Then there's 21:03. Unlike the scores of teenage heartthrobs before them, the group is cut from an entirely different mold. Total Attention, their head-turning second album, proves that their rise to the top rungs of faith-based R&B wasn't manufactured, but a direct result of their rock-solid foundation and exponential growth as artists, performers, and ministers.
When 21:03 first hit the urban gospel scene with its watershed debut, PAJAM Presents Twenty One O' Three, they were slowly finding their voice and place in an already cluttered marketplace. With Total Attention, the trio cements its identity, assuring the world they're not a flash in the pan. They're here to stay.
Things were rough at first. Handpicked by production supergroup PAJAM from hundreds of candidates during a casting call in their native Detroit , then-hopefuls Evin Martin, Torrence Greene, and Jor'el Quinn were three strangers chosen on the basis of their faith, as well as their singing and dancing abilities.
Sensing the young men had great potential, and acutely aware of the short shelf life of assembled, teen-based urban acts, the PAJAM team-Paul "pda" Allen, Walter Kearney, and J Moss-went to great lengths to groom 21:03 into something more substantive: a trio that could really leave a long-lasting imprint for the Kingdom.
To that end, the recruits were subjected to a six-month entertainment boot camp-a grueling period of artist development that harkened back to the glory years of Motown. After an intense season of vocal, physical, and spiritual formation, PAJAM finally cast the definitive vision for its protégés on January 21, 2003-the fateful day that inspired 21:03's moniker.
As Evin, Torrence, and Jor'el matured in their faith and as performers, it wasn't long until they realized that three passages taken from the beginning, middle, and end of the Bible-Genesis, Psalms, and Revelation 21:3, respectively-provided a deeper look into their mission. The near-prophetic verses reinforced in them that their purpose wasn't to just sing, dance, or entertain, but to actually minister and impart truth to anyone with ears to hear.
"We've grown spiritually," Evin says of the period between their first album and Total Attention. "We have a better sense of our ministry and our call. We know that there's a dying world that needs Jesus and they need to see him in music, in the media, in the church, and in us. We want to be those examples."
To get to that point, 21:03 faced its share of uphill battles, but none was bigger than the one Evin had to weather. Unexpectedly, the 21-year-old looked death straight in the eye when he confronted the back-to-back loss of both of his parents-his mother succumbed to multiple sclerosis right as the trio's debut released, and his father lost his bout with cancer in the months leading up to Total Attention.
"The loss of one parent can be crippling. But the loss of two is devastating," Evin says. The singer was not left alone: His unwavering faith in Christ and the unending spiritual and emotional support of his 21:03 and PAJAM brothers carried Evin through the storm, weeping with him and making sure he had a shoulder to lean on.
"That's something you have to be led by God to do," Jor'el, 19, says. "We had to support him because we're accountable for each other. We're brothers. We're family. It was almost second nature."
"People say your misery is your ministry," Jor'el continues. "That's something that's been proven in this group. When Evin opens up his mouth now, you feel a little bit he has been through something. You know it's nothing but the Lord-that God is with him."
Evin concurs: "I can say with all assurance and confidence that I know that I'm called. I know that I'm chosen. I'm now officially known as a living, breathing, walking testimony of the power of Christ. I can definitely say I have more fervency. I have more wherewithal to do what I'm doing."
"It's time to get our lives together," Jor'el says after quoting the Gospel appeal found in Mark 1:15. "It's time to stop playing. Let's get out of the mentality, ‘I'll get right tomorrow.' Tomorrow is never promised. We want to encourage the young and the young at heart that God is coming back. God is not playing with us. He wants our full heart."
"It's not boring to be a Christian," Torrence adds. "To be a Christian isn't wack. It's an exciting experience when you walk with Christ. We can get so easily distracted by things around us, but God wants your total attention. This is a time to stay focused."
Spiritual Bizness
21:03 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They wanna make moves but they're searchin for answers
Should I believe in something I can't see
Can I be free or will they laugh & joke at me
Don't be afraid to look
Don't be afraid to learn
Don't be afraid to change
Shake it off
This is how it's goin' down
Gotta make a joyfull sound
Gotta let the whole world know it's time for spiritual business
Shake it off
We can't do this from no seat
Gotta take it to the street
Bring about our Father's work in this spiritual business
We may be young but the age is no factor
It's just another excuse doing what we know really matters
Another voice is all we need in the body of Christ
So make a chioce take a stand & change your life
Don't be afraid to dance
Don't be afraid to cry
Don't be afraid to change
Just go 'bout what you're feeling - CHANGE
Shake it off
This is how it's goin' down
Gotta make a joyfull sound
Gotta let the whole world know it's time for spiritual business
Shake it off
We can't do this from no seat
Gotta take it to the street
Bring about our Father's work in this spiritual business
I know
It can seem like it's too much
But it's all in the name of love
So whatcha gonna do about it
Watcha gonna sing about
How you gonna act about it
Join in
Do whatever you feel you can
Because the world must understand
At the school, at the mall, at the gym
Tell everybody whatcha know about it
I pray you musn't be scared
You know I'm always prepared
I got my Sword & my Sheild
Me & my boys in the feild
This is spiritual business
And now I'm feelin I'm in it
No more talkin', no more sparkin', no more barkin'
Time to walk it out
Only the focused souls would know what I'm talkin' 'bout
I'm all about the mission man listen
We ain't standin' back
3 cast, 1 track, 1 God, that's that
Shake it off
This is how it's goin' down
Gotta make a joyfull sound
Gotta let the whole world know it's time for spiritual business
Shake it off
We can't do this from no seat
Gotta take it to the street
Bring about our Father's work in this spiritual business
"Spiritual Bizness" by 21:03 is a song that encourages individuals to pursue their faith and take action towards spreading God's love in the world. The opening lines recognize how easy it is to feel lost and alone in the world when trying to figure out one's purpose or beliefs. In the face of uncertainty, the song encourages listeners to not be afraid to explore and learn more about their faith. It is a reminder that doubting or questioning one's beliefs is a natural part of growth and spiritual journey.
