National recording artist T’Juan knew he was on the path to reaching his dream when he began working with and opening for such well-known performers as Lil’ Wayne, Rick Ross and T-Pain.
However, T’Juan also picked up something important that he carried with him as he crossed the line from being a secular artist to one dedicated to inspiring listeners and bringing them into Christian salvation.
“Keep it all the way real. That’s what I learned,” said the Jacksonville, Fla., native, whose single, “Made,” is currently rising up the gospel charts. “In this season and in this time people are thirsty for what is real.”
T’Juan (legally named Antijuan Kimbrough) added that the entertainers he has been privileged to work with, particularly in the hip-hop community, are “true to themselves” and deliver their music in a style that captures the attention of the masses.
“Even on the gospel side that is what people are looking for,” said T’Juan, who has a friendly personality that is contagiously upbeat.
“They don’t want anything artificial or polished, they want to know what’s underneath all that,” he added. “They want to know your story. They want to know the dirt and how God has brought you out so that they can see that it’s authentic and you’re not just selling an image.”
With “Made,” T’Juan delivers a message consistent with his goal of offering encouragement in a way that is entertaining, but also humble and relatable.
Currently, the music video for “Made,” which T’Juan developed with popular gospel vocalist Isaac Caree, can be seen on YouTube and was nominated for a Stellar Award. It has generated positive responses from viewers making statements such as “this is an amazing, beautiful song” and a disc jockey who wrote “I play this song daily on my radio show, and I truly believe this is going to be hit.”
“Made” is the first single from T’Juan’s debut album “29:11,” which he describes as a “milestone” that reflects the different styles of music that he has embraced, from R&B and hip-hop to party flavored songs and ballads.
In fact, through T-Juan’s rise as an up and coming performer known throughout the South for his ability to excite and hype crowds, to his standing as a nationally known singer, rapper and motivational speaker, he and his musical team have had difficulty trying to classify exactly what musical category or genre he fits in.
“For so long we were trying to figure out where I fit in, so we just came up with something different, and now I describe my style as ‘Urban Kingdom,’ he said. “It’s centered around God and his kingdom, and that’s where I stand. I just want to bring back the essence of good, wholesome music, that is uplifting, positive and enlightening.”
Currently, T’Juan is touring the country with the inspirational R&B vocal group, Mindless Behavior, and frequently performs at churches and special events, especially those for youth. He is looking forward to bringing his message of “Live Good and Die Right” to Indianapolis soon.
“We got a special going on right now for anyone who wants to book us,” T’Juan said with his characteristic humor. “We are excited about spending time in different cities and bringing people closer to God. Being on the road and seeing the power behind music and how it can change the lives of people has been amazing.”
For more information about T’Juan, visit tjuan.com or send an email to tjuanbooking@gmail.com.
