NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Acclaimed rap/hip-hop recording artist 5ive (Craig James) has been named managing partner of True Breed Records, it was announced today. 5ive, along with business partner Ray Ortiz, will now oversee all daily operations of the label. True Breed is an imprint of Nashville Label Group, a multi-genre record company launched three years ago by Seventh Day Slumber founder and frontman Joseph Rojas.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the Lord for this amazing opportunity,” 5ive shares. “As an artist on True Breed, I couldn’t have imagined that one day I’d become a managing partner. With Joseph’s blessing and support, Ray and I are excited for this new journey. Our desire is for Jesus to be glorified in word and action as we help win the lost to Christ through the power of music.”
Also the first artist signed to True Breed, 5ive released his label debut, Family Business, in 2019. Produced by 5ive and SPEC (Flame, V.Rose), the 14-song set chronicles 5ive’s past struggles with drug addiction and his miraculous redemption. Steeped in themes of unity and love, Family Business showcases features from such names as V.Rose, SPEC, Datin, and J. Carter, among others. 5ive’s True Breed sophomore set will bow later this year.
Born Craig James, 5ive takes his stage name from the biblical number for grace and favor. A tumultuous childhood led the rapper to drug addiction by the time he was 21. In late 2010, strung-out and unable to sleep for days, 5ive unmistakably heard the voice of God telling him to go to church. He surrendered his life to Christ upon entering the church, where his aunt served as pastor, and a few months later—with no previous musical experience or formal training—5ive wrote his first Christian rap song. He has since released multiple projects, including Ignition, Ain’t Supposed To Be Here and Flight 393.
Nashville Label Group was established in 2018 by Joseph Rojas, Seventh Day Slumber founder and frontman and creator of the City RockFest and Summer RockFest Tours. The label’s True Breed and RockFest Records imprints are distributed by New Day Christian Distributors, with digital distribution by Capitol Christian Music Group.
