Meet Jaleel “JaRich” Ritchwood-Jordan | Music Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaleel “JaRich” Ritchwood-Jordan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaleel “JaRich”, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
Most difficult decision I ever had to make was to leave my educational career of teaching, or shall I say, leave it full time to focus more on my music career. It was difficult because since I could work, at the age of 16, I’ve worked and worked non stop even if I didn’t like or appreciate the job during that time. Working became my stability, a nine to five. Being able to provide for myself and keep afloat with bills and all the other projects I was involved in and involved with now. Community projects and initiatives, investing in my own music career with studio and production time. It all requires money or financial assistance. I had no hand outs. I have very supportive parents but they instilled in me work ethic and being able to stand on my own two feet, so leaving a job especially after being in a field for ten years was very difficult. I left children behind who counted on me, a salary, health benefits and insurance all for a dream, my dream. The only thing that led me to the decision was my faith and spiritual walk with Christ. If not for that, I’d still be teaching. I do love educating the next generation of world and community leaders/citizens but my reality just so happens to be outside of the classroom. Still making an impact and using my resources to help aide in certain areas where I can be of assistance, but my giftings go beyond a desk, a white board, an overhead projector and school building in general.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a musical artist, a vocal artist to be exact from Newark, NJ. I’ve been singing since the age of five, getting my start in my elementary school’s chorus and the Sunshine Band at church. I come from a musical and strong Christian faith foundation on both my maternal and paternal sides, but my gift of music and song came from my dads side. My grandmother, Barbara Ritchwood Hill was an esteemed church organist and vocalist in the Essex County area of New Jersey and she groomed her ten children, my dad being number nine, to sing and to work an audience. Outside of it being inherited, music found me. One day I opened my mouth to sing in school and my music teacher, Michelle Montero, at Fourteenth Avenue School in Newark, NJ, heard me and honed in on it. From that day, I’ve been singing. I’ve always stood out because I have a big personality and I also have a big voice. I sing loud and joyfully and with lots of emotion but I believe that’s the experience people want and need. Music brings out different emotions in people, just as words convey different emotions and meanings depending on the listener but one thing I would want people to always leave with after experiencing me or my music is that it was and is authentic. No frills. This journey is and hasn’t been easy but its been eventful and purposeful. Anytime you’re living out your purpose its going to come with some sacrifices but you have to be able to balance it all including keeping your mental intact. I’ve lost people along the way and I’ve heard my share of “no’s” and at times I gave into that but you have to keep going, keep pushing and see yourself through. You only not win when you give in!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I’m still new to this city I’m still figuring out a lot of the places that are hits. I can say that places like the Freeman in Deep Ellum is a great spot for food and live music. Me being an artist I love open mic spots and anything where I can hit a stage or just enjoy other local talent and artists. I enjoy museums and places and things that speak and educate on history, my history and others but especially the Black culture and arts.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out my home team back at home in New Jersey-my mom, dad, siblings, nephew, cousins and all those that support me while I’m on this journey of “becoming”, especially my fans who are my family, because people don’t have to like you nor support you so when they do you must honor that and be thankful so shout out to you, you, and you!

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Image Credits
Marques Ritchwood (Marqve) Jaleel Ritchwood-Jordan Mai’Touch Photography