Young TKA artists launch their music careers

photo by Anthony “Truth” Gary Sophomore, Liam Elmore engages in a monthly, freestyle Soul Food Cypher rap competition in Atlanta, Georgia.

TKA junior Josh Jordi and sophomore Liam Elmore both have their love of music largely in common. While Elmore’s music has been released, Jordi’s remains so far unrecorded but in progress. The two share the same end goals, yet they write different types of music. Jordi prefers a contemporary Christian style, while Elmore favors rap. 

Jordi takes his inspiration from Josiah Queen, wanting to impact others and shine a light for Jesus. 

“I’ve made a couple goals for myself, for my future hopefully,” Jordi said. “I’d like to lead as many people as possible to Christ through it [music], or just to plant seeds that could improve their quality of life or how they feel about themselves.”

Elmore, who records with studio owner Jt Oaks in Tennessee, takes inspiration from ground-breaking rappers such as Eminem and also the show “Fresh Prince of Belair.” 

“I’d like to be a good Christian influence and an example of how to live a good Christian life,” Elmore said. “That’s not to say that I’m perfect, but showing people you don’t have to be perfect, but you should try.” 

Emmett Gilcreast, Jordi’s friend, has heard some of Jordi’s talent in various places including devotions, on mission trips and in shows Jordi is a part of. 

“It [the time he was referring to] was Honduras this year, and we had to learn a song in Spanish, and we sang it at a Sunday morning church service in Spanish. I think it was ‘How Great is our God,’ and he led that. It’s just so cool to see,” Gilcreast said.

Elmore’s past mixtapes had been released and are now unable to be found or listened to because of his young age when they were recorded and their quality. However, on March 14, Elmore released his first album, “Motif.” 

“I’m working on my second album right now,” said Elmore. "There are gonna be 25 tracks, and I’m gonna record it in October. It’s still a very early phase of it. Once I record it, it’ll be easier to tell when I’m going to release it because I have a lot of stuff to do after that, but hopefully by the end of the school year.”

Gilcreast believes that Jordi truly could be the next Josiah Queen with the steps he’s taking to prepare. Between voice lessons and writing, Jordi takes the time he needs to work on his music.  

“He takes it [his music] very seriously,” Gilcreast said. “I think, multiple times, he considered quitting baseball just to focus on music. I think at one point he was going to join the football team, but then he said he wanted to focus on his music. So he definitely prioritizes that a lot.” 

Kellan Wier, Elmore’s friend, believes in what Elmore can do with his music and that with the devotion he has, he can be successful. 

“He takes it [his music] very seriously,” Weir said.  “He always gives me updates about his music career, when he’s gonna be recording, what songs are on his new album and what it’s gonna be called. He’s pretty devoted and passionate about it.”