Today we’d like to introduce you to Jairus “j.mo” Mozee
Hi Jairus “J.Mo”, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to the art from a young age. I was particularly drawn to my father’s uncles and aunt’s guitar-playing skills and fell in love with the instrument. When my mother relocated the family to her hometown in Long Beach, California, I was presented with a new opportunity to showcase my talents, and I seized it. At the age of 10, I started playing guitar at my grandmother’s church, performing alongside seasoned adult musicians every week.
I honed my skills throughout my teenage years, studying jazz guitar and bass. At just 15 years old, I began to record and perform with many local Los Angeles acts. Two years later, I caught the attention of Prince, Frank McComb and Tim Stewart who recognized my talent and invited me to share the stage. This journey playing under Prince’s guidance was an unforgettable experience that helped propel my career forward.
Since then, I have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Anderson Paak, Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and many more. I have also earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song as co-writer of “Best of Me” with Anthony Hamilton and won 2 Grammys for my work with Anderson Paak on “Ventura” 1 Grammy with Ledisi (Anything For You) and another with Jazmine Sullivan (Pricetags)
I also am an entrepreneur and children’s book author with a series called “Habeebee and Friends” (myhabeebee.com) and “The Adventures of Lil’ J” (Jairusmozee.com). I also have virtual Guitar Lessons available on my website. Most recently I started a soul/funk/rock band called “JMo and the Greats” featuring Neon Phoenix on bass and Taron Lockett on drums and I sing lead and play guitar. Our new single “Never Let You Go” is on every streaming platform . Despite my success , I remain grounded in my beliefs in God and that real music, saturated in passion and emotion, never dies
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Some obstacles I have faced were being told I couldn’t be a producer and I eventually proved everyone wrong about that . Same thing with a lot of things in life. I just stay focused on my visions that I have for myself because it seems most people will never believe until it happens . So I just make it happen. I’ve had a few down times financially transitioning from a guitarist to a producer/artist/songwriter but after a years of grinding on faith and help from my family I have been able to figure a few things out to sustain in this crazy industry
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
So I specialize in a lot of things in Music. I play 4 instruments (Guitar, Drums, Bass and Keys) , Production and I also write and perform my own original music. I studied Jazz and Classical Bass in High School along with Church/Gospel. I got my start in the professional world performing with Frank McComb and Prince. I was a senior in high school and I would jam with Prince and the band everyday after school (Long Beach Poly). Everyday a limo was sent to pick me up early from school to go to work in Burbank and rehearse for his infamous 3121 house parties. This was a Pretty crazy and surreal time that I am very grateful of having . I learned a lot about playing guitar in that time and how to perform. From there I went on to tour with Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia, Lil Wayne , Bj the Chicago kid and many others. As I was touring as a guitarist I always was producing. I’ve been making beats and songs since I was 11 years old on a four track tape machine. So naturally I would play my beats for artists I worked with and that’s how I got in the door of the industry as a producer. Bj the Chicago kid was the first major artist to really believe in my music. We created the majority of his first release “Pineapple now laters” in a room I was renting in LA. Bj went on to tour with Anthony Hamilton after I had toured with Anthony and Anthony heard my production and invited me to come produce some songs for his album “Back to Love”. We recorded at least 15 songs in a week but only one song was chosen: Best of Me. Best of me went on to be nominated for a Grammy award and be a staple in the black community being played at weddings, barbecues etc. I went on to produce and write Grammy winning/nominated songs with Anderson Paak, Ledisi, Jazmine Sullivan, Andre 3000 and others. Lately I’ve been creating with my band “JMo and The Greats” and working with my homies very talented people like Charlie Bereal, Anderson Paak, Cory Henry, El Casino, Josef Leimberg, Nae Nae, Sanaa, Anthony Cruz, Bj The Chicago kid and many others. I’ve been Scoring movies and commercials and many other very fun things . I am also known for being one of the first “Viral” guitarist on YouTube back in 06-07 . With all that being said I would say that what sets me apart is my experience at life and the hands on situations and unique people I have learned from
What makes you happy?
Being alive makes me happy. The fact that I’m still alive and breathing and my daughter makes me really happy she’s awesome. Also helping others and completing projects and tasks makes me feel great.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://JairusMozee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmothegreat?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
All photos by @j3collection Justin Jerrod
