J. Crum was born in Detroit, MI and raised in Omaha, NE. As a kid, he really just wanted to know who he was. What he was created to be. His father left him when he was young so he was looking for a place to belong. “As a young kid up to my teens I really didn't know where I belonged. I tried to fit in with whatever was popular. I had literally no idea who I was.” says Crum.
When he was 13, a few of his friends started free-styling at the lunch table. “They would begin to beat on the table and people would jump in and start rhyming. Wanting to fit in, I jumped in. That's when I found out I had a gift.” He started to attach himself to the hip-hop culture. It motivated everything that he did. From the clothes he wore, to his thought-process. 'Get more. I don't have enough'. By his freshman year in high school after achieving popularity he still felt empty, like there was something more out there. He tried to find fulfillment in the world, but came up short every time.
At the age of 15, J. Crum developed an infection on his brain. It put him in a 3 day coma. After awakening out the coma, Crum had a powerful encounter with God. He realized that he was on this Earth for a reason. He was on this earth to serve the One that made him, to serve the One that saved him. Jesus Christ. He then realized that achieving his own fame was no longer important. Making the one who sent him famous, however, became vital in his life.
Crum met Mark McGaffin, Pastor of G2:20 and founder of the worship band WatersEdge, in 2007. Mark had a vision of reaching teens of all colors, backgrounds, and creeds for the the LORD. “His all or nothing mentality is revealed in his music and his lifestyle. J. Crum is more than just an artist, but a way of life as he strives to tell others about Christ.” says Mark. Crum and WatersEdge joined forces in the summer of 2008. Combining hip-hop, rock, and indie styles to reach the young generation on all cylinders. He released, The Portrait, with WatersEdge in February of 2010.
J. Crum's singles, Skitzo, How I'm Living, and Refuge from his new solo record “Kingdom Minded” (released 2010) have gained him a quite the following, sky rocketing him to the number 1 Christian artist in the state of Nebraska on Reverbnation. With WatersEdge right behind him at number 2.
J. Crum is still in Omaha serving in the local body, along with pursuing steadfastly after music ministry. Through his music, he hopes to help these lost revolutionaries find their identity in the One who made them.
Chaos
J. Crum Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Please forgive me for prioritizing my endeavors
Ain’t no feeding of my energy if you ain’t brethren
Gon have study all my bullet points like loaded weapons
This smith and Wesson plenty blessed to stand the test of time
Every minute Getting Better just Like bottled wine
The bottom line they want us all lobotomized
Controlled and compromised I knowing where the promise lies I gotta rise
Dreams were lucid now completely Disillusioned
Boosting from my movement get you introduced to goons leave you bruised don’t be a nuisance
I know God working on em his work with me aint finished
Got too much up on my plate like them thanksgiving dinners
Surpassing all my limits scale is unbalanced
Lord help me find the root like I’m Jimmy Fallon
Been carving out some space
Think I lost my way
I just need my balance
I need to slow the pace
Can’t find the words to say
Where’s the confidence I lost
Been carving out some space
Think I lost my way
I just need my balance
In the midst of this chaos
This chaos
Lately I ain’t let my foot up off the pedal
Wonder why these trash can rappers wanna test my mettle
All y’all telling little heat you singing like a kettle
Y’all stealing style hitting licks until your debt is settled me I’m free got no gepetto
They either want you set aside or settled in stay quiet sitting silent on them sedatives
Still I’m sounding off them sirens in my settlement
Don’t lose your focus giving hope out in the boldest sense
I’m hearing gods voice cutting through all the chaos
Told me to keep the cadence one day it’s all gonna pay off
Don’t let em shake you off your square i place you here to take charge
And the word you been given to speak is needed to Take the Chains off
Devils send distractions cuz he fear your purpose
Get you caught up in the earth adopting all it curses
Got You veering every straight line like you wrote in cursive
Don’t ever forget what god had said your worth is
Been carving out some space
Think I lost my way
I just need my balance
I need to slow the pace
Can’t find the words to say
Where’s the confidence I lost
Been carving out some space
Think I lost my way
I just need my balance
In the midst of this chaos
This chaos
In J. Crum's song, Chaos, the artist opens up about his struggles with the ever-increasing chaos in his life. He starts by expressing his sense of urgency to make things happen and accomplish his goals. He acknowledges that he has to prioritize his endeavors and surround himself with people who support and uplift him. J. Crum notes that he doesn't waste his energy on people who are not brethren. He feels like he has to protect himself from people who may harm him, as the world can be a dangerous place.
J. Crum then goes on to talk about how he has experienced disillusionment and confusion when it comes to his dreams. He doesn't trust institutions and puts his faith in God to guide him. Despite the chaos around him, J. Crum is determined to rise above hate, confusion, and limitations. In the midst of all the noise and chaos, J. Crum hears God's voice cutting through and directing him to keep the cadence, and his purpose will become clear.
