Mark J - An Everyday World
"An everyday world" is definitely the most diverse and in depth work by Mark to Date!
Mark J aims his unique musical talent and perspective at praise and worship of God. His lyrics are strong and determined, yet edgy and unyielding. In all, there’s a common thread throughout his lyrical performances – God’s constant love and sustaining presence.
Mark J, born Mark Johnson, was raised in Queens, New York, the birthplace of the music he would come to love – hip-hop. As a child, he saw the originators of this music in his very own neighborhood and was enamored by their lyrics, lifestyles and the instructions they gave to his generation on what life was about. He spent hours listening to rap - eventually amassing a collection of hundreds of CDs. Mark J was heavily influenced by his love for hip-hop, although he knew its content clashed with his religious upbringing. But he didn’t know if he believed in God, and the hypocrisy that he felt surrounded him, only fueled his ever-growing doubt. As a result of this uncertainty, indiscretions during his teen years sent him packing to Georgia.
During a Youth Night Service at Community Bible Chapel Church in Atlanta, Mark J watched a movie detailing the events of the “rapture”. God revealed Himself through the movie, and it was that night he accepted the Lord into his heart. Born-again and refocused, Mark J gained a new lease on life and knew he was to be used in God’s work. “My prayer was for God to put me in a position where I could be used to glorify Him.”
Mark J has released a few indie albums creating a buzz in and out the United States. His ministry spread throughout the nation even giving him several performance features on the BET Network. He has shared stages with John P. Kee, Tye Tribbett, Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond and other notable artists. By this time Mark J. had already traveled to the West Indies, Europe, Bermuda, Canada and South America spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through hip-hop.
Mark J, born Mark Johnson, was raised in Queens, New York, the birthplace of the music he would come to love – hip-hop. As a child, he saw the originators of this music in his very own neighborhood and was enamored by their lyrics, lifestyles and the instructions they gave to his generation on what life was about. He spent hours listening to rap - eventually amassing a collection of hundreds of CDs. Mark J was heavily influenced by his love for hip-hop, although he knew its content clashed with his religious upbringing. But he didn’t know if he believed in God, and the hypocrisy that he felt surrounded him, only fueled his ever-growing doubt. As a result of this uncertainty, indiscretions during his teen years sent him packing to Georgia.
During a Youth Night Service at Community Bible Chapel Church in Atlanta, Mark J watched a movie detailing the events of the “rapture”. God revealed Himself through the movie, and it was that night he accepted the Lord into his heart. Born-again and refocused, Mark J gained a new lease on life and knew he was to be used in God’s work. “My prayer was for God to put me in a position where I could be used to glorify Him.”
Mark J has released a few indie albums creating a buzz in and out the United States. His ministry spread throughout the nation even giving him several performance features on the BET Network. He has shared stages with John P. Kee, Tye Tribbett, Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond and other notable artists. By this time Mark J. had already traveled to the West Indies, Europe, Bermuda, Canada and South America spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through hip-hop.
Inspired by his new tool of ministering the Gospel, he decided to pursue a Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies at Luther Rice University. He has since created Poetry in Motion Ministries (an urban missions ministry) which is geared towards evangelism and discipleship through the vehicle of poetry and literary works. He currently attends Mt. Moriah Baptist in Tucker, GA where he teaches the Men’s adult bible studies and is a rotating speaker for their youth ministry. He also leads a young men’s bible study every Thursday night at his home. Mark J. brings ministry to life on and off stage through his everyday living.
Upon completion of his Bachelor’s, Mark J will continue his education at Luther Rice University by pursuing a Master’s degree in Apologetics. He plans to teach full time at a collegiate level. Ultimately, this will expand Poetry in Motion Ministries’ division of literary works. His wife, Kathy Johnson, is also inspired to teach. God willing, after the music stops, they will both unite to serve in a full-time academic for the Kingdom of God. They currently reside in Atlanta, GA with their daughter Israel.
“An Everyday World” is definitely the most diverse and in depth work by Mark to date!! He takes you on a global journey - but from and everyday world vantage point. Realizing that sin is universal, regardless of a person’s skin color, place of origin or ethnical creed, Mark J concludes that there be must a universal answer; and that is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The musicality of the album is a roller coaster of different genres and instrumentation that leads to a perfect blend of global music. The album delves into rock, techno and soul, yet keeps the true essence of hip hop. The album features production by well known producers such as Tony Stone, G-Styles, Juice, David Hackley, Kid Classic and Truth!!! Mark says, "This album sonically has a global feel because the world is a smaller place now due to technology. You can’t peg hip-hop to one sound anymore. We as artists must grow as music grows in order to reach this world for Christ". Mark J has married futuristic hip-hop sounds with solid biblical truths of the Gospel, bringing to mind the realities of this everyday world with of reality of the Cross.
