Jaron Marquis facts for kids

Jaron Marquis Garrett (born July 8, 1983), known as Jaron Marquis or J. Marquis, is an American rapper, actor, and business owner. He lives in Los Angeles. He helped start Dreamapolis, a group in Indianapolis that helps new businesses. He also co-founded Urban Genius Entertainment, his own music label. As an actor, he has appeared in movies like Furious 7 and Straight Outta Compton.

Early Life and Education

Jaron Marquis was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He finished Arsenal Technical High School in 2001. He then went to Indiana State University, where he studied business. In 2005, he earned his bachelor's degree. Later, he moved to Chicago and got a special business degree called an MBA from Benedictine University.

Jaron Marquis started thinking about business at a young age. When he was 12, he made and sold jewelry. After college, he continued to explore different business ideas. He started a theater company while at Indiana University. He also ran an advertising company and a painting business.

Music Career

Jaron Marquis began his music journey in the late 1990s. He started as an underground "battle rapper." This is a type of rap where artists compete using rhymes and clever words. He and his friends would set up and take part in rap battles around Indiana.

After about ten years, Jaron Marquis returned to music in 2014. He released a mixtape called Soul of A Genius under the name J. Marquis. This mixtape included songs like "We All Rant" and "Just Like Water," which featured the famous singer Lauryn Hill.

In 2016, he started using his full name, Jaron Marquis, for his music. He released the song "Applause" that year. He describes his music as a mix of different styles, like a "college dropout Kanye with a touch of Janelle Monáe."

Business Ventures

Jaron Marquis has been involved in many business projects. In 2006, he started his own company, JJ Marquis Investment Group LLC. He began working full-time in real estate. A year later, he planned a large project to build a 25-story apartment building in downtown Indianapolis. However, this project did not happen.

In 2011, Jaron Marquis helped create Dreamapolis. This organization in Indianapolis helps new businesses and creative people get started. Dreamapolis connects entrepreneurs with important tools and resources. It held workshops, crowdfunding events, and even business summer camps for young people.

Jaron Marquis also co-founded the Indianapolis Urban Theatre and Dance Company. In 2012, he was a finalist at OnyxFest, a theater festival. He directed and acted in a play called Betsy on E. 10th Street. The play was well-received because it told the story of a Vietnam veteran.

In 2013, Jaron Marquis launched his own independent music label, Urban Genius Entertainment. He started recording new music through this label in 2014.

Personal Life

Jaron Marquis is married and has three daughters. He currently lives and works in Los Angeles.

Discography

Singles

Mixtapes

Filmography