CJ The Artist

From jokes to good vibes, CJ is a multi-faceted artist whose mediums include Stand-up Comedy, Music and Writing. Born Christian-John Monias and whose family is originally from Northern Manitoba, CJ was born in Winnipeg but was raised in the Eeyou territory of James Bay in the Cree Nation of Chisasibi, Québec. As a young teenager, CJ first experimented with music through rap battling and freestyling after being inspired by the movie 8 Mile released in 2002. The first album CJ ever owned was The Slim Shady LP on cassette that his mom blindly purchased for him. “She had no idea what she was buying.” CJ cites Marshall Mathers as a major influence in his journey into rap music. CJ also praises the representation of Indigenous music artists as a huge motivation to pursue music, at a young age he saw music artists like Litefoot (Mortal Kombat, Indian In The Cupboard) and Warparty (First Juno Nominated Native Rap Group) visit his community. “Popular music made it seem like to be a successful musician was just a dream, but it was the Indigenous artists that made it seem like a career was achievable, like it was possible.” CJ also considers his high school teachers to be very encouraging of his pursuits. His music teacher was the first to provide him with FL Studio 7 and also show him a home studio set up. CJ started producing music as a means to create original songs, as he didn’t feel right using instrumentals downloaded from Limewire. “Crank Dat” by Soulja Boy served as a major influence to start producing music for himself. “That song was made with ONLY the demo version of FL Studio, and I recognized all the sounds. Soulja Boy really opened my eyes on being a self autonomous artist and to also take opportunity of new technology.” CJAY lists many artists and producers in hip hop music as inspiration. “I love it all, from the 80s and 90s, Death Row and Bad Boy, Shady, Swishahouse, Bone Thugs, Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam, Cash Money, Top Dawg and all the new shit too like Kodak, 21, Nip (RIP), NAV, and Internet Money.”

Christian’s interest in comedy also started at a young age when he first seen Russell Peters’ special on cable. Since then he was a big fan of the Just For Laughs tapings and of comedians like Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Mitch Hedberg, Steven Wright and George Carlin. “Either comedians made things very relatable or saw things in a weird light, but that also helped me make sense of daily life.” In high school, his English teacher revealed to him that she used to work for Just For Laughs and how he reminded her of the comedians she used to work with. “My teacher told me I should try comedy, so one of my first experiences of trying it was a public speaking contest that I lost, but was a huge win for me.”

CJ has made a career and living from performing, teaching music and selling beats at affordable prices. “One of my main goals is to help others pursue their passions, to discover them, to show others that creating art is accessible and affordable.” He’s worked with community-based organizations that focus on the arts and education such as InPath (N’we Jinan, Mikw Chiyam), ArtsCan, TakingItGlobal and Wapikoni Mobile. “Looking back at how I was inspired by artists and motivated by teachers, it feels right passing on that knowledge and encouragement as well.”

As a music performer and comedian, CJAY has been to cities such as Toronto, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Thunder Bay. He’s shared stages with Drezus, Mattmac, Native Pool Boy and Robbie G. CJ is often performing in events and shows in and around Montreal.

“Let your passions guide you, reap what comes from it.”

-CJ