Montell Jordan

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• Genre: New Jack
• Hometown: Los Angeles

About

Seductive grooves, silky vocals and emotive songwriting are just a few of the reasons why Montell Jordan remains a clear favorite among the ladies long after his smashing success with "This Is How We Do It." A native of Los Angeles, Jordan signed to Def Jam following an audition for rap mogul (and Def Jam co-founder) Russell Simmons. Jordan's positive spin on his upbringing in South Central Los Angeles stood in direct contrast to the era's rising gangsta rappers, who preferred to sing about pimps, thugs and guns. Although he has never been able to match his initial success, Jordan continues to record, delivering the highly personal album Montell Jordan in 2002.

- Linda Ryan