The overall message of the song is to find balance in a chaotic world, trust in oneself, and God's plan for our lives. It's a reminder that we can all lose our way, but with perseverance, we can find our footing again.
Line by Line Meaning
Lately I been feeling like it’s now or never
Recently, I have been experiencing a sense of urgency to take action.
Please forgive me for prioritizing my endeavors
I apologize for placing my goals above other matters.
Ain’t no feeding of my energy if you ain’t brethren
I cannot invest my attention and effort unless we share a strong bond.
Gon have study all my bullet points like loaded weapons
You must thoroughly comprehend my ideas and objectives like arming yourself.
This smith and Wesson plenty blessed to stand the test of time
This weapon has received many blessings and can withstand the challenges of the ages.
Every minute Getting Better just Like bottled wine
With every moment, I am improving like how wine matures in the bottle.
The bottom line they want us all lobotomized
The ultimate goal is to make us all mindless and obedient.
Controlled and compromised I knowing where the promise lies I gotta rise
Despite being influenced and threatened, I understand where the potential lies and must strive for success.
Above the hate and the confusion never been the type to put no stock in institutions
I will rise above negativity and chaos, never placing my trust in traditional institutions.
Dreams were lucid now completely Disillusioned
My previous hopeful imagination is now entirely shattered and pessimistic.
Boosting from my movement get you introduced to goons leave you bruised don’t be a nuisance
My actions are empowering and will introduce you to dangerous people, so do not cause trouble.
I know God working on em his work with me aint finished
God is influencing others, but they have not reached their potential and neither have I.
Got too much up on my plate like them thanksgiving dinners
I have taken on more commitments than I can handle, much like a Thanksgiving feast.
Surpassing all my limits scale is unbalanced
Pushing beyond my boundaries is causing an unstable situation.
Lord help me find the root like I’m Jimmy Fallon
Assist me in discovering the source of my problems.
Can’t find the words to say Where’s the confidence I lost
I struggle to articulate my thoughts and my faith in myself has diminished.
Lately I ain’t let my foot up off the pedal
Recently, I have been relentless in pursuing my goals.
Wonder why these trash can rappers wanna test my mettle
I question why unskilled musicians want to challenge my talent.
All y’all telling little heat you singing like a kettle
You all are just repeating the same unoriginal music, like a boiling pot.
Y’all stealing style hitting licks until your debt is settled me I’m free got no gepetto
You copy other artists until you make enough money, but I am original and do not have a controlling influence.
They either want you set aside or settled in stay quiet sitting silent on them sedatives
They want you either ignored or complacent and unable to resist, passive as if under medication.
Still I’m sounding off them sirens in my settlement Don’t lose your focus giving hope out in the boldest sense
I am exposing wrongdoing even in my own community, but remain focused on inspiring others in the most daring way.
I’m hearing gods voice cutting through all the chaos
I am discerning the voice of God even in the midst of confusion.
Told me to keep the cadence one day it’s all gonna pay off
God advises me to keep my pace steady, and success will come in due time.
Don’t let em shake you off your square i place you here to take charge
Do not let others deter you from your purpose, for it is my plan for you to lead.
And the word you been given to speak is needed to Take the Chains off
Your message is essential in liberating people from their struggles.
Devils send distractions cuz he fear your purpose
The devil sends distractions to impede your mission.
Got You veering every straight line like you wrote in cursive
The distractions are causing you to deviate from your path, like writing in cursive instead of print.
Don’t ever forget what god had said your worth is
Always remember that God has established your value and purpose.
In the midst of this chaos This chaos
Despite the unsettling situation, I must persist and be victorious.
Been carving out some space Think I lost my way I just need my balance
I have been trying to find my place but feel lost, in need of stability.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Joshua Crum
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joey Muggz
Looking forward to this drop
J. Crum
Joey Muggz appreciate you g
Christine Anis
I don't know how I got here but it feel like home. Thank you for blessing my ears.
J. Crum
Christine Anis much love to you
Pier Francesco Costa
I don't know if this was part of the intended message, but I think the most part of the negativity and the scary demons we see is, indeed, just in our head: acknowledging it can be a good start, but we need to learn how to get rid of them, by seeking positivity and faith. That's the best way to find the truth and what most of all desire from the bottom of their hearts: peace and love.
Well, Phew has taught me how to defend myself from the "heat wave"; you have taught me how to find balance; I wonder what should come next... 😅
Thank you, and congratulations for being featured on Rapzilla's Freshman List. Cheers from Italy! 🙏😊🇮🇹
J. Crum
Pier Francesco Costa thank you for your insight and thank you for watching!! Appreciate you.
Cameron Leake
How aren't you gettin millions of views g
J. Crum
Just a matter of time
Seaa
This is Amazingg!!
YOUNG TIDY
Flame!!!