Jarvis Edward Cooper, often abbreviated J.E. Cooper, is an American rapper professionally known as BB Jay from Brooklyn famously noted for his vocal similarity to late hip-hop legend The Notorious B.I.G. He is noted for his music to reflect the Christian views and values of his faith and belief in the divinity of Jesus.^[7]

Early life

Born Jarvis Edward Cooper in Brooklyn, New York, BB Jay was raised in New Jersey.^[8] He was first introduced to Christian rap at the age of 11. He went to a Christian youth camp in Lebanon, New Jersey where he met gospel rapper Charles E. Mitchell Sr. (aka Rap'n Rev).^[9]

Career

In 1997, BB Jay released his first single independently, called "The Pentecostal Poppa". The single was successful on radio and received rotation on BET. A year after signing with Jive Records, he released his international debut album Universal Concussion in 2000.^[10][11] The album was heavily promoted with music videos, singles, and national touring. In 2001, he made a guest appearance on "I Sings" by American gospel duo Mary Mary for their debut studio album, Thankful (2000). After a five-year hiatus, BB Jay recorded a collaboration album with rappers Pettidee & Demetrus titled 3 The God Way, released in 2005.^[12] Unlimited was released on June 26, 2007. The 17-track album will have a companion DVD also titled Unlimited.

BB Jay is often cited as one of the very few musicians who is openly a Christian in the mainstream hip hop industry.^{[citation needed]}

Awards and achievements

In the year 2002, BB Jay has received a Holy Hip-Hop Award and a Stellar Award for New Artist Of The Year.^[13] In 2007, he won a Carolina Holy Hip Hop Achievement Award for National Hip Hop Apostle of the Year.^[14]