It is evident that the R&B game is still at its all-time prime. Labels are still scrambling to sign artists with vocal talents and songwriting abilities, nowadays with the likes of Ne-Yo and The Dream, songwriting is a must. In order to compete with the major talents in the industry today, the attributes, the words, and the voice are elements that contribute to the success of an artist’s musical career.

One of those labels that were scrambling to sign an R&B artist was none other Big Gates Records. After the success of Plies Big Gates sky-rocketed as becoming a major label in search for new talent. Sometime last year, they signed their first R&B artist and we recently heard him on a track on Plies latest LP ‘Da Realist’ on the track ‘Put It on Ya.’ The name behind the voice is none other than Memphis’ own Chris J. This artist catapulted onto the scene after winning ‘106 & Park’s: Wild Out Wednesday’ back in 2007. In 2009, the songwriter/singer will grace the vast world of R&B with his own debut; I formally introduce you to Big Gates’ new signee, Chris J. This is an exclusive interview that you will only read here.

24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are.

CHRIS J: My name Chris J from Memphis, TN.I am a very humble person. I come from a rough neighborhood in North Memphis, TN aka Hollywood.Growing up in Hollywood has taught me how to survive at an early age.I am excited about my future in the business especially in 2009.

24: Before we get into your music, can you describe your history about how you got into the industry and what inspired you?

CHRIS J: I began at the age of 14 years old singing in a family band started by my brothers Gary and Kenny called U-Turn.We traveled around the world performing at many different events.My inspiration came from performing.The response from the audience while performing on stage was an incredible feeling. The facial expressions and body language were the signs that I was onto something and that was to entertain people.

24: What was the R&B scene like growing up in Memphis?

CHRIS J: Memphis is very competitive.There are a lot of great singers in Memphis that are undiscovered. From the churches to nightclubs there are some very talented individuals.Memphis is like the Apollo audience.It’s hard to get a response out of people unless you can really sing. To be able to get a fan base here is major. I love my home for it.

24: As a matter of fact, how did the situation with Big Gates come about, what was it that got their attention?

CHRIS J: When I won the 106 and Park Wild Out Wednesday competition in 2007, after the show Ronell “Big Gates” Levatte had a rep to contact me and asked for more music.After sending in more music, they liked it, soon after; there was an offer to sign me.

24: Who have you worked with or graced the stage with, prior to signing with Big Gates?

CHRIS J: I have graced the stage with the likes of Glenn Jones, Anthony Hamilton, Urban Mystic, Mike Jones, Lloyd, Escape, Marques Houston, Omarion, Memphis’ own Bar Kay’s , Calvin Richardson, Midnight Star, Bobby Valentino, from the Laugh your butt off tour, Monique (Parkers & Apollo), the late great Gerald Levert, 8-Ball & MJG and Young Buck on The Urban CrossRoadR&B & Hip-Hop Tour and I co-headlined the Antonio Taver/Glenn Johnson Pre-Fight Extravaganza along with Nick Cannon.

24: As of right now, who in the R&B game would you say you listen to on a regular and would probably like to work with in the near future?

CHRIS J: I listen to R. Kelly, Trey Songz, Usher, Mario, Jamie Foxx, Tank, and Raheem DeVaugn. I would love to collab with anyone of these great artists.

24: In retrospect, being a songwriter, would you consider writing songs for any of them if the opportunity presented itself?

CHRIS J: Most definitely. Songwriting is something that I want to get more involved with. I actually thought about songwriting as a way to get into the industry because it was taking so long as a singer.

24: Now let’s get into your music, I’ve heard artists tell me over numerous amounts of times that when they sit down to write a song, they say the beat speaks to them and tells them what to write, does that same method go for you?

CHRIS J: No, it doesn’t. When I write a song the melody is already flowing through my head. It comes from situations that I have been through or a family member or friend.I write real music from real situations.

24: In the beginning stages of your debut album, what producers have you worked with or would like to work with on this upcoming project?

CHRIS J: I am working with Adonis out of ATL and J-Dav out of Memphis.I would like to work with JR from LA, Inferno, Brian Michael Cox, would love to do work with the underdogs, and R Kelly of course, Tank and Sekay.

24: Can you give us an estimation of a time period on when that album will grace the shelves?

CHRIS J: The estimated date is late spring early summer.The title is ‘Secrets.’

24: Can you shed some light on future projects you are working on?

CHRIS J: I am working on some collaborations.I don’t want to give away the secrets, but be on the lookout.

24: How would the fans go about contacting you?

CHRIS J: They contact me on MySpace, www.myspace.com/chrisjrnb and www.biggatesrecords.com, and look for me on your favorite social network sites.

24: Thank you for providing 24hourhiphop.com with this exclusive interview, do you have any last words for your present and future fans?

CHRIS J: A big thanks to 24hourhiphop.com for the interview. I count it truly a blessing for this opportunity to be heard and seen. Thank you to my present fans for your continued support. To my future fans, I hope to be one of your favorite if not your favorite R&B artist.Check me out on Myspace to hear more of what’s to come.

Check out the Video of Chris J’s performance on BET’s 106 & Park: Wild Out Wednesday