**EXCLUSIVE** Tending My Garden & Now My Daughter Is A Smash

I identify with the idea that once you have children, suicide is no longer an option.  With that means to me, is that once children become part of the equation, in that instance we make a commitment to something far greater than ourselves.  In that instance, we forgo principles and we forgo standards.  We sacrifice the ability to primarily pursue any dreams, desires or ambitions we may have had prior to their existence.  Upon our children we must place our energy, our efforts, and our focus.  Our children are our greatest commodity and should be our most primary concern.

For me, this is an absolute truth.  It is on the strength of this truth, that many years ago, I decided to forgo my presence in the music industry as an artist, and instead grab hold of my family.  Even when my brother Russell offered me a piece of Def Jam, I realized it more important to embark on the journey GOD had presented, although that journey led me in the opposite direction of my dream.  And please believe me, I wanted to stay, I enjoyed being Oran “Juice” Jones, but my inner voice said “go tend your garden,” so I did.

I have 7 children, and I have been completely involved in their lives since conception and will continue to do so, GOD willing, until my death.  I have remained married (20 years) to a woman who has continued to love, honor, and respect me throughout it all; and because of this I wake up every morning feeling blessed.

The struggle of life is ongoing as is the rhythm.  The desire is to find balance between the two.

-Oran 'Juice' Jones