'The Shape-Up': New hip-hop album remembers Knoxville singer whose death remains unsolved

During a 2021 trip to San Francisco, Jarius Bush's journey to reconnect with his long-lost brother materialized into something profound and poetic.

As a song about family and "finding paradise" started taking shape, the Knoxville hip-hop artist envisioned featuring the soulful voice of his friend and collaborator Alonzo Rodgers on the song.

But on that trip, Bush received tragic news from back home: Rodgers had been killed at the age of 30 in a shooting that, more than one year later, has not been solved.

Bush continues to cope the best way he knows − keeping Rodgers' memory alive through 17 songs comprising "The Shape-Up," his latest album dropping Friday on the year anniversary of Rodgers' memorial show at The Concourse.

"Not forgetting (the pain) ... I think that's important," Bush told Knox News. "So, telling that story to where it's remembered and we actually look at the pain and how losing him affected a lot of people. But getting to that joy and getting to that happiness − I know getting back to that, it will make Alonzo proud."

An album release party will be held Friday at The Concourse, where Bush also will perform and share a tribute to his late friend.

A 'theatrical' Knoxville hip-hop project

The new album is a follow up to "Peach Fuzz," the first installment in the "Full Beard Trilogy" of albums by Bush, who performs as J.Bu$h and is a member of local hip-hop group Good Guy Collective.

The album is about Rodgers. It's also about Bush's brother, the struggles families face and the grieving process.

"But also, how can we shape up the nature of our society that will make something like (Rodgers' death) just happen, and that's whatever," Bush said. "Nobody knows who did it. There's still no justice. So, how do we shape up as a people as well?"

Bush describes the album as "theatrical," made up of songs paired with interludes, voicemails and commentary that paint a fuller picture of Rodgers and other characters on "The Shape-Up."

Bush's mom and dad were among those cast for the album, he said, and the project also features Nora Skies and Nu$ense, among others.

J.Bu$h: 'I have to let the people hear'

Rodgers makes an appearance halfway through the album in a song recorded before his death, though Bush couldn't help but continue writing songs that would have complemented his friend's voice after he was killed.

"I'm trying to come out of grief literally through the process of making (the album)," Bush said. "It's kind of like when you get mad about something and you're angry with someone, they tell you to write a letter about them − to don't ever send it. Just crumble it up and throw it away.

"It was one of those deals. But this one was like a letter I'm writing that I have to let the people hear."

When it came time to record, Bush called upon Xzavian Wrushen for the role Rodgers was supposed to fill. Wrushen grew up alongside Rodgers in the church and first introduced the soulful singer to Bush.

"(Rodgers) has a very trained sound, so he can sing some nice crooning, romantic-sounding things," Wrushen told Knox News in 2021. "But he can also turn up the heat and growl, man. He can throw it at you. And it really sounds like fire."

Attend the album release concert at The Concourse

Doors at The Concourse will open 10 p.m. Friday for the album release party. The venue is located at 4328 N. Broadway, and tickets are available for $20 in advance or $28 at the door.

Good Guy Collective, Gray Jackson, The Productz and DJ Emmaculant also are scheduled to perform. Bush said the event will start with a tribute video for Rodgers.

Bush, who produced the album along with The Middle Pillar and Chicago-based Mathien, is scheduling a tour to spread "The Shape-Up" story beyond Knoxville.

Knoxville Police Department spokesman Scott Erland confirmed via email that no arrests have been made in Rodgers' death.

"Investigators are going to need any information from the public, if they have it, to push that investigation forward," he said. "Any information considered potentially relevant to the case can be shared through East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165 or online at www.easttnvalleycrimestoppers.org."

Correction: A previous version of this story included an incorrect address for The Concourse. The correct address is 4328 N. Broadway.

Ryan Wilusz, downtown reporter and urban explorer for Knox News, can be reached at 865-317-5138 or by email at ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com. Follow Ryan's work on Instagram @KnoxScruff, and sign up for the free, weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter. Unlock premium perks and support strong local journalism at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: J.Bu$h hip-hop album 'The Shape-Up' remembers Knoxville singer killed