Back in the `90s, J.E. Jones was one of Russell Simmons’ key Vice Presidents at Def Jam Records where he was A&R executive on projects featuring R&B superstars ranging from Mary J. Blige and Montell Jordan to rapper Heavy D. Now, E.J. has stepped from the wings to center stage with his first solo gospel CD, Fire, a blend of Hip Hop and R&B-flavored gospel beats on his own Ultimate Entertainment label.

Fire is an 11-song collection inspired by J.E.’s personal struggles but pointing to a message of hope for a lost generation. The project boasts songs such as “It’s Your Life,” “No More Fighting In Me” and the first radio single “Turnaround.” Not only is the project a reflection on J.E.’s life, but also an extension of his ministry. It’s important that we reach everyone we can,” he says. “I think you can touch so many more people outside of the pulpit through music. Music travels so far. It’s our job to move beyond the podium and try to reach not just the saved but the unsaved.”

J.E. Jones began his career as an intern at Uptown Records where he was mentored by Uptown founder Andre Harrell and Uptown colleague, Sean “Puffy” Combs. He swiftly moved from the basement to the boardroom as an A&R Vice President. He eventually became executive producer on the motion picture soundtracks Nutty Professor and Rush Hour. After attending a church service with his aunt, Jones became a Christian. “When I got saved I became serious about ministry,” says J.E. “I kept writing and producing and serving as a music industry consultant, but ministry became my focus.”

Following that direction, J.E. founded Ultimate Entertainment, a record label that combines his love of music with his passion for the Gospel. It is the goal of the label to reach an unchurched generation with the revelation of a true relationship with the Lord. The debut release from Ultimate Entertainment was the top-selling project Bishop Eddie Long & Friends The Kingdom Vol. 1. In addition to marking the label’s first success, the project gave J.E. the opportunity to use his skills as a songwriter/producer to work with some of the biggest names in gospel, including Juanita Bynum and her newest EP “Soul Cry (Oh, Oh, Oh). He has also worked with Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett, Dorinda Clark Cole and Kierra “Kiki” Sheard. “I believe the people we are called to reach are being introduced to God differently than the last generation,” J.E. says. “This generation doesn’t know anything about church politics. They just want to get to know Jesus.”

“Fire,” is set to be released July 20, 2010 on Ultimate Entertainment and Sony Red Records.

MEDIA CONTACT:
LaMar Ayers at (202) 787-1577 or lamar@laprgroup.com