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".
Work Your Faith
J Moss Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My brothers and sisters
Bring your problems to the altar
And leave your burdens there
Though you're troubled, God is able, just work your faith
[Verse 2]
Friends and neighbors
Grab a hold of God's outstreached hand
He's a wonder, He never sleeps or slumbers, just work your faith
[Verse 3]
Mothers and fathers
Bring your sons and your daughters
He will leave no work undone...
Now tell the nation
Of the revelation
[Bridge 1]
That He will give you
More than what you're asking
Life everlasting
Just work your faith
[Verse 4]
As I see the tears run down your face
Don't you let your doubt conquer your faith
I can see you wonder if He's there
Don't you worry, you're His child and He cares
[Bridge 2]
And He will give you more
Than what you're asking
Life everlasting
More than what you're asking
Life everlasting
[Vamp]
More, more, more, more
More, more, more, more
More, more, more, more
More, more, more, more
[Ending]
He will give you more than what you're asking, life everlasting.
More than what you're asking, life everlasting
Just work your faith
The lyrics of J Moss's song "Work Your Faith" is about persevering through hardships by having faith in God. The opening lines call out to anyone who is facing problems and struggles in their life, urging them to bring their burdens to the altar and "work their faith" in order to be relieved of their troubles. The song speaks to people from all walks of life; friends and neighbors who falter, mothers and fathers with children, and even nations who need to be told of the revelation of God's greatness. The bridge highlights how faithful belief can lead to receiving "more than what you're asking" and life everlasting. The song tries to inspire listeners to put their faith into action, trust in God's power, and trust in the plan he has for their life. The final verse stresses that even in times of doubt, people should remember that they are God's children and he always cares for them.
Line by Line Meaning
My brothers and sisters
Everybody who's listening to my song, whether male or female, let me give you some advice
Bring your problems to the altar
Take all your issues, insecurities, and fears, and go to God's altar where you can lay them all down
And leave your burdens there
When you get to the altar, place all your worries and concerns down; don't pick them back up as you leave
Though you're troubled, God is able, just work your faith
I know you might feel overwhelmed, but trust that God can help you; you just have to work on believing without seeing
Friends and neighbors
I'm now talking to those of you who know me on a personal level, regardless of whether we're just acquaintances or close buddies
It doesn't matter how you falter
Regardless of how many times you stumble, make mistakes or go astray, God is always there to help you get back on track
Grab a hold of God's outstreached hand
Reach out and take hold of God's hand; let Him guide you and keep you safe
He's a wonder, He never sleeps or slumbers, just work your faith
God is amazing and constantly watching over you. Now all you have to do is believe and trust Him, even when it doesn't seem like He's there
Mothers and fathers
Listen up, parents!
Bring your sons and your daughters
Encourage your children to walk with God, to seek His help and trust in Him
He will leave no work undone
God will help you and He won't abandon the work that He's started in your life. Trust Him to complete what He's began
Now tell the nation
Share the good news with others!
Of the revelation
Share the Gospel (good news) with those who don't know Jesus Christ yet
That He will give you
Remember that God is a giver
More than what you're asking
He's able to do more than you could ever ask or imagine when it comes to answering prayers and providing for us
Life everlasting
The life that God gives us is eternal and leads to heaven, where we'll forever be in His glory
As I see the tears run down your face
I can tell you're going through something and crying
Don't you let your doubt conquer your faith
Don't let your doubt keep you from believing in God's ability to help you. Trust that He's able to answer your prayers and handle your situation
I can see you wonder if He's there
I can imagine that you're wondering if God is listening or watching over you
Don't you worry, you're His child and He cares
Don't worry; you're a beloved child of God and He loves you so deeply. He won't let you fall apart
And He will give you more
God is a giver and He's willing to give you what you need, and more
More than what you're asking
He can give you more than what you think you need
More, more, more, more
More--an abundance of blessings and grace--that's what God gives
He will give you more than what you're asking, life everlasting.
God's blessings will continue and extend beyond this life onto eternity where we'll be with Him in heaven
Just work your faith
The solution is simple; keep believing in God and continue trusting Him, no matter what
Contributed by Aaron A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
King Mary
This song NEVER gets old, EVER. I feel built up every time I play it.
evang D Blunt
During,this pandemic many of us have lost
ones and working our faith has been our
outlet for grief.
Tyrell Hemingway
How can anyone dislike this song yo? J Moss is one of the most spiritually gifted singers I've heard. He inspired me to sing with all my soul and dig deep to cry out to God and not be afraid to lift my voice. Always been encouraged to share my gift and I guess listening to this since last night non-stop even sleeping is God's confirmation. Work Your Faith..
54SHEIJUDAH's point of view
Don't Wait until Sunday to leave your problems at the altar.. Jesus is available 24/7 I love my brotha's voice ; )
Gabriel D. Matthews II
You mean Saturday
TerriMari Stewart
I love this song I really need my faith increased..I've listen to it 20 times within the past 2 hrs.can't help but to cry each time
Tierra Love
I love this song. My heart is so heavy this morning and all I can do is "Work my Faith"... God is in control of everything and I must continue to trust in him... I love you Jesus... Love always, your daughter Tierra 💜
kgilbert8729
Tierra Love I am the same way my spirit is broken but because I am working my faith I'm still in the race Lord I thank you
Teareney Durham
Yesss....I absolutely love this song. I'm thankful to get a chance to dance to this song with my sisters mom. God will get ALL the Glory. :)
Jacquelyn Johnson
I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have listened to this song and it's currently on repeat, probably for the rest of my work day. This very moving, soul stirring, perfectly sang and harmonized, musically arranged song gets me each and every time. My soul is purged by the time I'm finished listening to it. Thank you J Moss, one of THE best