The original story below details the circumstances surrounding J-Kwon’s mysterious month-long disappearance. It’s suspected that the whole thing was all part of an elaborate scheme to call attention to his fading image as he prepares for the upcoming release date of his new album.
After strategically engaging Twitter users to aid in the search, J-Kwon’s manager and publicist Dorian Washington announced that the rapper has been located, and released the following statement:
“I am very happy to let everyone know that I personally spoke with J-Kwon today, and he is OK. He’d like to send a sincere apology to his friends and everyone who showed concern this week. He was taking some time to himself as he sometimes does, not realizing that people would start to worry after a while.
A few days out of touch versus a month is quite a difference. Right now, he just wants to keep doing what he’s doing and will be more available for those who care about him. We thank you again for your outreach, and we are relieved to know he’ll be all right.”
No word on where exactly he was or how an adult with close connections and a record coming out could think being away for a month with no contact wouldn’t alarm those close to him. Was he “tipsy” the whole time, or was he just sitting at home watching the PR wheels turn in his favor? -gerald radford (original by terry shropshire)
Family and friends of rapper J-Kwon are desperately pleading for anyone to come forward with information that will help find the missing musician.
The 24-year-old rapper, born Jarrell James, has not been heard from by his family, friends or record label in over a month now. What really concerns all parties is the timing of J-Kwon’s mysterious disappearance. According to Gracie Productions, J-Kwon was gearing up to release a new self-titled album later this month.
J-Kwon is best known for the Top 10 Billboard hit “Tipsy” in 2004 which was released under So So Def/Arista for his album HoodHop.
“J-Kwon is a big part of the Gracie family, and we are obviously increasingly worried and want to make sure he is ok,” said Gracie Productions CEO and president Tony Bucher in a statement. “We’ve already received thousands of e-mails from fans and supporters who are worried about J-Kwon, and we want everyone to know how much we appreciate the love and support. If anyone has seen J-Kwon or has access to him, please let him know we are worried about him, and to please let us know everything is OK.”
Kwon is no stranger to drama, having survived a tumultuous childhood. He wound up homeless in his St. Louis hometown after he was kicked out of the house at age 12. He hustled over the next several years and honed his burgeoning rapping skills, which led to his temporary fling with fame. In 2003, he impressed L.A. Reid and Jermaine Dupri, who were at Arista at the time, and wound up being signed to a label contract. The two camps parted ways a few years after his debut album.
It is unclear if family or friends have filed a missing person’s report with the local authorities. If they have not, their apprehensions are well-founded. Police don’t exactly sport a sparkling record when it comes to solving crimes when rappers are the victims. Conversely, police have shown amazing efficiency at solving crimes when rappers are the alleged perpetrators of illicit activity.
J-Kwon also released Hood Hop 2 and Hood Hop 2.5 in 2009 and dropped a single, “O,” that featured J-Skillz and Sally Anthony.
–terry shropshire
