Who Is JMSN?

Hippie R&B and rap collide with this thriving Detroit artist. Find out who he is and where he's going.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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There's no clear cut path to obtaining a career in the music industry, especially in today's record business climate. But if you do truly belong, you'll find a way to make it work. 26-year-old Christian Berishaj is a living example of that.

Better known as JMSN, the singer/songwriter/producer has been making music professionally since he was 17. Initially signing to Atlantic Records under the stage name Snowhite as part of the lukewarm rock band Love Arcade, Berishaj then took on the moniker Christian TV to signify his new label stint with Universal Motown. After heeding less than impressive results (and another major label exit), Berishaj finally cut through the industry nonsense and emerged with a new name and a refined musical style (which he’s coined as “Hippie R&B”) in Priscilla.

The album is an emotional yet compelling journey highlighted by JMSN’s strikingly pensive production. From beginning to end, it’s a captivating performance that has garnered praise from the likes of Usher and Chris Brown. It has also opened up many opportunities for the Detroit-native, with credits including recent work with Kendrick Lamar, Game, and Freddie Gibbs.

With Unit 6, the collaborative project alongside TDE lyricist Ab-Soul due out next month (which made our Top 50 Most Anticipated Albums of 2013 list), as well his follow-up album to Priscilla on the horizon, we felt there was no better time to ask: Who Is JMSN?

As told to Edwin Ortiz (@iTunesEra)

Growing Up in Detroit and Using Music as an Escape

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Learning How to Play Instruments

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Musical Influences

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Signing to Atlantic Records as Love Arcade

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His Christian TV Phase

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Changing to JMSN and Creating Priscilla

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Making Music Videos for Priscilla

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Connecting With Top Dawg and Working on good kid, m.A.A.d. city

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Doing the Hook for Game's "Pray"

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Working With Ab-Soul on "Nibiru" and Unit 6

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Recording With Other Rap Acts

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Why He Isn't Into Ghostwriting

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The Future

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