Montell Jordan Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Montell Jordan

Montell Du’Sean Jordan is a prominent American R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer, widely celebrated for his iconic 1995 smash hit single, “This Is How We Do It”. Beyond his chart-topping music career, which saw him as the primary male solo artist on Def Jam’s Def Soul imprint, Jordan has undergone a significant life transformation, transitioning into a licensed and ordained Christian minister and pastor. His journey embodies a remarkable blend of entertainment prowess and profound spiritual commitment, influencing millions through both his music and his ministry.

Montell Jordan Overview

Early Life and Education of Montell Jordan

Montell Du’Sean Jordan was born on December 3, 1968, in South Central Los Angeles, California, to Elijah and Delois Jordan. Raised in a Baptist family, Jordan frequently attended his local church where both his mother and father served as deacons. His early exposure to music came through playing the piano for his church as a child.

For his secondary education, Jordan attended Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, California, graduating in 1986. He then pursued higher education at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1991. During his time at Pepperdine, he also became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity in the spring of 1989.

Despite his musical inclinations, Montell Jordan initially took a practical career path after college, working for Williams Television Time, a company that produced TV infomercials. This period, however, served as a prelude to his destined entry into the music industry, as he used his spare time to perform at showcases, diligently pursuing his passion.

Montell Jordan’s Career

Montell Jordan’s career trajectory is marked by significant success in the R&B world, followed by a profound pivot into ministry. After several years of working in advertising and performing showcases, his big break came when he was noticed by Russell Simmons of Def Jam Records. He signed with Def Jam in 1995, becoming the second R&B artist to join the label.

Musical Breakthrough and Major Works

His debut single, “This Is How We Do It,” released in 1995, became an instant and massive hit, defining his “hip hop soul” musical style. The song sampled Slick Rick’s “Children’s Story” and reflected aspects of street life from his upbringing. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks and the R&B charts for eight weeks, selling over a million copies and leading to his debut album, also titled “This Is How We Do It,” achieving platinum status. This monumental success earned Montell Jordan a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1995.

Following this breakthrough, Jordan continued to release successful albums and singles. His 1996 album, “More…”, went gold. Other notable hits include “Somethin’ 4 Da Honeyz” (1996), “Let’s Ride” (1998) featuring Master P and Silkk the Shocker, and “Get It On Tonite” (1999), which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B chart. Over his nearly two-decade career in music, Jordan released seven studio albums and fourteen singles, selling more than 10 million records worldwide. His discography includes: “This Is How We Do It” (1995), “More…” (1996), “Let’s Ride” (1998), “Get It On… Tonite” (1999), “Montell Jordan” (2002), “Life After Def” (2003), “Let It Rain” (2008), and “Masterpeace” (2019).

Songwriting and Production

Beyond his performing career, Montell Jordan is also a prolific songwriter and producer. He has contributed his talents to numerous other artists, co-writing, producing, and singing backup for musicians such as Christina Milian, 98 Degrees, Shae Jones, Deborah Cox (“Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here”), and Sisqó (the number-one hit “Incomplete”).

Transition to Ministry

In 2003, Montell Jordan left Def Soul, citing artistic differences and a desire to move away from his image as a “sex symbol” to mature artistically. In 2010, Jordan made a significant life decision to leave the mainstream music industry and dedicate his life to faith. During a fast at Victory World Church in Norcross, Georgia, where he had become the worship leader, he felt a calling to quit the music industry. He became an executive worship pastor at Victory World Church and lived and worshipped with their team, Victory World Music (now Victory House Worship).

Montell Jordan and his wife, Kristin, later co-founded Master Peace Church, a fully virtual ministry based in Dacula, Georgia, aimed at nurturing spiritual growth and community engagement online. He continues to blend his musical gifts with his ministry, often performing as part of the “I Love the 90s Tour” to reach people “outside of the church” with his message.

