Tulsa, Oklahoma native, Jarvis Shaffer, has been in the game for a while and now at the age of 23, is on the verge of achieving his place in the R&B world. “I remember singing along with a song on the radio and my family telling me how great I was,” he recalls. “Right then, I knew where my life was headed.” Inspired by his older sister, a favorite on the local talent show circuit in their home town, Jarvis, then only 12 years old, embarked on the path that led him to where he is today. Before long, his dreams started to materialize. Local talent shows and performances allowed Jarvis to not only hone in on his vocal talents but to also develop the skills needed captivate a crowd, becoming a true performer.



In 2004, shortly after Jarvis and his family relocated to Atlanta, he was introduced to music mogul Jermaine Dupri, founder of So So Def Recordings. Instantly recognizing the young singer’s star potential, JD added Jarvis to his roster which then led to the singer’s first single “Radio.” The mid-tempo charmer climbed into Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart after its release while the video introduced fans to a then boyish young man with a compelling golden voice. However, before Jarvis could see the release of his debut album, JD was appointed Executive Vice President of another label. During the months that followed Jarvis, along with a couple of his label mates, were feeling a lack in the guidance and advocacy of the executive team which had believed in them so strongly.



Jarvis learned to trust and rely on the most powerful resources he had—his family, friends and inner circle. Their encouragement led Jarvis to the next chapter in his career, landing him at the doors of the Atlanta based label, Disturbing Tha Peace Records, and a meeting with DTP CEO, Chaka Zulu. Impressed with the young crooner’s talent, Chaka made Jarvis two offers. The first was to have the label’s co-founder and flagship artist, three time Grammy Award winner, Ludacris, appear on Jarvis’ second single “Pretty Girl.” The second was an offer to join DTP’s roster. Though the partnership didn’t yield any other releases following “Pretty Girl,” the experience did prove to be an important step along the way to Jarvis’ future.



Armed with the knowledge of the inner workings of the music business, Jarvis was poised and ready to step into his destiny. “I knew all along that it wasn’t my talent that was holding me back from being one of the biggest artists in the game,” he explains. “I just had to get with the best team.” That team is led by former So So Def executive, Kadife Sylvester, who truly believes in Jarvis’ artistic vision. Throwing in his years of experience and accumulated relationships, Kadife’s main goal was to ensure that Jarvis’ vision saw the light of day.



Now, after inking a deal with Capitol Music Group in 2012, Jarvis is working with some of the biggest names in urban music. In September, he independently released his mixtape entitled Heartache, featuring collabos with DJ Khaled, Waka Flocka Flame and Lil Scrappy. The mixtape, inspired by Jarvis’ lifelong passion for music, spun off the lead single “Make a Little Room,” which is currently stirring up major radio buzz at R&B stations, with a brand new official video for the track now in the works.



In an era where many of his peers are strictly concerned with superstar looks and “swag,” Jarvis is out to make an impression on the world through great music. “I want to create a legacy, become a great entertainer and be known as a great person,” Jarvis says. “I strive to become legendary, not just for my talent, but for what I’ve given back.” For Jarvis, his time is now, so “Make a Little Room.”