Founder of Mind of the Noise Records (M.O.T.N.) and Grammy-contending producer, Jason D. Harris, uses his music to foster connection and inspire change. From his roots in St. Louis to his rise in Los Angeles, Harris has worked as a playback engineer for award-winning major artists like Kid Cudi and Ledisi while staying true to his mission of motivating musical transformations. As a producer, he blends high-level artistry with a passion for bringing visions to life, and through his independent program Beat School with Mr. J, he empowers children to grow musically and emotionally, making him one of hip-hop’s most dynamic creators today.
From St. Louis to Los Angeles: Surviving Through Sound
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Growing up in St. Louis, Harris used music as a coping mechanism to navigate life’s challenges. His early days were shaped by a rich musical environment, playing organ and percussion at his family’s church, Celestial Temple of Peace, and drawing inspiration from his brother Rautu Robert Harris, who danced with icons like Destiny’s Child and Tamia. For Harris, music wasn’t just a passion, it was his life’s mission and a way to survive and thrive.
Photo credit: R5 Graphics
In 2012, he launched a summer camp music program at his church, providing inner-city youth with a creative outlet and hosting back-to-school drives featuring live performances. His music video for Trayvon Martin – No More Guns promoted peace and unity within the community. He also worked as a Registered Behavioral Technician at Great Circle Residential Facility, helping low-functioning autistic children gain critical life skills.
Harris’s journey eventually led him to Los Angeles, where his career began to take shape. He became a sought-after playback engineer or ProTools operator assistant, collaborating with artists like Jennifer Lopez, Ciara, Taraji P. Henson, Kid Cudi, and Lupe Fiasco. By 2022, his talents earned him recognition as a Grammy contender for his work on The Essence of Hope, a spoken word poetry album performed by PoeticMoment. His musical contributions to highly acclaimed short films like SOL by Taylor Aguilar led to screenings at prestigious events such as the Cannes American Pavilion Worldwide student program.
Mind of the Noise Records: Beats with Meaning
In 2020, Harris launched Mind of the Noise Records in North Hollywood, creating a space for artists to produce music with purpose. More than just a label, M.O.T.N. offers a full suite of services, including production, engineering, artist development, and distribution. Harris’s work with neo-soul artist Nat Stephens exemplifies the label’s mission to develop the music that the world needs right now. Together, they’ve put out an album to connect on a much deeper level with listeners, launching Stephens’s upcoming single, “Happy New Year,” dropping December 27, 2024. The track is meant to solidify the hope our nation is privately craving.
Photo Credit & Cover Art: Nat Stephens
M.O.T.N. also produced Harris’s American Detox Vol. 1 album, in partnership with Universal Music Group/InGrooves, encouraging audiences to confront their struggles and find peace amidst chaos. Harris’s vision for the label remains unwavering: to redefine hip-hop by building a movement that extends beyond beats or audible 808s, and enters deeper into our hearts and minds.
Giving Back: “Beat School with Mr. J”
Harris’s passion for music education comes full circle with Beat School with Mr. J, a program designed to empower youth through the power of music. Launched in 2023 at Citizens of the World Hollywood, the program enrolled 80 students in its first year, teaching them to use music for self-expression and mental health. Through hands-on production, students learn to “Beat the Odds, Beat the System, and Beat their Doubts and Fears.”
The program’s roots trace back to Harris’s summer camp in St. Louis, where he first realized music’s potential to transform lives while working hand in hand with each child. Today, Beat School is growing across California from Inglewood to Hollywood, with plans to expand globally. Recently, Harris mentored the Boys & Girls Club at LA Live’s Coke Studio and countless local schools and youth groups like The Village Nation. His “Buy a Hat, Donate a Class” initiative further extends its reach, funding free sessions for underprivileged children.
Photo Credit: Mitchell Schultz
“The Village Nation applauds Jason ‘Mind of The Noise’ Harris for his unwavering dedication to serving our community through musical art and a heart of compassion,” said Fluke Fluker, President of The Village Nation.
Reshaping the Future of Hip-Hop
Jason D. Harris’ music and actions demonstrate that hip-hop can move us through every moment, whether in-studio or inside the classroom. Through Mind of the Noise Records and Beat School with Mr. J, Harris is reshaping the culture, by blending artistry with activism. Whether mentoring rising talents like Nat Stephens producing thought-provoking tracks, or teaching kids to unlock their creativity, Harris is committed to tapping into a higher frequency.
Support Jason D. Harris and his mission by visiting mindofthenoise.com, streaming on Spotify, or buying a hat to donate to a class for one lucky student. As Harris shows us, one beat can spark a movement—and he’s just getting started.
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