Montell Jordan Personal Life & Family

Montell Jordan’s personal life is rooted in his family and a deep commitment to his Christian faith. He married Kristin Hudson in 1994. They have five children: Montell Jordan Jr., Sydney, Trey, Bryce, and Skyler. Some sources mention he has seven children and four to five grandchildren. The family resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

During the height of his music career, Montell Jordan was advised to keep his marriage private, publicly referring to Kristin as his “manager” and stating he was “married to his music”. He later openly discussed challenges in his marriage, including infidelity, and credits his decision to leave the music industry in 2010 partly to save his relationship.

Montell and Kristin Jordan have actively worked on their marriage, co-authoring the book “This Is How We Do It! Making Your Marriage A Masterpeace” in 2017, a testament to their dedication to each other and their faith. They are also founders of Marriage Masterpeace Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping couples, and operate the Marriage Masterpeace Retreat Center in Dacula, Georgia. Their ministry focuses on reconciling men and women to God and then to each other, with a goal to help save one million marriages.

In 2023, Jordan appeared on the reality TV series “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,” but was eliminated in the second episode due to a medical issue.

Awards and Achievements of Montell Jordan

Montell Jordan’s impactful career has been recognized with several accolades:

• Grammy Award Nomination: For Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1995 for “This Is How We Do It”.
• Billboard Hot 100 Chart Topper: “This Is How We Do It” peaked at #1 and remained there for seven consecutive weeks in 1995.
• R&B Chart Topper: “This Is How We Do It” topped the R&B charts for eight weeks. “Get It On Tonite” also peaked at #1 on the R&B chart in 1999.
• Platinum Album: His debut album, “This Is How We Do It,” sold over a million copies.
• Gold Album: “More…” (1996) sold over 500,000 copies.
• Multi-Platinum Recording Artist: Sold more than 10 million records worldwide.
• Five #1 Records: He has written five #1 records during his career.
• ASCAP R&B Soul Award: Received in 1998.

Montell Jordan Net Worth and Income

Montell Jordan’s net worth has been reported with varying figures across sources. As of 2024/2025, his net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $15 million.

His income sources primarily stem from his long and successful career as an R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer, with millions of album sales and numerous chart-topping hits. His most significant financial success came from his 1995 single “This Is How We Do It”. In addition to his own music, Jordan has generated income through writing and producing for other notable artists. His acting roles in films like “The Fighting Temptations” and “The Nutty Professor” also contributed to his earnings. More recently, his work as a pastor, author (including his autobiography “Becoming Unfamous” and the marriage book “This Is How We Do It! Making Your Marriage A Masterpeace”), and through his ministry, Master Peace Church and Marriage Masterpeace Inc., represent new avenues of income and purpose.

It is worth noting that Montell Jordan has faced financial challenges in the past, including reports in 2012 that the IRS was seeking $627,000 in back taxes from 1999 to 2001. Despite these past issues, he continues to be active in both entertainment and ministry.

Legacy and Influence

Montell Jordan’s legacy is dual-faceted, profoundly impacting both the R&B music landscape and the world of Christian ministry. In music, he is celebrated as a trailblazer in the new jack swing and hip-hop soul genres, with “This Is How We Do It” becoming an anthem of the 1990s and remaining one of the most recognized party songs of all time. His smooth vocals, charismatic stage presence, and ability to craft catchy hooks left an indelible mark on R&B and hip-hop music, inspiring many artists. He also played a crucial role in establishing Def Soul as Def Jam’s R&B imprint.

Beyond his musical achievements, Jordan’s bold transition into full-time ministry in 2010 carved out a unique narrative. His decision to prioritize “significance over success” and “faith over fame” serves as a powerful testament to personal transformation. As a pastor and co-founder of Master Peace Church and Marriage Masterpeace Inc., he now influences countless individuals and couples, promoting spiritual growth and marital reconciliation. His willingness to openly share his personal struggles and spiritual journey provides a message of hope and redemption, proving that “God can change and transform a man’s heart”. Montell Jordan continues to utilize his platform to bridge the gap between secular entertainment and spiritual outreach, ministering to artists and reaching audiences “outside of the church”.

