It seems we live in a world where music can no longer be placed into genres or categories, and it’s all thanks to artists like Jon Bellion.
Jon Bellion's music has been considered a rap, electronic, R&B and pop, but none of these categories can fully encapsulate the heart and soul he pours into every record he releases. Jon grew up in Long Island, New York, where he played basketball and, evidently, was pretty talented because he was offered a scholarship to play ball at college before he realized another passion was pulling on his heart. At the age of 19, he decided to drop out of college along with nine other friends, who all agreed to work at supporting each other in their musical craft until one of them hit it big by operating under the name of “Beautiful Mind." Jon was the one who starting building a following, so “Beautiful Mind” started focusing on Jon’s brand. Since the seemingly life-ending decision to drop out of college, he has released four records and has been wildly successful. When he was approached by Capitol Records, he said he would sign under a few conditions. Firstly, that he could bring all of his friends who’re a part of “Beautiful Mind” with him, and that he would produce his first three albums for free. I’m sure he sounded like a lunatic to his producer but he says he did this to create equity with fans. He showed his passion for the music by making every album better than the last, which quickly gathered swarms of fans to his sensation tickling beats.
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but rather, thinking of yourself less often.” – Jon Bellion (Quoting C.S Lewis)
Jon Bellion does not shy away from his faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. In various Twitter Q&As, people have asked him questions like, “Where do you want to be in 10 years?” He simply replied with “closer to Christ." He also mentioned that he listens to Timothy Keller’s sermons via podcast. Many would retort back with “But Ethan, he cusses in his songs so he can’t be a Christian?” To that, I would have to say I don’t know Jon’s heart and his sincerity; however, based on articles I’ve read and behind the scenes videos I’ve seen, he has a passion for his craft and he wants to see people’s lives changed. He, obviously, has had a profound experience with God, but he is not a Christian artist. Other Christian artists like Andy Mineo have chosen to reject the label of “Christian Artist." In an interview with MTV, Mineo put it this way: "I’m trying to reach people who aren’t Christians and encourage those who are."
“Do we too often put God in a box by minimizing our glorification of him to Christian rhetoric or religious terms?”
I do not believe that Christians who are also artists have to be “Christian artists” by throwing in Christianese terms, or throw in Jesus’ name in order to glorify God. I am not saying, though, that I think Christian artists, then, have free reign to say anything they want to relate to culture or that they should isolate their faith from their musical expression. But, I think they should be artists who are Christian. Artists like Mineo and Bellion, use the truth that resonates in their music to deal with the pain they also speak of through their music. I believe the world, often times, doesn’t believe our sincerity as Christians because we aren’t willing to talk about the pain and struggle that we’ve been freed from. Music can neglect to blatantly mention God and still be wonderfully glorifying to God. We can worship him through our excellence in our crafts, our expression of gratitude for the life we live and, of course, through the sharing of our stories. What I mean by all of this talk is that I do believe Bellion is a Christian and is using his skills to his best potential to glorify his creator.
Bellion’s Effect on His Listeners:
In his music, you can hear his sincerity. He speaks of the fact that he still lives with this parents, even though he’s twenty-five, and is adamant about his faith with statements like this in his song New York Soul Part II:
I had a conversation with an angel
She told me I'd cheat death if I stayed away from the party life Dropped off in the land where the artists play
Where God's way is the hardest way
Told myself I'm keeping my faith
If it costs me my reputation, then take it, I'll give it all away
Bellion states that every album will be better and more grandiose than his last, and so far he has yet to disappoint, even with his latest album drop, Human Condition. I watched almost all of the behind the scenes videos he had available on YouTube and his passion is contagious. After seeing the wild look in his eyes, as he figures out what exact drum pocket to add or the right hook to reel his listeners in with, he made me want to strive a little harder to be as passionate as he is. With his decision to give away his first three albums, he has won him a fan base that is currently selling out his shows, and I am lucky enough to catch the last wave of fandom before he lands a spot on everyone's playlists. I believe Bellion will soar far because he truly cares about his fan base and has decided to hold true to his convictions of spirituality.
To be honest, I’m fangirling quite a bit over this guy, and I am freaking out at the fact that I get to see him perform in July. Give his music a listen and allow your eardrums to be blessed beyond belief by his soul-battering beats.
