About J.Poww

Singer, Songwriter, Lyricist, Producer, CEO—all these titles fall under one man’s musical resume. For nearly three decades, J.Poww of the award-winning 90s R&B group U.N.V. (Universal Nubian Voices) has been diversifying himself across the music industry crossing over genres as well as the business side. During this timeframe, J.Poww has built a notable collection of music – including over a dozen albums under his own independent label consisting of R&B, Hip-Hop and most recently Urban Gospel. Over his career, J.Poww has sold over 2 million records worldwide.

Born and raised in the Capital City of Lansing, Mich., J. Poww spent his younger years not singing but rapping. It wasn’t until high school that he would truly explore his singing abilities. He was inspired by musical sensations like Fred Hammond, Commissioned, Gerald Levert, Teddy Pendergrass, Jay Z, NAS, and LL Cool J – all of which can be heard in the music he produces.

J.Poww and U.N.V signed with Madonna’s Maverick/Warner Bros label in 1993. As the primary writer, J. Poww wrote the group’s biggest hit, “Something’s Goin’ On,” which reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and remained there for nine weeks. The group recorded two albums under the label before dissolving.

In 1996, J.Poww cofounded his first independent label, TRE-J Records, which was nationally distributed by Indie Distribution.  His first independent release was for a rap duo J & The Phatman who made monumental strides as the first music artists from Michigan to appear on Yo! MTVRaps. Their first single, “Keep It Comin,” was produced by chart-topping producers Soul Shock and Karlyn.

J.Poww’s independent ventures continued and in 2001, he formed Powwer Moves Records, LLC.  The label debuted R&B duo, Poww Bros, which was made up of half the U.N.V. quartet - J.Poww and his brother, Shawn Martin.  Their first single “Faithful To” went to #5 on the Billboard singles chart.

In 2008, J.Poww released Timeless – a best of U.N.V. compilation album; and in 2009, he released his first solo project, J.Poww The Headliner. J.Poww has kept a musical presence since then by consecutively releasing an album every year thereafter. His independent collection includes over a dozen albums including: Journey of a Man, Split Personality, Where Is the Love and UNV Reunion album Kings of the Quiet Storm which are all available for purchase online at www.jpowwmusic.com and on all major online music stores.

In 2014, J.Poww made the decision to switch gears and use his God-given talents to advance the Kingdom with his first gospel album, Savior Made. He followed up quickly with a hip-hop gospel album, Advance the Kingdom.

J. Poww is preparing to release his latest gospel project, I Am Commissioned. The 12-track album is typical gospel album but is what he refers to as urban gospel with a strong R&B vibe. The first single “So Good” has received raving reviews and has promise to be an inspiration to the masses. “The message is in the music,” J.Poww says of his new project and he is looking to share that message is a broader audience. “This new album gives an alternative to those who may not listen to traditional gospel."