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4th Avenue Jones: A Family Stands

The rapper-formerly-known-as-Ahmad embarks in a new direction.

by D. L. C. | 2002.10.19

As many artists learn early on in their trials and travels, the opportunity of success can be rare and elusive. Fronted by emcees Ahmad Jones, Jabu and singer-emcee Tena Jones, the new seven-piece band, 4th Avenue Jones, hopes that their talents will propel their art to a global level. In fact, this would be a second go round for the band's unofficial leader, Ahmad Jones.

Ahmad first tasted fame early on in 1994 with the gold-selling and infectious single, "Back In The Day". Just a teenager at that time, Ahmad fell victim to his own ego - nearly derailing a promising career. "I was young and just going crazy with all the press", explained Ahmad. "I had a gold record and I put myself in positions that a young person - not knowing any better - with money would do. I had to change. So God found me, the Lord basically changed my life for the better."

Ahmad kept his lyrical sword sharpened by making appearances on the now-defunct LA-based Wake Up Show and mixtapes here and there. However, he abruptly decided to call an end to his career - until the 4th Avenue Jones concept came about.

"I wasn't going to rhyme anymore", said Ahmad, "I literally was going to just wait until something worthy came into my life and God gave me that with this band. My man Jabu kept the faith with me. I met Tena, now my wife, at a talent show and it all started from that point on. It's been beautiful ever since."

Tena Jones' role within the group isn't secondary. In fact, her voice is just as prominent and essential as any part of the band itself. With a soulful singing style honed by her early years in church choirs and talent shows, the art of emceeing came to her through her husband's teachings. "I came up as a singer", said Tena. "In fact, when I first met Ahmad, that's how he came to know me - as a singer. But I loved hip-hop and I loved his spirit. He just had a lot of good energy and naturally we bonded through music -and in life. So from there, I was down from the start. He taught me how to better my craft and I'm learning by the day."

For emcee Jabu, a former dancer, this is what he believes he was destined to do. "I've been with this from the start", said Jabu. "I consider myself the energy of this group. I love being a part of this. This is a very tight unit. It's been all good really. The crowds aren't booing so we're doing something right. I mean every show, we pull a new trick out the hat and got nothing but love back. So we give that love right back through our performances."

When asked if the band is leaning towards a gospel-tinged sound, the trio of vocalists all shared the same philosophy. "It's dope beats, dope rhymes and a dope singer with a dope band", said Jabu. "It's just simply that. Of course we all put God in our lives first so naturally that comes out. But we want it to just be good, soul music. And I think we've done that on the project."

Ahmad Jones emphatically stated, "I've said it time and again, we got something that's worth something. Interscope took on this project and while we're happy they're behind us, they're happy to have us representing their label. I know that for a fact."

Tena Jones added, "It's certainly different. I know some folks might say we're doing a Fugees thing or something like that. But if you hear the CD, you'll know that we're going in a totally different direction".

The comparison game is almost expected in the music industry. Everyone is chasing the next big thing since the last big thing. Labels salivate over new discoveries and artists usually cringe at being likened to other groups. But not 4th Avenue Jones. "If they think we sound like someone else, that's fine by me", said Jabu. "That means we did something good enough to get a comparison to an already dope group. I won't be mad at that."

Indeed, with their soulful sound, the band will most likely get the pigeonhole treatment that the Roots, Black Eyed Peas and others have suffered. But is the industry prepared for the Jones? Is there a market for a band that boasts a violinist? Ahmad certainly thinks so. "We were at this large record pool meeting in Cali", said Ahmad. "A whole gang of deejays and folks within the industry. We did our thing for them and we got a standing ovation. I mean this is from folks who play and listen to it all and for us to come in with our style and get love? It was amazing."

Jabu added, "It was like pump it or dump it and the deejays are saying pump it! I mean I was moved by that so I guess we're doing something right."

Perhaps this year will mark a successful career for 4th Avenue Jones. With the release of the Lookalive/Interscope LP, "No Plan B", the band apparently has no plans of ditching Plan A. Employing a host of talented yet unknown producers and themselves (Ahmad Jones produced fives songs himself), the group intends to go for their own individual sound rather than chase a hit. "This is it for us", said Ahmad. "It's either make it or break it and I haven't thought about failing. I know we're going to win with this." If that hold true, the 4th Avenue Jones will be a group to watch in the years to come.

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