Jelani Olushola Bodden was born in Brooklyn February 8th 1993 and raised in Queens New York. At age 5 he discovered his love for writing, by writing poems and stories. At age 11 he wrote his first song and at age 13 he recorded his first track, from then on his dream to pursue music was born. Jackz was raised on all types of music growing up, including mostly R&B, Salsa, Soul, and Hip Hop. His mother loved to listen to Prince, Stevie Wonder, Take 6, and Jill Scott, and so did Jackz. He loved the art of producing, rapping, and song writing, and with so much talent he decided to pursue it all. CHECK HIM OUT PLAYING YOUNG JOEL ORTEZ "CALL ME"
Jackz doesn’t know his father, he ran out on him and his mother before he was born because he didn’t want Jackz to be born, Jackz sometimes reflects on it, but doesn’t like to talk about it because it was a dramatic situation, His father contemplated about taking it in his own hands. So because he never met his father and never had a chance to speak to him, Jackz knows little about his Puerto Rican side unlike his mother's Honduran roots.
His mother is very supportive but at a young age for Jackz worked a lot and wasn’t home too much. His half sister Shani was the closest person to him but she was sent off to boarding school in 9th grade then went off to college, so she wasn’t home a lot. In the end Jackz best friend was music, it was like an escape from his life, his hood, and his problems.
So the young producer, hip hop artist, and songwriter, has released his debut album which is entitled “Above Sound”. Jackz’s Above Sound represents Jackz as a person. Diverse, creative, a little bit of everything, from party to love and deep thought. The one thing Jackz always hears is “You’re doing too much” and the only reply is “I’m just Above Sound”. The one way to describe Jackz music is that it’s as real as it gets, or in better words, soul fulfilling.
And it doesn’t end at just music; Jackz has appeared in acting roles such as recording artist Joell Ortiz’s music video “Call Me” starring as young Joell Ortiz, which wasn’t just a small part, but a major part of the music video itself. Jackz has a strong heart, a wise head, & determination to do anything he puts his mind too.
*What is Above Sound?*
Stemmed from unique musical styles, Above Sound is a representation of an unordinary. Going beyond the basic, typical sound of hip-hop, Above Sound breaks expectations. Created in 2008, Jelani Bodden aka Jackz, wanted to take his image to the next level. Through Above Sound, Jackz is able to connect to an audience that is young, hip, excited and extremely versatile.
To break it down, Above Sound: Bringing a new sound- Above the rest. Beyond just a label & an album, Above Sound is a movement.
Some of Jackz’s most recent press appearances have included a featured artist slot on a local television show in New York called Video City ( www.videocity.tv), and a number of radio & internet radio station interviews. He has produced for a few independent singers & rappers, & worked on developing his own artist as well.
The one thing everybody who comes into working with Jackz says about him is that his work ethic & his passion for music is stronger than anything they have ever seen before. His style appeals to both the ladies & the men. His flow & delivery is one that is unique and compared to none. His lyrics are not that of word play or extreme punch lines but that of truth and flavor. His beats have their own signature style, and his hunger is starving more than anybody you can think of. There is only room to grow stronger, which is why Jackz is the future of music.
Originally posted Apr 13th 2010 1:00 PM PDT by TMZ Staff
New Orleans Saints badass Darren Sharper hit Mr. Chow for dinner last night -- but everyone seems to be more interested in the hot little dish he brought to the restaurant.
Turns out, Darren shared some noodles with renowned video vixen Dollicia Bryan -- the woman who was rumored to have previously hooked up with Sharper's teammate, Reggie Bush.
During the encounter last night, Sharper had nothing but nice things to say about Reggie -- before driving off with Dollicia.
Sources close to Reggie tell TMZ, Bush never hooked up with Dollicia -- and the whole thing was just a bad rumor.
Add Steve Harvey?s name to the list of celebrities latest celebrity hit with a tax lien. According to the Detroit News, one of Steve?s companies owes more than $2.1 million in federal taxes.
What?s owed:
* The IRS filed a $2,159,204 lien against Wonder Love Inc. on March 8 with the Cook County (Ill.) Recorder of Deeds. Harvey is listed as president of the company.
His side:
Harvey?s entertainment lawyer Ricky Anderson was unaware of the lien.