Cross Movement Records has announced the upcoming release of urban gospel artist J.R’s sophomore project, Life By Stereo, available at Canadian Christian retailers on Boxing Day December 26th. With Life By Stereo, J.R. presents the antithesis of an infamous heavy metal album of a similar moniker, Death By Stereo, signifying God’s use of music as a medium to communicate life rather than death.

On this new project, J.R. centers on the trials of the human existence and the healing balm of the Gospel message, conveying the redemptive power of the Gospel with soul-stirring grit and maturity. Transcending generation and genre, he ministers in a style all his own – fusing eclectic urban gospel, contemporary R&B, rock and pop styles.

Building on the foundation of his debut album, Metamorphosis, J.R. has himself undergone a transformation, which is revealed in the artistry of this album’s hypnotic hooks and explosive lyrics. The Outkast-meets-Gwen Stefani Not A Slave contrasts a past life ruled by sin with a present life ruled by the Holy Spirit. We Need You gives voice to a heart desperately panting after the living God. Recalling the vocal styling of John Legend, J.R. escapes the “business” of everyday life to commune with his Lord in Getaway.

J.R. brings his worshipful side to his live instrumental cover of Never Lose by Tim Hughes, author of the popular worship hit Here I Am to Worship. The bass-boosting Tonight announces the arrival of the weekend and a time to celebrate the glory of new life in Christ with its grooving dance vibe. OK is a refrain of victory for all believers who have been rescued from a corrupt lifestyle. The theme is carried over into the head-nodding Say Yeah. The drama of everyday life surfaces in When The Thrill Is Gone, featuring gospel hip-hop heavyweight Lecrae. In addition, the album also features guest appearances from labelmates Da’ T.R.U.T.H., FLAME and Iz-Real from Everyday Process, as well as Reach Records artist Trip Lee.

J.R., the familiar voice behind numerous memorable hooks on Stellar Award-winning, GRAMMY®-nominated and Dove-nominated Cross Movement Records projects, is the first R&B artist signed to that label. He is a versatile crooner and multi-talented producer with his own unique style and is the point man behind So Hot Productions. His list of collaborations includes Cry No More (Holy Culture, The Cross Movement), N.F.L. (New Found Love) (Moment of Truth, Da’ T.R.U.T.H.) and My Clothes, My Hair (The Thesis, The Ambassador), to name a few.

Find out more about J.R.’s Life By Stereo on his YMZ artist page.