Album Notes

Born and raised in Racine, WI. "Everything I've gotten I deserve it"... one of the most meaningful phases ever to fall from the mouth of J. Stills. Every CD sale; every dollar made at every show he's performed in; his bachelors degree in Business Management; every fight he's won; every fight he's lost... he deserved it all.

If there is one thing J knows how do to best, it's work. Stills is a father, an I.S. analyst, co-owner of Stresz Out Records, recording artist, graphic designer for his company, web site developer and administrator for his company, booking agent for Stresz Out Records, writer, rapper, performer, and singer. What motivates a 23 year old to push himself this far, to stretch himself this thin?

"I have 2 passions. My first, and most important obligation, is to my daughter. She gave me the motivation to finish college, get a good job, and make ends meet. I must provide for the one I love the most, no matter what." And then there is the dream. "Making music is the ultimate high to me. I will never stop making music, whether people like it or not. It's how I express myself to the rest of the world. So, If I can combine my duty with my passion, if I can find a way to provide for the ones I love by making music, then the dream has become reality."

And apparently, there is no stopping this ambitious young man. J will make the dream a reality. Since his label's first full album release in 4th quarter 2002, entitled "Everything My Eyes Can See - J. Stills," J and his partner Mark Edwards have executive produced 4 more full albums: "Stacking Cheese and Droppin Brats - Big Oh! and J. Stills," "FNIC - The Finest In the City - Reign, Luminous Fluxx, and J. Stills," "When Angel's Fall... Souljaz are Born - The Soulja," and currently "Life Is Hood - J. Stills 2." He's appeared in over 25 shows throughout Wisconsin and Portland OR, and has opened for platinum acts such as Lil' Flip, Freeway from Rocafella records, and D12. J and his label have sold over 4000 albums in his area, have appeared in several periodicals including the front page of the Racine Journal Times, and have earned the respect of hip hop communities from all parts of the nation.

What makes J stand out? It's not the fact that he grew up in a dangerous environment. Many rappers have, rap is the voice of the damned. J never sold drugs. He's been shot at, but hasn't gotten hit yet. Could it be his pretty face? Perhaps. His confident attitude? Certainly can't hurt. The hard work he puts in probably has something to do with it. But most definitely, what sets J apart, is the music. J makes hits. Every song he makes. J can sing, and rap better than most. But his ability to compose a hit song is unmatched. And now he's teamed up with super producers Jaz and Serv from Kold Kut productions in his current release, "Life Is Hood." All he needs is the funding to reach the national audience... but you listen to the music and see for yourself.