George Moss

George Moss Biography
It has been said that every “overnight success” takes 10 years of hard work. If that is true, then the dawn is near for George Moss.
The West Michigan based rapper/actor has come a long way from the early days of writing and performing songs for his church youth group in 1997. “I never set out to be a rapper. A few guys started a rap group at my church and coaxed me into it. At 14, I dreaded going to church; but since I was forced to go, I figured rapping would make it more tolerable.”
It wasn’t long before George began performing at school assemblies, talent shows, and other area events around his hometown of Grand Rapids. Writing songs and performing soon took priority over homework and even his spot on the high school football team. “It was more than music that drove me. It was the impact that God made in peoples lives through my music that became my passion.”
After others in his church group lost interest in music, George aimed to turn his passion into his profession. “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, so I wanted to know everything about the business side of music. I read every book and article that I could find on the music industry, and I was determined to make a career out of it.”
In 2001, George joined together with another area rapper Michael Fugitt to form the group UN1ON. “I had experience performing, but this was my first real introduction to the road. We grew from doing local shows here and there, to doing over 100 shows a year across the United States. Some nights it would be 2,000+ people, and others it would be 20. From 5 star hotels, to sleeping on the floor, we experienced it all.”
That experience extended far beyond driving from city to city to play shows 3 to 6 nights per week. As an independent artist, with no record label or financial backing, UN1ON was their own manager, booking agent, web designer, radio promoter, record distributor, accountant, attorney, and every other title that is associated with an artists career. With ambitious 90+ hr workweeks in addition to the busy touring schedule, George realized the toll it was taking on his relationships at home. “I was so focused on my next career goal that I was missing out on the things that matter the most…”
In 2005, George took a step back from the road to place more of his focus on his relationships with friends and family. But his time away from the road couldn’t separate him from his passion. Picking up a job as a DJ at Christian radio-station WaY-fm, he kept his foot in the music industry, while at the same time he began to explore his interest in film.
George landed his first film roll co-staring in the Christian Romantic Comedy 'God Help Me,' followed up by another co-staring appearance in the Action/Adventure film 'Squad 77.' “I think acting is just plain fun. It gives me the freedom and challenge to become somebody else.” “Acting forces you to look at things from a different perspective and learn how someone else thinks and feels. When you do that, you begin to understand how to relate and communicate with the characters in your real life.”
The now 25 year old has accumulated the experience to craft songs that capture his unique style and personality, yet are relevant and applicable to anyone. “I write songs to give hope for those in despair, and inspiration to live the way God designed us to, with passion.” This winter, George will release his first solo CD.
With high-speed lyrical agility and infectious hooks, the first single WHOA is becoming popular at radio and nightclubs throughout West Michigan. The up-and-coming producer Blake “Shy” Carter also features on the track. “I have never flowed so fast in my life,” says George,” but he (Shy) took me out of my comfort zone and stretched me to do things I had never done before, and that’s what makes it so exciting.”
The heavy bass, danceable groove, and catchy chorus makes the song is a perfect soundtrack for radio and dance floors, but the message behind all of hyped up energy remains intact. “I know this song will reach beyond the church walls I was raised in, beyond race, even beyond hip-hop; but I didn’t water down the message one bit.” WHOA! speaks about on the lessons of losing sight of the important things in life, and the awe that God inspires when we follow His instructions.
The past decade of triumphs and failures have set the stage for George's debut solo release. As his buzz continues growing, radio charts, sales projections, or tour revenue’s that many would look at to determine the success of an artist does not distract George. “…I remain focused on true fortune, not the money and such, cause in the end, success is measured by the lives you touch.” says George, quoting one of his own song lyrics. "It's being able to make an impact on people's lives that is still the driving force for me; not only in music, but in life. When I take a step back and look at how God has put me in a position to do that, all I can say is...WHOA!"
-DW