Biography
J. Jesses Smith has been one of the most sought-after music-video directors in the industry. He is a highly successful independent-film director who recently served as directing consultant (co-director) and producer on the Directorial debut of International superstar and multi-platinum recording artist, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's "Before I Self Destruct", also starring Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. In addition, Jesses has worked on the highly successful 50 cent "Pimpin Curly" Internet series; which has been seen by millions world wide. Jesses also directed 50 Cent in over 7 music videos and the RGX Body Spray commercials for Right Guard.
Jesses, a resourceful and creative force in the world of Hip-Hop/R&B Video for over 10 years, has directed over 150 music videos. His music- video directography, reads like a laundry list of who's-who in Hip-Hop Music; some of the superstars he has worked with are 50 Cent, Eve, Ashanti, The Wu-Tang Clan, Snoop Dog, DMX, Lil' Kim, Erick Sermon, Kelly Roland, Mos Def, TuPac and the Outlaws, Avant, Redman, Keith Sweat, Dave Hollister, Jersee Monet, Super Producers, Swizz Beatz, DJ Quick, Allstar, and LT Hutton; and rock groups Dope, Most Precious Blood, and Seminole County.
Although his credits are prominent in the music industry, J. Jesses has also produced and directed for television, including the nationally- syndicated show "T&T Today" for BET, which is based on Caribbean culture, and independent feature film "Crime Partners" based on a novel by Donald Goines; which achieved over 40 million in sales on a $250,000 budget.
Having helped to create brandings for popular artists such as Ruff Ryders and DMX, Jesses has set multiple staples in the hip hop realm. He is considered one of the most versatile directors in the industry. His unique and creative approach is well known and he is often called upon when an artist is in need of a new image or style.
Jesses still directs the occasional music video, but his real passion is directing feature films. His vast range can also be seen in films such as the intensely-violent street hit "Crime Partners," featuring Laz Alonso, and in the 2009 romantic comedy "I Do...I Did!" He went on to direct an independent film, "The Gift" starring "The Wire"'s Jamie Hector. His love for hard-hitting action can also be seen in such films as "One Blood" starring Antwon Tanner and Clifton Powell, and "Clandestine."
In 2010 Jesses showed his versatility by taking on a serious drama, "Breathe."
