Jaron Marquis facts for kids

Jaron Marquis Garrett (born July 8, 1983), known as Jaron Marquis or J. Marquis, is an American rapper and actor. He is also an entrepreneur and investor. Jaron lives in Los Angeles.

He helped start Dreamapolis, a program in Indianapolis that helps new businesses grow. He also co-founded Urban Genius Entertainment, an independent record 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 high school at Arsenal Technical High School in 2001.

He then went to Indiana State University. In 2005, he earned a bachelor's degree. He studied business and pastoral sciences there. After that, he moved to Chicago. He got an MBA degree from Benedictine University.

From a young age, Jaron was interested in business. When he was 12, he made and sold jewelry. He tried many different business ideas. At Indiana University, he started a company for theater shows. After college, he owned an advertising company. He also started and sold a painting business. He even owned part of a phone company.

Music Career

Jaron Marquis started rapping in the late 1990s. He was an underground battle rapper. This means he would compete against other rappers. He helped his friends get shows at Arsenal Tech High School. They would set up rap battles around Indiana.

Jaron took a break from music for ten years. During this time, he focused on his businesses and investments. In 2014, he returned to music. He used the name J. Marquis. He released a mixtape called Soul of A Genius. This mixtape included songs like "We All Rant" and "Just Like Water." The song "Just Like Water" featured famous singer Lauryn Hill.

In 2016, he started using his real name, Jaron Marquis, for his music. He released the single "Applause." Jaron has described his music style. He said it's like "college dropout Kanye with a touch of Janelle Monáe."

Business Ventures

In 2006, Jaron Marquis started his own company, JJ Marquis Investment Group LLC. He began working full-time in real estate.

In 2012, Jaron was a finalist at OnyxFest. This is a festival for plays. He directed a play called Betsy on E. 10th Street. He also acted in the play. He helped start the Indianapolis Urban Theatre and Dance Company. The play was praised for telling the story of a Vietnam veteran.

In 2011, Jaron also co-founded Dreamapolis. This was a program in Indianapolis. It helped new businesses get started. It also provided money for them. Dreamapolis supported entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators. It connected them with important tools and resources. Dreamapolis held workshops for business owners. They also organized crowdfunding events. Crowdfunding is when many people give small amounts of money to support a project. Dreamapolis also had business summer camps for young people. They invested in new ideas in Indianapolis.

Jaron launched his own independent record label in 2013. It is called Urban Genius Entertainment. He started recording new music with this label in 2014.

Personal Life

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

Music Releases

Singles

Mixtapes

Film and TV Appearances

Jaron Marquis has also appeared in several films and TV shows.