Jason D. Harris (’09 Digital Filmmaking)
A dynamic hip-hop artist, music producer, and educator whose life story highlights the transformative power of music and mentorship.
Jason D. Harris (’09 Digital Filmmaking) has seamlessly merged his passion for music and education to empower youth locally and globally.
KCAI played a crucial role in shaping Harris’s artistic journey, providing foundational projects and mentorship that expanded his creative vision. Former KCAI faculty members like Carl Kurtz emphasized discipline and craftsmanship. At the same time, other faculty mentors in the Film Department, including Dwight Frizzell, Diana Heise, and Cyan Meeks, encouraged him to merge visual and auditory elements, laying the groundwork for his interdisciplinary approach to music and art.
“KCAI gave me the first platform to experiment and find my true calling in the arts, both music and visual art.” Harris said when reminiscing about his experience at KCAI.
After graduating from the Kansas City Art Institute and furthering his studies at Mills College in Oakland, he began forging his path in the music industry. Collaborating with notable artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Kid Cudi, and Taraji P. Henson, Harris worked on projects ranging from vocal engineering for live performances to managing international tours with bands like Why Don’t We. His technical expertise and creative vision led him to contribute to high-profile platforms, including Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and the Jingle Ball, spanning over 190 shows worldwide.
“KCAI gave me the first platform to experiment and find my true calling in the arts, both music and visual art.”
After establishing his career in Los Angeles and collaborating with major artists, Harris sought a way to blend his love for music with a commitment to social change.
This led to the founding of Mind of the Noise Records in 2020 (M.O.T.N.), with a mission to create music that heals, inspires, and fosters collaboration, building a community of artists, creators, and entrepreneurs. This is reflected in releases like Tango and American Detox Vol. 1.
M.O.T.N. also supports youth empowerment through programs like Beat School, which combines Harris’s values of community building, mental health awareness, and creativity.
His collaborations with organizations such as The Village Nation exemplify his dedication to using music as a tool for social change. Through M.O.T.N., Harris creates a space for artists to explore their identities, make an impact, and inspire positive change in their communities.
Reflecting on a pivotal moment in his career, Harris recalls, “When I was at my last financially and physically, I asked myself: What can I do to push music and still educate kids? Beat School was the answer. I’ve always been doing Beat School; I just created a home and a place for it now to support mental health, comprehension skills, and creativity.”
"I’ve always been doing Beat School; I just created a home and a place for it now to support mental health, comprehension skills, and creativity.”
Harris plans to expand Beat School nationwide to reach more underserved youth, offering a holistic educational experience that integrates branding, technology, and social skills. His goal is to make it a movement, providing free classes for kids from elementary to high school through initiatives like “Buy a Hat, Donate a Class.” This expansion aligns with his broader mission of using music for social impact and community development.
Jason D. Harris’s journey reflects the power of persistence and creativity. From his early experiences at KCAI to his innovative work in Los Angeles, Harris has harnessed the potential of music to empower and create social change. “Never stop believing in your craft,” he advises KCAI students. “Your journey is not straight. You just gotta navigate. Don’t be hindered by the roadblocks. Navigate around that. Find your way through.”