The chorus of the song talks about the importance of action and taking the message out into the world. It is not enough to sit back and think about faith or believe in one's heart; instead, it calls listeners to take it to the streets, to the gym, to the mall, and tell everyone what they know about faith. The song reminds people that faith is not something that should be kept hidden but something to be shared with the world.
Overall, "Spiritual Bizness" by 21:03 is a call to action that encourages people to not be afraid to seek answers about spirituality and to then take those answers and follow through with action by sharing their faith with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people feel lost & alone in this big world
There are individuals who feel like they don't belong and have no connection to others in this vast world.
They wanna make moves but they're searchin for answers
These people have the desire to take action, but they are still seeking clarity and solutions.
Should I believe in something I can't see
One of the struggles these people face is deciding whether or not to have faith in something intangible and invisible.
Can I be free or will they laugh & joke at me
The fear of ridicule for expressing oneself authentically is a concern for these individuals when pursuing freedom.
Don't be afraid to look
It's important to face our fears and seek truth, even when it's uncomfortable.
Don't be afraid to learn
Learning is crucial in the journey of self-discovery and growth, so don't shy away from it.
Don't be afraid to change
Change can be difficult, but it's necessary to evolve and progress in life.
Just go 'bout what you're feeling - CHANGE
We should act on what we feel and commit to making a difference through change.
Shake it off
Let go of any negative thoughts and energy that are holding you back.
This is how it's goin' down
This is the moment where we take action and execute our plans.
Gotta make a joyfull sound
It's important to spread positivity and happiness in the world.
Gotta let the whole world know it's time for spiritual business
We need to share our message that it's time to focus on spiritual growth and progress.
We can't do this from no seat
We need to take action and get involved to make a difference, we can't just sit back and watch.
Gotta take it to the street
We need to engage with the world and our community to promote change.
Bring about our Father's work in this spiritual business
We should aim to bring about positive outcomes and do God's work in the world.
We may be young but the age is no factor
You are never too young to make a positive impact on the world.
It's just another excuse doing what we know really matters
Age is just another superficial factor, what really matters is making a positive difference in the world.
Another voice is all we need in the body of Christ
Every contribution counts and it takes everyone's voices to spread the message of Christ.
So make a chioce take a stand & change your life
Make the decision to commit to change and take action towards progress.
Don't be afraid to dance
Don't shy away from expressing joy and positivity through dance.
Don't be afraid to cry
It's okay to show emotion and let your feelings out through tears.
I know
I understand and relate to what you're feeling.
It can seem like it's too much
It may feel overwhelming at times, but don't give up.
But it's all in the name of love
All the struggles and effort we put in are motivated by our love for others and for God.
So whatcha gonna do about it
What are you going to do in response to your calling and your mission in life?
Watcha gonna sing about
What message are you going to spread through your voice and your music?
How you gonna act about it
How are you going to take action towards achieving your goals and promoting change?
Join in
Everyone is invited and encouraged to contribute to the movement towards progress.
Do whatever you feel you can
Everyone has a unique contribution to make, do what you feel passionate about and are capable of.
Because the world must understand
It's crucial that the world hears our message and understands our mission towards progress and spiritual growth.
At the school, at the mall, at the gym
We should spread our message everywhere we go and in every aspect of our daily lives.
Tell everybody whatcha know about it
Spread the word and share what you have learned and believe in with others.
I pray you musn't be scared
I hope and pray that you don't let fear hold you back from pursuing your calling and making a positive impact.
You know I'm always prepared
I am always ready and willing to support and help you achieve your goals and mission.
I got my Sword & my Sheild
I am equipped with the tools and strength necessary to face any challenges and obstacles that come my way.
Me & my boys in the feild
I have my team by my side and we are united in our mission towards progress.
No more talkin', no more sparkin', no more barkin'
It's time to take action and execute our plans, no more talking or making excuses.
Time to walk it out
It's time to actually take steps and put in the effort towards achieving our goals and pursuing progress.
Only the focused souls would know what I'm talkin' 'bout
It takes a strong and focused individual to understand and commit to our mission towards progress.
I'm all about the mission man listen
My priority and focus is on our mission towards progress, so listen and join in.
We ain't standin' back
We won't let fear or excuses hold us back from taking action towards progress.
3 cast, 1 track, 1 God, that's that
We are unified in our mission towards progress and guided by our faith in God.
Contributed by Evelyn K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.