"J.R.", the familiar R&B voice behind many of Cross Movement Record's memorable hooks is a versatile crooner with unmistakable style. Born Courtney O. Peebles in St. Louis, Missouri, J.R.’s impressive list of collaborations includes Cry No More (Holy Culture/The Cross Movement), N.F.L (Moment of Truth/Da’ Truth) and My Clothes, My Hair (The Thesis/The Ambassador) to name just a few. A multitalented singer, songwriter and producer, J.R. is the point man behind So Hot Productions, the highly sought after production company that contributes to the diversity of sound heard on many CMR projects.

J.R. grew up in the church but never really listened to the Gospel message – living with one foot in the streets and one foot in the church. It was not until he saw himself as a hypocrite that he decided to trust what the Bible said about God’s plan for his life.

"So now I feel the desperate need to show the world this light in me…praying that every man would take heed to the Word of God that sets free." ---J.R.

His debut album, “Metamorphosis” chronicles God’s work in J.R.’s, and by extension every Christian’s life, illustrating the process of transformation from sinner to believer, from a life lived in darkness to one illuminated by the light of Christ.

An eclectic mix of soulful R&B ballads, “Metamorphosis” challenges the boundaries of what Christian Hip hop and Gospel music is traditionally known to be. Listen closely – songs like “Drama” deliver the hardcore message of consequences to sinful living over a deceptively smooth rhythm. “Beautiful Light” calls to mind a summer day, driving with the windows down, contemplating God’s redemptive grace and love. Worship and adoration of Christ abound in the mellow, Marvin Gaye influenced “Amazing”. True to Cross Movement form, Metamorphosis resonates sound doctrine in a musical style that is culturally accessible to the modern listener.