About Me
Hip-Hop Artist • Multi-Talented Musician & Composer • ProducerJonathan Michael Russo, also known by many as j-rus, has taken the music industry by storm. With his innovative and stylistic musical approach combined with an unwavering lyrical message, j-rus has a passion to communicate a message that will inspire, encourage, and touch the very heart of all who listen.In 2004, the launching pad of Jonathan's musical career was established with the creation of his first three-song demo CD entitled "Get Up". Upon the release in the summer of 2005, with self-promotion, he sold over 1,000 demo tracks. With Jonathan's keen sense of marketability, he established a variety of products ranging from demos, t-shirts, hats, bumper stickers and posters selling out of merchandise at almost every show. Jonathan's schedule has overflowed with engagements spread throughout the Metro Detroit area and beyond. In May 2005, j-rus opened for the JEFF DEYO Band (Gotee Records) at the Rush Youth Encounter in Oakland Twp., MI. In late 2005, he performed at concerts in Central and South America for crowds of over 50,000 in attendance. He also had the opportunity to open up for Grammy Award winning rapper T-Bone in New Mexico for a massive youth rally. Jonathan decided to further his passion in music by receiving a recording arts degree from Full Sail Real World Education in Orlando, Florida. There, Jonathan spent countless hours in his home studio and classrooms learning, composing and writing over 400 songs. Jonathan won two remix competitions at Fullsail through a Sony Remix Production Battle, and was recognized as the number one producer in his class for his two classic remakes of the hit dance song entitled "You're Not Alone" originally performed by DJ ATOM Sony Records. As of May 2007, J-rus released his first 9 track solo album entitled "At the Gates" produced, written, and mixed by Jonathan himself. This Album is nothing shy of amazing. Jonathan's "At the Gates" summer tour brought him to 12 different states and countries. J-rus opened up for Grammy Nominated band Leeland (Sony/BMG) in Kansas City, and then stopped by Honduras for a two-night concert in the heart of El Progresso where over 25,000 fans were in attendance…J-rus has officially rocked Central and North America!His most recent project brought him to the hollywood box office where he produced the hit song "Lavish Rock" for the movie Epic Stories of the Bible: The Ten Commandments. http://www.epicstoriesofthebible.com/downloads_music.php"Som eone once told me, 'never despise small beginnings.' I really took that to heart as I found myself at times performing in front of 10 to 15 people in schools, clubs, and coffee shops. I believe that now is the time for the world to hear a new sound, a new message… I'm runnin' a passionate race, and I'm not afraid…"
