In this period James developed as a keyboardist and burgeoning songwriter. He was also learning first-hand the business of music. He attended Michigan State University for two years, but the desire to write and perform was too strong, and he left to seek a career in music.
Musical career
Upon his return to Detroit, Moss signed with a small local Christian label Aviday Records[1] and released two albums to little fanfare. Yet, during this time he became acquainted with Paul Allen and Walter Kearney. The three began working together as PAJAM. Moss spent the mid-90s touring with The Clark Sisters and was signed, along with Karen Clark-Sheard, his cousin, to Island Records in 1996 to record a solo album.[1] While a proper release never materialized for Moss before Island Black Music shut its doors,[2] Clark's became a smash and introduced the Gospel world to the production powerhouse of PAJAM.
Over the next seven years, the PAJAM team became Gospel music's most prolific hitmakers. However, Moss' desire to perform never went away, and in 2003 he and Allen began writing songs for what would ultimately become The J. Moss Project, released in September 2004 on GospoCentric Records.
Though PAJAM's work has been seen as a revolutionary blend of gospel and hip-hop style, The J. Moss Project is a surprisingly traditional affair. The set largely relies on familiar arrangements, and keeps its focus on Moss's clear tenor voice and strong backing choir vocals. The album made a grand entry with the upbeat lead single "I Wanna Be".
The disc includes a number of upbeat gospel numbers such as "Don't Pray and Worry" and "Psalm 150". J. Moss' lithe falsetto at times draws comparison to the likes of Prince and Tonéx on "Livin' 4". There are also several gentle ballads such as "Give You More" and the album's anthemic single "We Must Praise" that display J. Moss' range as a vocalist and songwriter.
V2... The J Moss Project
Finally, on April 3, 2007, J Moss released his second album V2... The J Moss Project through GospoCentric Records. Appearances made by contemporary Gospel group 21:03, Moss's cousin Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, Kirk Franklin, his cousin Karen Clark-Sheard, Marvin Winans of the famed Winans family, Byron Cage, and American comedian Steve Harvey. Three bonus tracks were originally thought to be regular album tracks. The bonus tracks are "Florida", "73 Degress", and "Everybody Ain't Got a Word". Of the album tracks on this release, an instant standout is the track "Dance", featuring Kirk Franklin, which riffs off of an infectious sample of Morris Day & The Time's early 1980s smash "777-9311".
Livin' 4
J Moss Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh no, I thought it'd never come
That day that I tell that I gotta run
Run, run back to my Savior
To my labor, cause His word is razor sharp
I forgot I had it in my heart
I gotta do a clean sweep from the start
I drop everything that ain't clean
A brother's gotta fufill his dreams
You feelin me?
[VERSE:]
You made my toes, bring my balance to the floor
You made my feet, walk right over to your door
You had my ankles, tangled, and puzzled
You had my knees to the point they'd buckle
The light of day hadn't stumbled over your way
Didn't wait for the night time, the high time, the right time
Bein as it was, we had to close the door
It's like turnin away from a million bucks
But I can't see you no more
[CHORUS:]
It's like the cold of a lonly night
The draft of a window not shut tight
I've got a hunger for bein right
That's what I'm livin for, I'm livin for
Inticed by the things you do
It's a one way ticket to devil's hell foolin wit you
My soul wants to be true
That's what I'm livin for, I'm livin for
[VERSE:]
You had my legs on the verge of Virtual restrainer
I could not move without permission from my trainer
You had my arms and hands Wrapped around your lust
You made my heart buzz
The light of day hadn't stumbled over your way
Didn't wait for the night time, the high time, the right time
Bein as it was, we had to close the door
It's like turnin away from a million bucks
But I can't see you no more
[CHORUS]
[BRIDGE:]
I'd give my life
Not under tempation, nor condemnation
For my slavation is more important to me
[CHORUS]
[repeat]
The song "Livin' 4" by J Moss is a powerful testimony of the struggle to overcome temptation and maintain faith in God. The singer describes a personal journey towards righteousness, recognizing the risks and challenges involved. In the opening lines, the singer expresses his relief that he has realized he needs to return to his faith and be accountable to God. He understands that God's word is powerful and can help him overcome whatever challenges he might face.
The song's verses describe how the singer was once lost in temptation, being led astray by someone who lured him away from God. He acknowledges how his devotion to this person was controlling him and leaving him unable to do anything without their permission. But, he realizes that following God's path is the only way he can be truly fulfilled and happy, and he is dedicated to following that path.
In the chorus, the singer describes the feeling of being tempted as a cold, lonely and hungry experience. He acknowledges that the person he was with was leading him towards the wrong path and that his soul desires to be true to God.
The bridge of the song mentions how he would give up anything for his salvation, as it is the most important thing to him. The refrain repeats the chorus, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and following the path of righteousness.
Overall, the song highlights the internal struggle that many people may face when it comes to faith and temptation. It provides an inspiring message about remaining dedicated to one's belief and remaining steadfast in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh no, I thought it'd never come
I never expected this moment to arrive
That day that I tell that I gotta run
The day I have to leave
Run, run back to my Savior
Go back to God
To my labor, cause His word is razor sharp
To live according to God's teachings
I forgot I had it in my heart
I forgot what God taught
I gotta do a clean sweep from the start
I have to start over and live right
I drop everything that ain't clean
I let go of anything that's wrong
Don't take it for being mean
Don't think it's rude
A brother's gotta fufill his dreams
I have to follow my purpose
You made my toes, bring my balance to the floor
You made me feel unstable
You made my feet, walk right over to your door
You led me to temptation
You had my ankles, tangled, and puzzled
You confused me
You had my knees to the point they'd buckle
You broke me down
The light of day hadn't stumbled over your way
You operated in darkness
Didn't wait for the night time, the high time, the right time
You didn't care about timing or consequences
Bein as it was, we had to close the door
We had to end things
It's like turnin away from a million bucks
It's like giving up something valuable
But I can't see you no more
But I have to move on
It's like the cold of a lonly night
It feels lonely
The draft of a window not shut tight
It feels unsettling
I've got a hunger for bein right
I crave righteousness
Inticed by the things you do
I was tempted by your actions
It's a one way ticket to devil's hell foolin wit you
It leads to destruction to associate with you
My soul wants to be true
I want to be true to my faith
I'd give my life
I'd die
Not under tempation, nor condemnation
Not for temptation or condemnation
For my slavation is more important to me
Because my salvation is my priority
Contributed by Callie K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ozimede Feyikemi Ayodeji
on Good & Bad
Not completed