| BB Jay | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Jarvis Edward Cooper |
| Born | Brooklyn, New York |
| Genres | Hip hop, Christian hip hop |
| Occupations | rapper, pastor, producer |
| Years active | 1996-present |
| Labels | Jive (1999-2001) True Life/Kaught Upp (2005) Jizfat (2000-present) |
| Associated acts | M.C. Hammer, KRS-One, Hezekiah Walker, Mary Mary [1][2][3][4][5] |
Jarvis Edward Cooper is an American hip hop rap artist professionally known as BB Jay from Brooklyn, NY famously noted for his vocal similarity to late hip-hop legend The Notorious B.I.G.. He is noted for his music to reflect the Christian views and values of his faith and belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ.[6]
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Born Jarvis Edward Cooper in Brooklyn, NY, BB Jay was raised in New Jersey.[7] He was first introduced to Christian rap at the age of 11. He went to a Christian youth camp in Lebanon, New Jersey where he met gospel rapper Charles E. Mitchell Sr. (aka Rap'n Rev).[8]
In 1997, BB Jay released his first single independently, called "The Pentecostal Poppa". The single was a hit on airwaves and received rotation on BET. A year after signing with Jive Records, he released his international debut album Universal Concussion in 2000.[9][10] The album was heavily promoted with music videos, singles, and national touring. After a 5-year hiatus, BB Jay recorded a collaboration album with rappers Pettidee & Demetrus titled 3 The God Way, released in 2005.[11] BB Jay's latest album Unlimited is set to release June 26, 2007. The 17-track album will have a companion DVD also titled Unlimited.
BB Jay is often cited as one of the very few who is openly a Christian in the mainstream hip hop industry.
In the year 2002, BB Jay has received a Holy Hip-Hop Award and a Stellar Award for New Artist Of The Year.[12] In 2007, he won a Carolina Holy Hip Hop Achievement Award for National Hip Hop Apostle of the Year.[13]