Jaron Marquis

Jaron Marquis Garrett (born July 8, 1983), better known by his stage name Jaron Marquis or J. Marquis, is an American rapper, actor, entrepreneur and investor based in Los Angeles. He co-founded Dreamapolis, an Indianapolis-based start-up accelerator, and the independent record label Urban Genius Entertainment. As an actor he has starred in film roles that include Furious 7 and Straight Outta Compton.

Early life

Marquis was born in Indianapolis and graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 2001. He received a bachelor of arts degree with concentrations in business and pastoral sciences from Indiana State University in 2005. Then he moved to Chicago and obtained an MBA from Benedictine University.

Music career

Marquis began his rap career as an underground battle rapper in the late 1990s. He booked gigs for his rapper friends at Arsenal Tech High School, where he and his friends would organize and participate in local rap battles around the state of Indiana. The mixtape included the singles "We All Rant" and "Just Like Water" featuring Lauryn Hill.

In 2016, he began performing and recording under his actual name Jaron Marquis with the release of the single "Applause".

He was an OnyxFest finalist in 2012. He directed Betsy on E. 10th Street, a play by the Indianapolis Urban Theatre and Dance Company, a theatrical production company which he co-founded. He also played one of the main roles. The play was praised for drawing its story from the life of a Vietnam veteran and ex-Black Panther.

In 2011, Marquis also co-founded Dreamapolis, an Indianapolis-based start-up accelerator and seed-funding source for start-ups, social entrepreneurs, creatives and innovators. It helped urban entrepreneurs start businesses by connecting them with critical tools and resources. Dreamapolis held entrepreneur workshops and crowdfunding events, organized business summer camps for youth, and invested in creative Indianapolis ideas.

Marquis launched the independent record label Urban Genius Entertainment in 2013 and began recording new music in 2014.

Private life

Marquis is married and has three daughters. He currently lives and works in Los Angeles.

Discography

Singles

Mixtapes

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes 2007 Girl Crazy Bobby 2010 Antihero Stranger short2015 HitRecord on TV himself also: composer and musician Furious 7 L.A. Street Racer uncredited Straight Outta Compton T-shirt vendor uncredited