers.

Jones says he recruited the group from his church congregation, and most are only in their teens. The first two singles from the album, "Yes I Can" and "Pray," feature lead vocals by 18-year-old newcomer Ravee.

Jones says he hopes to infuse more hip-hop into the gospel community.

"Hip-hop is part of my life. I grew up on (it)," he says, admitting he did not want to abandon his favorite music style as he became part of the gospel community. "Hip-hop is just a part of me, so you're going to get that influence in everything I do."

- REUTERS