July 20, 2010 - Back in the `90s, J.E. Jones was one of Russell Simmons' key Vice Presidents at Def Jam Records where he was A&R Executive on projects featuring R&B superstars ranging from Mary J. Blige and Montell Jordan to rapper Heavy D. Now, J.E. has stepped from the wings to center stage by releasing his debut solo gospel album entitled Fire, a blend of Hip Hop and R&B flavored gospel beats through his very own label, Ultimate Entertainment Records.

Fire features 11 tracks inspired by J.E.'s personal struggles which touch on a message of hope for a lost generation. The project boasts songs such as "It's Your Life," "No More Fighting In Me" and the first radio single "The Turnaround." Not only is the project a reflection of J.E.'s life, but also an extension of his ministry. It's important that we reach everyone we can," he says. "I think you can touch so many more people outside of the pulpit through music. Music travels so far. It's our job to move beyond the podium and try to reach not just the saved but the unsaved."

J.E. Jones began his career as an intern at Uptown Records where he was mentored by Uptown founder Andre Harrell and Uptown colleague, Sean "Puffy" Combs. He swiftly moved from the basement to the boardroom as an A&R Vice President, and also made his mark in the broader entertainment world serving as Executive Producer on the Motion Picture soundtracks for The Nutty Professor and Rush Hour. Despite appearing to have it all -- cars, a beautiful house and a great career, J.E. felt a huge void. Desperate to fill that emptiness, J.E. accepted his aunt's invitation to attend church with her. He felt the Lord had been dealing with his heart for some time, and from that day forward he became a Christian. "When I got saved I became serious about ministry," says J.E. "I kept writing and producing and serving as a music industry consultant, but ministry became my focus." While gradually transitioning away from his work at Def Jam, J.E. became a minister, training for the role of elder in his church organization, and eventually accepting the call to pastor.

Following that direction, J.E. Jones founded Ultimate Entertainment, a record label that combines his love of music with his passion for the Gospel. It is the goal of the label to reach an unchurched generation with the revelation of a true relationship with the Lord. The debut release from Ultimate Entertainment was a top-selling project from Bishop Eddie Long & Friends, The Kingdom Vol. 1. In addition to marking the label's first success, the project gave J.E. the opportunity to use his skills as a songwriter/producer by working with some of the biggest names in gospel, including Juanita Bynum and her newest EP "Soul Cry (Oh, Oh, Oh)." J.E. Jones has also worked with Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett, Dorinda Clark Cole and Kierra "Kiki" Sheard. "I believe the people we are called to reach are being introduced to God differently than the last generation," J.E. says. "This generation doesn't know anything about church politics. They just want to get to know Jesus."

Fire is released today, July 20, 2010 on Ultimate Entertainment Records distributed by RED Music.