Jaime Lynn Long (born June 10, 1985), better known by his stage name J.Long, is an American singer, songwriter & multi instrumentalist. He was a frequent collaborator with hip hop group Pretty Ricky, and also featured the group on his own song "Personal Freak". In April 2015, before departing from the music industry, Long toured one last time with his bandmates in Europe.[1] He remained on hiatus until releasing new music in 2023.
J.Long | |
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 Long in airport 2023 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jaime Lynn Long |
| Born | June 10, 1985 Galveston, Texas, U.S. |
| Origin | La Marque, Texas, U.S. |
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| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 2008–present |
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| Spouse | |
| Relatives | Huey Long (uncle) |
Early life edit
Long was born into a family of musicians.[2] His uncle, Huey Long (1904–2009), was an African-American jazz and R&B guitarist of the pop group The Ink Spots. By age 17, he was selling beats recorded on equipment his stepfather, Melvin Hudnall, bought him.[2] As he developed as an artist, he cited gospel quartet and the likes of musicians D'Angelo & Prince as a heavy influence.[3] Long has since earned credits for singing, songwriting, producing.[4]
Career edit
Long signed his first record deal soon after graduating high school, joining NBA player Steve Francis's label ISOH Entertainment.[5] In 2006, Long released his Six-10 mixtape through Mike Jones's Ice Age Entertainment label.[6] His career began to take off with his 2008 single, "Berry Love" featuring his brother K.Bell. Long released his debut album Girl Listen in 2009, whose single "Personal Freak" hit #4 on Billboard.[5] Other songs by Long feature artists Lil' Webbie and Juvenile.[7][5] At one point, Long took a break from music for spiritual reasons.[2][3] When he returned to the recording world, Long began to write and produce inspirational music, releasing an album entitled R & B (Redeemed and Blessed), featuring the single, "Jesus I Need You".[8]
Long's solo record sales caught the attention of hip hop group Pretty Ricky, who were searching for a new singer to join the group. After signing with BlueStar Entertainment, Pretty Ricky did a remake of Long's highly successful Personal Freak.[9] Long remained with the group from 2010 to 2012. During that time, he accompanied them on several tours, including BET's 106th & Park Tour.[5] After he left the group in 2012, he later rejoined them on their European tour in April 2015.[8]
In 2022, J. Long returned to the studio to record R&B (Redeemed and Blessed) Volume II. That album was released along with Couples Therapy Volume II and J.A.I.M.E. (Jesus Absolutely Is My Everything) in early 2023.
Personal life edit
In 2019, three years into their relationship, it was reported that Long married author and criminal justice advocate Cyntoia Brown. Wes Yoder, a representative for both Long and Brown, confirmed the marriage and stated that the details of how the two met could be found in Cyntoia Brown Long's memoir through Atria Books.[10]
Long, along with his wife, founded a nonprofit organization together in the fall of 2019.[11][12][13] The Foundation for Justice, Freedom, and Mercy or The JFAM Foundation, exists to amplify narratives relating to social and criminal justice in the hopes that it can empower individuals who are at risk of exploitation or criminal justice system involvement.[14] In addition to his work in the charitable sector, Long is owner of a Texas healthcare company.[15]
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu edit
In addition to his music career, Long dedicated himself to training Jiu Jitsu. He has also competed in martial arts tournaments. On his social media pages, Long has posted photos and videos showing that he is actively involved in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, earning his blue belt in November 2020. In August 2020, he was named the winner of the Good Fight Tournament Feather weight division, and finished in second place of the Tournament Lightweight division.[16]
References edit
- ^ "J. Long | Biography & History". AllMusic.
- ^ a b c Dall, Taylor (October 12, 2017). "J. Long Talks Coming From A Musical Family, His Life After Pretty Ricky & The Best Advice He's Ever Been Given". EMCEE.
- ^ a b "EXCLUSIVE: J. Long Talks New Album, Break From Pretty Ricky & His Devout Christian Faith". AllHipHop.com.
- ^ "J. Long | Credits". AllMusic.
- ^ a b c d "Secular Rapper J. Long Gets Baptised, Now Rapping for God". June 6, 2012.
- ^ "Six-10 Mixtape by J.Long Hosted by DJ Currensy".
- ^ "409 Degreez (Feat. Juvenile)". Spotify.
- ^ a b "J. Long Gets Saved & Releases Gospel Album".
- ^ "Personal Freak". Amazon.
- ^ "Pretty Ricky's J. Long Marries Freed Inmate Cyntoia Brown". Billboard.
- ^ "Business Entity Detail – Business Services Online".
- ^ "Freedom, Justice, and Mercy for All: A conversation with Cyntoia". January 7, 2020.
- ^ "Freedom, Justice, and Mercy for All: A conversation with Cyntoia". Archived from the original on October 25, 2020. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
- ^ "The JFAM Foundation". jfamfoundation.org. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020.
- ^ "Inside Cyntoia Brown and Her Husband Jamie Long's Love Story". April 29, 2020.
- ^ "AL Championship: Adult/Exec/Master Gi".