Moore than Words

FLVR J Moore

By: Bryant BBOY Worthing @bboyworthing

If you are from Seattle or beyond and you knew Jonathan Moore aka J Moore he would greet you with the word “Peace”. It was his way of saying hello, it was powerful yet very meaningful at the same time. On March 8th, 2017 Moore left this world and a city he was a big part of in many facets including hip hop music, arts and business. A true pioneer who served as the city’s unofficial “mayor” respected by many who often was a go to for young upcoming artist and established ones as well. In the past few years J had been battling kidney issues while raising his youngest son with his partner and a high school aged son. Only 47 years old Mr Moore was still a young man, and the loss has devastated many people in the Emerald City and far beyond, but the peace he brought to the world through music and leadership will never leave the people who knew him and the endless lives he touched. 

As an artist himself he went by the name Wordsayer in the classic hip hop group out of Seattle Source of Labor in the 90s.  He also manged many acts and artists through the Jasiri Music Group and the Seattle hip-hop scene has had the honor of tuning in for over a decade as he hosted the Sunday Night Sound Sessions radio show on KUBE 93 alongside DJ Hyphen. Moore was like a godfather in many senses a gate keeper type.  A person that spoke truth, from letting an artist know they were wack to lending a helping hand on how to build their individual brand. His knowledge was deep, educated and honest; nothing about him was preposterous. 

Moore grew up in Seattle’s central District and went to Morehouse in Atlanta for college where his experiences growing up in the Northwest while also spending time down south helped shape his vision for music and hustle. In many ways J was the person that gave hip-hop its wings in Seattle. Back in the 90s one of the most celebrated venues for music shows was the RKCNDY which was a place where rock and punk bands were very prominent and many flourished to world-wide heights even. During that era other hip-hop shows in the area had violence and other “safety issues” so RKCNDY wasn’t really trying to book the hip hop route.

Enter J Moore.

He was persistent with trying to get a Source of Labor show booked at that venue, spoke to the powers that be endless times until finally they gave him a break. Gangster rap was big at that time, but J and his group had a different vibe and once they got a chance they broke ground. This is example A of how Jonathan Moore opened a big door for hip hop in the city of Seattle, acts today can thank him for spearheading the hip hop revival in many senses. Not only did Jon learn how to negotiate and get deals he also learned and eventually taught the art of hustle and promotion, he knew getting a gig, just like opening a business or starting a radio show, doesn’t stop there-WORK had to be put in, his work ethic, smile and simple message of peace will never be forgotten.

FLVR sends out of love and respect to the late great Jonathan Moore and his family and we thank him for paving the way for all of us within this industry. Please feel free to donate to the Moore and family via Go Fund Me as they fight through this tough time.

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