JTM (rapper) explained

JTM
Birth Name:James Brandt Curran
Occupation:Rapper
Years Active:2001–2019
Module:
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Instrument:Vocals

James Brandt Curran (born August 19, 1986) is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. James is more commonly known by his stage name JTM, formerly James the Mormon. Although he does not make religious music, he self-identifies as a religious person.[1] JTM is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Music career

JTM started posting videos on his YouTube channel in 2014 which attracted much attention from his religious community. He then released I'm Not a Rapper, anticipating that rapping would just be a hobby for him. I'm Not a Rapper reached No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.[2]

JTM followed up his debut EP with the release of Pmg. The music on the album is influenced by religious themes including missionary work. Concerning the inspiration of making a religiously inspired EP JTM stated "I do not make Christian or Mormon music,"... "I want to reach the kid who feels obligated to go to church or is struggling with his or her testimony. I want to reach non-members and show them that there are Mormons just like them. And that Mormons listen to rap and are cool. I hate that myths and poor stereotypes of the Church hold people back from something so beautiful."[3] "Workin", featuring David Archuleta was released.

On May 2, 2018, JTM released his first full-length LP: We Came to Play,[4] which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. JTM donated 50% of the proceeds from the album's pre-order sales to Operation Underground Railroad, a charity dedicated to rescuing children from sex trafficking.

In 2019 JTM released a music video on YouTube entitled "I Will Never Stop II".[5]

Discography

Studio albums

TitleDetailsPeak chart
positions
US Heat.US R&B/HH
I'm Not a Rapper
  • Released: April 17, 2016
  • Label: James the Mormon
  • Format: Digital download
1 13
Pmg
  • Released: August 6, 2016
  • Label: James the Mormon
  • Format: Digital download
We Came to Play
  • Released: May 2, 2018
  • Label: James the Mormon
  • Format: Digital download
7[6]

Singles

TitleDetailsPeak chart positions
US R&B/HH
"Workin" featuring David Archuleta
  • Released: August 7, 2016
  • Label: James the Mormon
  • Format: Digital download
20
"Treasure" featuring Yahosh Bonner
  • Released: May 10, 2016
  • Label: James the Mormon
  • Format: Digital download

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Love what you share, share what you love.. August 25, 2016.
  2. Billboard - Heatseeker Albums - May 14, 2016. . August 27, 2016.
  3. Web site: James the Mormon, David Archuleta Combine Hip-Hop and Pop for New Song About Missionary Work LDS Daily. www.ldsdaily.com. August 8, 2016 . May 8, 2018.
  4. Web site: Utah-based James the Mormon's first full-length album debuts in iTunes' top-10. www.ksl.com. en. April 4, 2019.
  5. https://www.heraldextra.com/entertainment/music/utah-county-rapper-jtm-releases-new-music-video-following-close/article_be1d6947-720a-5222-8402-3fd72fd7082f.html Provo Daily Herald article on JTMs most recent video
  6. Heatseekers Albums: Up and Coming Musicians Chart. Billboard. May 10, 2018.