J. Rawls

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Jason Daniel Rawls (born February 27, 1974^[2]), better known by his stage name J. Rawls, is an American hip hop musician, producer, disc jockey (DJ), educator and speaker born in Columbus, Ohio.^[3] He is best known for his work with Masta Ace, Mos Def and Talib Kweli.^[4] Because of his work with Black Star, a hip hop group composed of Mos Def and Talib Kweli, and their debut studio album, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, Rawls soon became an independent hip hop mainstay. The album became a Critical success and was part of the late 1990s underground hip hop explosion^[5].

Rawls has also worked with artists such as Dose One, Domo Genesis, Capital Steez, Beastie Boys, Slum Village, Diamond D, John Robinson, El Da Sensei, Sadat X, Count Bass D, Grand Agent,^[6] 9th Wonder, J-Live, Us3 and Moka Only.

Rawls has released three solo albums, as well as having contributed to the Neo soul movement producing the likes of Aloe Blacc, Eric Roberson, Dudley Perkins, and others.^[7] Fusing jazz and hip hop, then coining the term "Jazz-Hop", his 2006 work with "The Liquid Crystal Project"^[8] led to national acclaim for his collaboration with B-Jazz,^[9] Rob Riley, Eddie Bayard and Charles Cooper and their tribute to producer J. Dilla. His Columbus-based production company and record label continue to make an impact in the national hip hop scene, and he is in demand as a DJ for clubs and private functions around the country.^[10]