INTERVIEW: Jay Thomas shares new single “Amen”

Jay Thomas is a rising gospel artist whose music shines brightly with themes of faith, inspiration and personal testimony. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, raised in North Carolina and now based in York, Pennsylvania, Jay’s recently been making an impact as an artist with an engaging sound and worthwhile message.

Coming from gospel and Christian hip hop traditions, his artistic output reflects influences from the likes of Tye Tribett, KB, Mike Teezy, Anike and Pastor Mike Jr. Through his music, Jay strives to share the Good News, creating songs that uplift and connect listeners to his faith-driven endeavour.

First sharing his sound in 2020, he released his debut EP, Blessed, which he’s since followed up with a string of well-received singles while linking up with the likes of Smitty Bands, B-Christian, Redemptive Gifts and Mariama Whyte along the way. Now he brings us the perfect taste of his unique sonic vision with his recent single titled “Amen.”

Lifted from his upcoming debut full-length record, the single was recorded at Problem Solver Studios and expertly mixed and mastered by Elijah “SweetP” Valenti of SweetP Productions. Brought in by his bright vocalisations, the arrangement glides with laid back groove and processed backing vocal samples before the rattling beat ushers in Jay’s soulful leads.

Laying down razor-sharp rapped flows and graceful melodic hooks, he crafts an upbeat hip hop jam that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Packed full of infectious groove, colourful instrumentation and lively vocal performance, “Amen” serves up a dazzling slice of faith-focused, pop-tinged hip hop music.

Catchy and charming from start to finish, it’s an instantly memorable outing that perfectly distils Jay Thomas’ ability to craft stellar modern music with a meaningful message. We caught up with Jay Thomas to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Amen” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Jay Thomas below.

Hey Jay, how’s things?

What’s good, I’m blessed and I pray all is well with you and yours as well. I’ve busy working a few new projects. Myself and my team 4TK (4theKingdom) is working hard to achieve the goals we have for 2025.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

My earliest memory of making music is sneaking into my dads studio with my baby sister to play Godzilla sounds lol. I believe I was around 6 at the time. Then being my uncle s studio while he worked on music.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

The artist I draw inspiration as far as music style is from Marvin sapp, Tye Tribett, Lecrae, KB, Mike Teezy and believe or not Lil Wayne, T.I, Ludacris, Chris Brown, Dru Hill, Blackstreet and T-Pain. Yup, before I gave my life to Christ those artist where my go to’s! They definitely helped develop my style.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

The Word of God, My wife and children inspire me every single day! My 4TK family my church RHOW Life Center and my mentors. My past inspires me to as well. My mom, grandmothers, and all my relatives that have gone on to be with Jesus.

What was your highlight of the year for 2024?

My highlight of 2024 was being able to look at where God brought me from in my life and musically. The doors opened and opportunities have been amazing! Currently, my song Amen is on Holy Culture XM radio and other radio stations such as 105.5 the King radio in ATL

What do you love about your local music scene?

One thing that I love about my local music scene is that has such a blend of genres. You’ll never hear the same style.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Honestly, I would say anytime would be a good time to hear my music because I make music for every season of life we may fall in. Just to let the listener know that God is still there.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

Fam! (lol) Listen when I first started out in music as an adult, I was just a lil Wayne copy. I wanted to sound like Wayne and everything. He was my favorite rapper growing up so yeah I definitely mimicked him. Until one day my wife said “Bruh, sound like you…the world already has a Wayne…They know lil Wayne…they don’t know you. Introduce the world to you!” From that day forward I developed my own style. Sure it’s a combination of influences but I don’t sound like no one but myself.

Has your production process changed over the years too?

My production process changed because I meet my brother and engineer Elijah Valenti of SweetP Productions. I used to “mix and master” my own music and trust me it was HORRIBLE lol. My bro Elijah is one of the greats anywhere. He taught me how to properly record, helped me with pronouncing my words in my vocals clearly and also mixes and masters all my latest songs. He’s a big part of why I am where I am.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Man, that’s a tough one! If I had one artist to do a dream collaboration with? I think it would be Kirk Franklin because he literally introduced the church world to a new style of gospel and was rejected for it. It wasn’t until they saw the impact it had on young people coming to Christ that they accepted it. Right behind Mr. Franklin would be Pastor Mike Jr. I just feel like our styles and message of Christ fits so well together! That would be a crazy song!

How did you find making your new single “Amen”?

What I found in making “Amen” was that if you live for God, and lose your life then it’s a time for celebration because to be absent from the body is to be present with Christ. So I look at death definitely because yes while we will miss our loved one’s physical presence in our lives. We still rejoice that they get to hear “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into your rest!” Amen!

What message did you want to get across with this release?

I kinda answered that one in the last question😆! That’s my bad. But my message is to change our outlook as believers in Christ on when we finally leave this earth or family and friends leave. Because If we and they have lived the life God called them to live…then they are having the best party ever with the Father!

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I really don’t have a specific artist I listen to because I have a playlist of amazing artist who’s music helps me throughout any day. I definitely have a lot of Mike Teezy, KB, Anike, LeCrae, 1kPhew, Kirk Franklin, Maverick City, Pastor Mike Jr, Adia’s new single “On the way”, ummm J. Carr, Smokie Nortful and more!

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

My main message in my music is the Hope and Love in Jesus. The Good news of salvation and despite all we may go through that it’s gonna be ok. That we are gonna make out better than when we went in.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Yo! I truly loved all my “ministry in music sessions.” I don’t like calling them performances. I don’t have a favorite because they all have impacted someone in an amazing way! When God shows up and shows out then all of them are my favourites.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

For sure KB, Pastor Mike Jr, Kirk Franklin and if I could sneak 2 more in there then they would be Anike and Toyalove. The location would be the Boston Garden! That’s a dream of mine. It’s would be so Dope!!!!

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

My advice for any artist trying to grow in this space would be to stay on your grind through the yes and nos! Don’t be afraid of hard work! Always keep God first and follow Him. All good money ain’t good money! That’s about it lol

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of the year?

We at 4TK are looking forward to having an amazing year! Just signed a distribution deal with MN2S and added a booking agent to our group. We have an event coming up in Burlington, NY for the OIC conference under the leadership of Apostle Wayne Norton and Apostle Rosalind Little this summer. We have another event called Ignited which is hosted by CJ Fairfield. My bro Chuck Bennett! He does ministry for New Life for girls! A recovery program for women getting out of the street. My sisters Shakayla and Shakera who founded the Power and Grace dance ministry is definitely going strong! They are so anointed and amazing! My Pastor Reggie Hunter of RHOW Life Center has so many events coming up I can’t name them all! lol! So please visit their website and tune in Sunday mornings at 11:30 live on Facebook and YouTube! If you’re in the York, PA area and would like to join us in worship 701 King street, York PA 17404! We will glad to have you! Umm…more events to be announced soon!

Listen to Amen below