Justin “J Morris” Gunderson is a five-time award-winning musical artist whose work is driven by a simple goal: uplifting others. Alongside a successful career as a musician and former radio host, Gunderson has become a leading advocate for Ottawa’s local music community. In 2019, he co-founded the Cranium Arts Project, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting local artists.
The Cranium Arts Project aims to strengthen Ottawa’s music scene through awards, festivals, showcases, and professional development opportunities. Gunderson described the organization’s mission as building connections and helping local artists grow. “We work with professional development, live music presentations, networking and learning activities,” he said. “It’s about being that bridge that connects Ottawa-based music professionals to others around the world.”
Supporting artists and the broader community has long been part of Gunderson’s work. He is also co-founder of the Hip-Hop Food Drive, which is now in its 12th year. The initiative combines live hip-hop performances with fundraising for food banks, creating an event that highlights local musical talent while helping people in need.
“The idea is that with every Hip-Hop Food Drive we choose a food bank to give back to by raising donations and non-perishable food items,” Gunderson explained. What began as a single-city event has steadily expanded across the country. “By year ten we were supporting ten food banks in ten cities across Canada,” he said. Today, the initiative continues to grow, demonstrating how music can mobilize communities and make a tangible difference.
Gunderson’s creative pursuits have recently expanded beyond music into the world of children’s literature. After more than two decades in the music industry, he began looking for new ways to channel his creativity and storytelling skills.
“As a creative, you kind of get bored sometimes,” he said with a laugh. “It’s been over 20 years of doing music, and I thought, what else can I do that’s not just rapping on a mic and performing on a stage? I started thinking about how I could turn these ideas into stories and still use the skills I’ve developed over the years.”
The result was his first children’s book, Little Ray and a Brighter Day. The story focuses on optimism, resilience, and kindness, encouraging young readers to stay positive even during difficult moments. As a father of three, Gunderson said creating uplifting messages for children was central to the project.
“Positive messages are important,” he said. “And because I’m a rapper, it made sense that the stories I write would have a rhyming element to them.”
The book combines rhythmic storytelling with colourful, cartoon-style illustrations designed to capture children’s attention. Gunderson has even discovered that his musical background allows him to bring the story to life during live readings.
“At one event I joked with the crowd and said, ‘Let me rap a little bit about this book,’” he recalled. “And I realized I could literally rap the story that I wrote.”
Gunderson is currently working on his second children’s book, The Adventures of Yo’ Dog. The story follows a fun-loving chef and his magical food truck as it travels from city to city serving hot dogs — and spreading kindness along the way. Packed with playful rhymes, imaginative ingredients, and a message about sharing and generosity, the book continues Gunderson’s focus on positive storytelling.
While no official release date has been announced, Gunderson has hinted that the project could eventually extend beyond the page. In interviews, he has mentioned plans for a real-world food truck inspired by the book’s main character, blending storytelling, food, and community engagement.
Little Ray and a Brighter Day is currently available on Gunderson’s website for worldwide delivery, as well as in Kindle format on Amazon, where it has earned a five-star rating from readers.
Whether through music, community initiatives, or children’s literature, Gunderson’s work reflects a consistent mission: building connections and spreading positivity.
Justin “J Morris” Gunderson proves that creativity is a powerful force for community and change.
Meet Gunderson in person this Saturday, March 21, at 10:00 am at Bean Bag Play Cafe, 1433 Wellington Street West, where he will be hosting a book reading.
Click here to watch Gunderson’s recent interview on CTV’s Your Morning Ottawa.
