Rapper and president of M-Squad Entertainment, J. Ward (aka Jay Ward) pursued a career as a solo artist in 2015 after a series of deaths and health scares shook up his perspective. Previously preferring a low-key, behind-the-scenes role, promoting artists on his label (like the 7hunna Blocc Boyz crew) and fostering a familial environment for his signees. Once he decided to focus the spotlight on himself, he dropped a series of singles: "Vegas Life" with rapper Ken, "All on Me" produced by Chill Go Hard, "Twerk Sumn" with 7hunna Blocboyz and Murda Rock, and a salute to his fallen comrades, "R.I.P. 1Time," a local Memphis favorite featuring artists from the M-Squad roster. Born on the southside of Chicago, he moved to the north Memphis area of New Chicago as a teen. Representing both neighborhoods, he began recording his debut mixtape, The Testimony: 2 Hoodz 2 Cities, Chapter 1, in March 2016. ~ Neil Z. Yeung, Rovi