Meet J. Drew Sheard II (JDS).
The first and youngest producer signed to hip hop hitmaker’s Pharrell Williams’ imprint Star Trak, the 23-year-old (under the pupilage of Williams) has crafted a number of gems for some of gospel’s heaviest hitters – namely sister Kierra Sheard.
Indeed, the Detroit native is a branch sprouted from a long-lasting gospel legacy that extends from grandmother/gospel legend Mattie Moss Clark to, of course, mother Karen Clark Sheard (one-fourth of legendary gospel group The Clark Sisters). But, despite having such musical nest to call home, JDS seems poised to soar in a different direction – a move that has lent him mixed review.
Speaking exclusively to That Grape Juice, the singer/songwriter/producer dishes about his family legacy, critics who have bashed his decision to experiment outside of gospel, and his family’s BET reality show ‘The Sheards’ set for premiere tonight, April 7th at 10/9c.
As ever, this is a must read:
