“Aligned can only be described as the EP’s theme song, as it discusses the evolution of me using real events, but on the surface, descriptions of loving yourself and having a high level of confidence. Aligned is essentially my current life, aligning itself to what I want my destination to be. This EP I feel is the perfect balance between being relatable and being something that only the person who the track is about can fully understand,” Jawan comments.
Jawan is truly an anomaly — as he will tell you. “When I say I’m not a simple man, that is an understatement. As a Gemini most people love me, but some struggle to understand,” says the Los Angeles based musician. He has spent the last seven years in L.A chasing the promises of a determined artist of his craft; as both him and his parents knew it was no turning back after his flight.
This Chicago choir boy was once only identified for singing and conducting numerous high-profile gospel events. Jawan has now worked with a number of heavy hitters in the music industry and this time around it’s not gospel. He is making his artistry well known with hard work and dedication, in the heart of Los Angeles. Jawan has worked with many artists, such as, John Legend, Pharrell, the late Aretha Franklin and the list continues. He has worked hard even during COVID-19 pandemic, which apparently hasn’t slowed this artist down. He just finished a track with the rapper Big Sean doing background vocals, which is at the top of the charts right now titled “Harder Than My Demons”. Currently he is working with one of the biggest, if not the biggest, powerhouse mogul in the music arena today. He is a part of Creative team for Kanye West’s Sunday Service. This is the team that writes, arranges, and pulls the whole thing together. Needless to say, coming from a gospel background, this transition was seamless for Jawan. He has vocal produced and arranged on both of Kanye’s latest albums that are also nominated for 11 Billboard Music Awards.
Leaving everything familiar in his hometown of Chicago, he quit three jobs and moved to Los Angeles, to go back to school with a serious approach to further his career as an entertainer. Jawan reflects on that time and recalls the experience forcing him to be alone more than he was used to, but allowing time for him to become, through his faith in God, more aware of who he was. He saw what he liked, did not like, and what only he could change about himself. Through many tears and prayers, Jawan saw that his biggest fault was that he did not love himself enough. It showed in every area of his life including his relationships, his jobs, and his music career in general. On his quest to love himself more, he gained a greater prayer life and during those quiet times, God kept reminding Jawan that he was in control and Jawan was right where he needed to be. Also, trust that everything would align the way it should, which is completely mind blowing seeing where he is today.
According to Jawan, the Aligned EP is just the start of so much more to come and he has high expectations of his projects that he is rolling out. The video of “Aligned” will be out soon and he has stated that it’s one of his best videos so far. Jawan adds, “I took this venture as another chance to explore and discover. I’m learning myself while you’re discovering me! I’m switching the gears, changing my approach and committing to my vision.”
Listen to Aligned here.
