Gospel singer James "JJ" Hairston is the leader, chief songwriter, and director of the Youthful Praise choir, known for its exuberant, urban-tinged gospel and praise & worship songs. Formed in 2001 out of Turner's Faith Temple in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the choir was originally known as Teens of TFT, and released a debut album, Awesome God, that same year on Evidence Gospel. A second album, Thank You for the Change, which featured a guest spot by Coko, arrived in 2004, followed by Live! The Praise...The Worship, a year later in 2005.