Interesting Facts about Montell Jordan

• Early Talent: Montell Jordan played piano for his church as a musician while growing up.
• College Achievement: He graduated from Pepperdine University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Some sources indicate he graduated summa cum laude and was a state finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship.
• Pre-Music Career: Before signing his record deal, he worked for Williams Television Time, helping to make TV infomercials.
• Notable Showcase Attendees: At an early showcase performance, musicians Janet Jackson and Shanice Wilson were among the attendees.
• Def Jam Pioneer: He was the second R&B artist to sign with Def Jam Records, and the Def Soul imprint was created around him.
• Saved by Boyz II Men: In 1996, during a concert opening for Boyz II Men, Montell Jordan fell seven feet off the stage after a stage flare disoriented him. He sustained no injuries and later attributed his survival to the group.
• Image Shift: He left Def Soul in 2003 partly because he wished to shed his “sex symbol” image and mature artistically, despite having been married since 1994.
• Autobiography & Marriage Book: He released his autobiography, “Becoming Unfamous,” in 2016 and co-authored “This Is How We Do It! Making Your Marriage A Masterpeace” with his wife Kristin in 2017.
• Current Role: He is currently a co-pastor at Master Peace Church, an online ministry, and co-founder of Marriage Masterpeace Retreat Center, aiming to help save a million marriages.

Controversies

Montell Jordan’s career has seen some challenges and public discussions, primarily regarding his personal life and financial matters.

One notable point of discussion was his decision to keep his marriage to Kristin Hudson private during the peak of his music career. He publicly stated he was “married to his music” while being advised that revealing his marital status might diminish his appeal as a rising R&B star. Jordan later admitted to infidelity during this period, stating that his eventual departure from the music industry was partly motivated by a desire to save his marriage and address personal issues. His and Kristin’s openness about overcoming these challenges has since become a cornerstone of their marriage ministry.

Financially, Montell Jordan has reportedly faced issues with the IRS. In 2012, reports indicated that the IRS was seeking $627,000 in unpaid back taxes from the period between 1999 and 2001. These reports led to speculation about whether he would be forced to return to the music industry to settle his debts, despite having announced his retirement to focus on his spiritual calling.

Social Media Presence

Montell Jordan maintains an active presence across various social media platforms, utilizing them to connect with his audience, share updates on his ministry, and promote his ongoing musical endeavors. While specific real-time follower counts can fluctuate, his engagement reflects his diverse reach as both an artist and a pastor.

• Instagram: Montell Jordan actively shares insights into his life, family, ministry, and music on Instagram.
• Twitter (X): He uses Twitter (now X) to communicate directly with fans and followers, offering thoughts on faith, life, and career.
• YouTube: His YouTube channel features music videos, worship performances, sermons, interviews, and content related to Master Peace Church and Marriage Masterpeace.

His social media presence serves as a vital tool for his current ministry, allowing him to deliver sermons, provide marriage counseling resources, and engage with a global audience from his virtual church platform. He often shares content alongside his wife, Kristin, reflecting their joint commitment to their ministry and family life.

Final Words about Montell Jordan

Montell Du’Sean Jordan’s journey is a compelling narrative of evolving purpose, moving from a multi-platinum R&B sensation to a dedicated pastor and advocate for strong marriages. Best known for his unforgettable 1995 hit “This Is How We Do It,” Montell Jordan left an indelible mark on the music industry, solidifying his place as a 90s icon and a trailblazer in hip-hop soul.

His transition in 2010 from a celebrated music career to full-time ministry at Victory World Church, and subsequently co-founding Master Peace Church and Marriage Masterpeace Inc. with his wife Kristin, represents a profound personal and professional reorientation. This shift underscores his commitment to “significance over success” and a life dedicated to faith, family, and community.

Currently, Montell Jordan remains active, not only as a minister who delivers sermons and offers marriage counseling but also occasionally returning to the stage, notably as part of the “I Love the 90s Tour,” using these platforms to share his message of hope and faith. His legacy is defined by his enduring musical hits and his inspiring transformation, showcasing how one can redefine purpose and impact lives through diverse callings. Montell Jordan continues to live a life rich in spiritual fulfillment, consistently aiming to reconcile people to God and strengthen familial bonds globally.