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 Gospel music's fastest rising business executive continues to make moves in the
industry – expanding his ministry across the country and around the world, quickly, quietly and with a passion only the uninitiated would fail to notice.
Still reeling from the global success of last year's re-release of the 2004 classic, The
Password, Canton Jones has positioned himself in the thick of the gospel music and entertainment industry – strengthening his influence in the mainstream marketplace
while also creating viable opportunities abroad. Dubbed "Access Granted," Canton's latest project shows him at his absolute best – leading a movement of Christian rap
artists with the passion, drive and lyrical skills to change the hip-hop game forever.
But he hasn't limited his exploits to just music. Jones is building up a corporate empire
– Cajo International – that promises to set a new standard among recording artists and rising executives alike. In fact, his strategic reads more like a "things to do" list in
Forbes, Black Enterprise magazine, or perhaps the Wall Street Journal. Either way, the industry is definitely taking notice.
Jones is defining a whole new music genre. By far one of the most versatile artists in
the music and entertainment industry – part singer, songwriter, producer, and vocal
arranger – this Deerfield Beach, Florida native has entertained over 350,000 people the past year alone, sold nearly 60,000
units "from the trunk," and boasts several songs in regular radio rotation. His unlimited range and repertoire, massive crowd
appeal, and fast-growing fan base have set him on a course destined to challenge the very fiber of today's entertainment industry. Yet CJ's background only partly explains this phenomenon.
The product of a music-inspired family, Canton was introduced to music very early. By age five he was already singing with a
local quartet founded by his father. At 16, he was producing his own tracks and those of other local artists. Canton later
relocated to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College and began singing with the school's world renowned glee club – touring the
world and performing for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Dr. Bobby Jones, and the late Ray Charles. This
experience established the foundation for a promising career and opened the door to a wide range of opportunities.
Inspired by the obvious call on his life, Canton recorded his first solo project in 2003. An independent release, 20 Yrs. 3 Mths
. & 12 Days chronicles his path to salvation and paved the way for grassroots success of the original release of The Password
in 2004. By the time CJ made his national debut with love jones in summer 2005, the Gospel music industry
knew exactly who he was, and the rest of the world was quickly learning. His talent is undeniable; his anointing unmistakable
. And he stands at the forefront of a music movement on the edge of breakthrough.
The only thing that might take you by surprise is his unwavering humility to God and the quiet confidence of someone who
knows the tide is turning his way. Beyond that, there is little difference between him and the industry's most popular rap
artists. He rocks Sean John, Rocawear and custom-made Air Force Ones, pushes a champagne colored 300 on 24s, and
can get a party crunk without breaking a sweat. But he does. And he has thousands of fans across the country to prove it.
Jones regularly performs alongside the industry's top names – from David Banner's "Heal the Hood" Concert, Vibe Music Fest
, and the Miami Spring Fest to Bobby Jones' Gospel Industry Retreat, MegaFest '05, and the Gospel Choice Awards –
holding his own onstage with Young Jeezy, T.I., Kirk Franklin, Ludacris, Shirley Ceasar, Kiki Sheard, and David Banner among others.
Canton's popularity lies in the fact that he is as commanding on stage as he is versatile, with an edginess to his music that
is incredibly driven, almost cunning, ghetto savvy and street-smart. This flair for the dramatic makes him a welcome change
from some of the industry's most popular rap artists. He uses the same hot music, similar methods, but a totally different message.
With the mind of a hustler and the drive of a businessman, Canton Jones talks the talk, and walks the walk – representing for
inner-city youth all over the world. Yet he often seems more serious about his ministry than his music. There are lives at
stake, and CJ knows it. He's gone from street hustler to street disciple, bumping corners and slangin' in the 'hood. Now his
life stands a testimony to God's amazing grace. He is living proof that "you can still love God and ride 22s."
On Access Granted
, Canton Jones delivers seven new tracks, five new songs and exclusive access to bonus video footage
on his web site. A non-traditional artist with incredible stage presence and genuine compassion for the nation's youth, CJ
keeps it crunk with bouncy chords, fluid party tracks, and heavy bass beats that lay testament to his southern Florida roots.
He keeps it real with situational lyrics backed by the word of God – and deciphered with a prophet's clarity and precision.
This uncanny combination is what separates him from those simply anointed with the Holy Spirit, from those truly called to change the world.
It also reveals a much more basic truth about Canton's music and his ministry: he lives his life with total expectancy and isn't
ashamed to admit it. On "Doin' It Big," he boasts of "throwing $30 grand in the crowd" and "making so much money it ain't
funny." Even more apparent though, is the boldness with which he plans to take the Gospel to the streets. He knows it will
take much more than a few prayers to reach non-believers who have all but given up on God. On "General," a track rife with
subversive beats, lots of bass, and an outright call-to-arms, CJ's lyrics are provocative, the track almost hypnotic, and the message is pure CJ.
"Warrior"
is an equally aggressive track certain to provoke spiritual warfare in even the most timid. Jones taunts listeners on
a track so hot, you almost want to question the genre. This is not your typical gospel song. On the album's title track,
Canton continues his pattern of aggression backed by popular rap artists, Mr. Del and Big Ran. By the time this collabo is done, "The Password" is clear to anyone listening.
"Stay Saved"
captures CJ's comedic side, with lyrics depicting real-life challenges many Christians face. On it, he
masterfully weaves clever lyrics over subtle beats – riding this mid-tempo track to the very end. Later, Canton takes it old
-school with "Love Song," a wildly-popular track that provides the perfect backdrop for some Chi-town 'stepping' or the more recent electric slide. "Wishaway"
offers a sneak-peek into the challenges of an industry not known for breeding friends. On it
, CJ openly talks of "wishing the haters away" in a blatant criticism of his foes. "Going Solo" shows more of Canton's vocal
range, as well as the production skills that have made him one of the hottest new producers in the game.
Canton Jones is a prophet sent to change the world. More than an artist, he represents a philosophy. A movement. A
generation of believers committed to spreading the gospel to the streets and doing whatever it takes to keep the spirit of hip
-hop alive. He understands that it is not just the music, but a way of life that offers peace and prosperity for anyone bold
enough to follow his lead. So he has accepted the daunting task of saving a million youth across the globe, and is determined
to bring the next phase of hip-hop to the forefront. All hail the king – warrior for the kingdom and heir to the hip-hop throne!
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