Jarrett Cordes

Jarrett Cordes (born July 17, 1971; Jersey City, New Jersey), professionally known as DJ Minutemix and later as Eternal, is an American DJ, producer, and turntablist best known as one half of the sibling hip hop duo PM Dawn.

Early Life

Cordes was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, the younger of two surviving brothers born to Janice Cordes and her husband; the brothers' father died of pneumonia when they were children, and a younger brother, Duncan, drowned at the age of two. Jarrett and his older brother, Attrell (later known as Prince Be), were raised by their mother, a gospel singer, and their stepfather, George Brown, a founding member of Kool & the Gang. Their stepfather introduced the brothers to folk artists such as Donovan, while an uncle who worked as a sanitation worker brought home discarded records that further shaped their early listening. Cordes adopted the DJ Minutemix name in reference to his role as the group's turntablist, and the brothers began working together on music after finishing high school.

Career

Cordes co-founded PM Dawn in 1988 with his brother, Attrell Cordes, funding their first demo tape with money Attrell had earned as a night security guard at a homeless shelter. The duo's demo was turned down by Tommy Boy Records before independent label Warlock issued their debut single, "Ode to a Forgetful Mind," in 1989; it drew little attention in the US but found a stronger reception in the UK through Gee Street Records. PM Dawn's 1991 debut album, Of the Heart, of the Soul and of the Cross: The Utopian Experience, was released to critical acclaim and included the transatlantic hit "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss," built around a sample of Spandau Ballet's "True." Their 1993 follow-up, The Bliss Album…? (Vibrations of Love and Anger and the Ponderance of Life and Existence), was certified gold and produced the singles "I'd Die Without You," taken from the Boomerang soundtrack, and "Looking Through Patient Eyes." The group released two further albums, Jesus Wept (1995) and Dearest Christian, I'm So Very Sorry for Bringing You Here. Love, Dad (1998), before quietly disbanding. Cordes served as the group's DJ, co-producer, and onstage foil to his brother's lead vocals and songwriting throughout PM Dawn's most prominent era. Following a religious awakening after joining Reverend Run's church, he began performing under the name Eternal, sometimes styled as J.C. the Eternal.

Personal Life

Cordes's brother and PM Dawn co-founder, Attrell Cordes, known as Prince Be, died on June 17, 2016, at the age of 46, following a long battle with diabetes, leaving behind a wife and three children. Cordes has continued to speak publicly about his brother's legacy and PM Dawn's place in hip hop history, including an appearance on the TV One series Unsung in 2022, in which he discussed the group's rise and the spiritual influences behind their music. He remains the only surviving original member of PM Dawn and continues to advocate for recognition of the group's contribution to alternative hip hop.

Current Activities

Cordes continues to engage with fans and the hip hop community under the names Eternal and DJ Minutemix, reflecting on PM Dawn's catalogue and his brother's legacy through interviews and media appearances.