What is one to do when they lose a loved one? Umass Boston political science major Gerald Dowling, aka GMAN, made music. Influenced by such diverse musical tastes as The Beatles and Tupac Shakur, Dowling responded to the death of his beloved baby brother Wong by writing and recording his latest album, “We Need Jesus in Hip Hop.”

The 36-year-old Roxbury resident took a cue from the major names in hip hop, utilizing already-produced beats from previously released songs and creating his own lyrics. Without help from managers or a label of any kind, Dowling has created an album that approaches the subject of something very important to his life, Jesus, without preaching.

An already popular medium, hip-hop has shifted from a response to the harshness of life to a celebration of a flashy materialistic lifestyle. Through his music, which for now remains “just a hobby,” Dowling hopes to help bring morals back to the hip-hop genre, returning it to its roots. The songs on the album don’t have that flashy, often overly produced, sound that most of the top-selling artists have. The sound on “We Need Jesus in Hip Hop” is a more raw, more personal one. Exploring issues that most major record labels would avoid, GMAN has managed to create an album that seeks to touch the heart and engage the mind. Dowling says that he enjoys the opportunity to share his talent with more than just friends and family. The album can be bought in the UMB bookstore for $10 or you can contact GMAN himself at [email protected] to get yourself a copy. So, shell out that ten spot and help support GMAN while he is still on his way to the top.