Episode 115 – Montell Jordan

History:The Billboard Top Ten Songs chart for 1995 contains the following names: Coolio, TLC, Seal, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Madonna, and a man named Montell Jordan. This Is How We Do It was a breakout new jack-swing song that topped the Hot 100 for seven weeks and R&B charts for eight. Jordan, tall and handsome with a silky-smooth voice, established himself as a powerful presence in music, brimming with talent, savvy, and charm. Over his nearly twenty-year career in music, Jordan has released seven studio albums, and fourteen singles, and is a Grammy-nominated artist, selling more than 10 million records worldwide. Origins:From South Central Los Angeles to Pepperdine University in Malibu, Montell was on course to attend law school when a professor said one of his biggest regrets was missing the chance to pursue music. In a flash, Montell recognized that if he was ever going to take a shot at music, he needed to do it then. He put together a demo, which eventually landed in the hands of Def Jam Records and Russell Simmons. This Is How We Do It took off, and his first of many number-one singles was born. Following years of awards, achievements, and accolades that never seemed to satisfy, Montell learned that without music, he’s a husband, a dad, and a friend. He stepped away from the music business for many years in search of significance over success. “I had to learn who Montell was outside of music to determine that I make music and music doesn’t make me.” In that time away, Montell was able to reevaluate his priorities and ultimately find his passion. This was found as he connected with his childhood faith. Ministry:Montell began to realize the difference between gifting and calling. He was gifted with music, but he was called to minister. Speaking, teaching, mentoring, counseling, and writing are some of the many ways Jordan is fulfilling his purpose in ministry today. Jordan now does music again as he has determined both what he is gifted to do and what he is purposed to do and allowed those worlds to meet. Montell served more than 14,000 people from 140 nations around the world each weekend for the last decade as an executive pastor of music, marriage, and men’s ministry at Victory World Church in Norcross, GA. He continues to redefine sound through Victory, an ideal place that builds families transforms communities, reconciles cultures, and impacts nations. In his musical past, Montell had already shown an ability to stretch boundaries of genre and style and uses this same ability to influence, impact, and inspire today. Jordan’s musical achievements are still recognized worldwide, and he and his wife of 20+ years, Kristin Jordan released a marriage book in October 2017 titled, “Marriage Masterpeace Inc! Making Your Marriage A Masterpeace.” Jordan released his autobiography, “Becoming Unfamous” during the summer of 2016. Montell brings the word of God and personal experience from the music business to provide a practical and applicable understanding of music and worship to light. He still tours on occasion to bring the love of Christ outside the four walls of the church to concert venues all over the world. Montell and Kristin is now a marriage missionary and has founded Marriage Masterpeace Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that seeks to help marriages all around the world by helping men and women reconcile with God and then to each other in efforts to eradicate divorce by taking the option off the table. Music:Montell Jordan’s latest single, “When I’m Around You” feat. Grammy award-winning rap artist Lecrae is his first R&B song in nearly ten years! The new song is available NOW on all digital platforms and is currently charting on Urban AC radio! The single is modern R&B with a soulful relevancy easily identifiable as classic Montell Jordan. This new song and album are created to be the soundtrack for married couples (and those who desire to be married) by assisting them in keeping passion alive in their re...