Some talk about avoiding pornography, some talk about walking with God, and one: Mr. J Medeiros also known as Jason Medeiros: uses his lyrics to speak out about rape, and human trafficking. The United States has one of the highest rates of rape cases. Every hour there are 78 rapes, many rapes go unreported because the woman feels ashamed of something like that happening. The most a person can get for rape can range from twelve months probation to a suspended six month jail sentence. Doesn't seem like justice does it. Mr. J. doesn't see it as justice either. Human trafficking is basically the modern day slave trading. Most women and children are forced into labor or sexual encounters. Mr. J Mederios is using his music to speak out against such travesties.
Mr. J found his calling for hip-hop music in Colorado Springs while making the most of his college experience. This musician devoted many years of his life to serving with AmeriCorps, volunteering with Habitats For Humanity, and caring for those with disability. Mr. J does not hide that he is an advocate for women's right and other issues regarding women. His most aggressive and passionate song is "Constance" which is about a young girl who is trapped in the world of human trafficking and child pornography. The song is part of Mr. J Medeiros' I Am Constance campaign. He has a website: iamconstance.com which discusses the issue of rape and human trafficking. Medeiros' music also focuses on other issues such as alcoholism, autism and self esteem.
This rapper uses his music to address hard core issues and has subtle hints at spirituality. In an article in Relevent magazine Mr. Medeiros stated "My spirituality is my compass. It really points me in the direction of what's right and wrong, what's real and true." Even if his lyrics don't point directly outright to God, Medeiros has a strong, grounded faith in God. He wrote his first rap nine years ago when he founded the hip hop group the Procussions. In the past three years he has recorded and produced his first album Of Gods and Girls. Medeiros has seen music as a community outreach, not just the volunteer work he has done in the past. He believes that bringing your family into your music as Kayne West has, makes the musician more human and easier to relate to.
Mr. J is inspired by musicians such as Bjork who stays true to herself in her art and others like Nas who are good at representing something bigger in life. He has been rejected by shows like Good Morning America and Oprah because he did not have enough albums sold, and because of that he couldn't promote the Constance campaign on national television. Throughout the things he has done, Medeiros has been able to see a difference between music and social community activism. People can have great influence over others and that's something Mr. J is working on. He wants to make a difference and make people realize and knowledgeable towards issues like human trafficking and rape.
Mr. J Medeiros has made a difference in the music business and is working on making a difference in the world. He wants to inform people on serious issues and doesn't spend time focusing on the little things. He wants to show the difference between the image of women in secular music and the actual image God has on women. Mr. J is not your average rapper. Check out his album Of Gods and Girls and see for yourself the kind of musician he is.
