James Roy and John Troy Jacobs, a pair of talented and energetic twins known in the gospel industry as Double Portion, have spent nearly all of there 23 years on earth worshipping God through music and song.  Roy and Troy’s servitude, musical gifts and talents have carried them across the nation impacting both young and old through their dynamic ministry. With the release of their new hit single ‘I Am Somebody’, Double Portion has uniquely combined their traditional background with new contemporary sounds to produce R&B and hip hop beats with powerful messages and testimonies.

 

“The sound and ministry of Double Portion is hot and destined to make a mark on a generation,” Recording Artist Anson Dawkins of Dawkins and Dawkins said. “There is nothing quite like the sound of brothers singing together. The fact that Double Portion is a duo of twins is even more special. It allows you to see and hear some of the benefits in the family that God chooses specifically for each of us.”

 

Born in Tacoma Washington, the last children of four boys, and raised in the church, Roy and Troy developed a love for music at a very early age. The twins began exercising their talents at four years old at their father’s church, Word of Life Church. Their first public performance was at a special church service and they sung a cappella to an upbeat, Pentecostal hymn. Not too far after, Roy was piddling his way on the keyboard and Troy was in front of the choir directing and singing. By the age of ten, the twins were responsible for the music ministry of the church. Through this, both Roy and Troy had the chance to develop as musicians, songwriters, directors and vocalist.

 

With a distinct raspy voice and a gifted writer’s hand, Troy began to create impactful music, while Roy instinctively and brilliantly added melodies to the lyrics. Before Double Portion was formed, Roy and Troy shared their musical gifts around the Washington State area and north western region. Leading, directing and singing in countless community, church and school choirs, the twins soon began their recording career. The twins very first project was with their home church’s youth choir. This served as a learning endeavor, as did their second local recording with a self-organized contemporary youth quartet, called Reflections. These local recordings gave the twins even more passion for music and God’s word.  The twins began to travel as featured guest to area concerts, musicals, plays and conferences and in 2001 the ministry of Double Portion was formed.

 

After much prayer, prophetic words and with the support of their parents, Pastor James and First Lady Louise Jacobs, Double Portion went into the studio to record their first professional album, ‘Pressing On’. With the release of ‘Pressing On’ in 2002, such songs as ‘Supernatural’ and ‘God’s Loving Favor’ hit the radio airways and caught the attention many in the area. In addition to leading musical workshops, conferences and working within the community, Double Portion remained a constant and prominent presence in the area. Knowing there was more outside the state of Washington, Roy and Troy were ready to move to the next level.

 

Still with God first and music in their hearts, Roy and Troy graduated from Lakes High School in 2003. That same year Troy decided to attend college at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas (majoring in Communications and Sociology). Never being apart from his twin brother and music partner, Roy followed, deciding to begin his collegic career in Austin (majoring in Audio Engineering).  The move to Texas proved to be life-changing for Double Portion.

 

In the time Double Portion has lived in Texas, God has elevated their ministry. They have shared the stage with artist such as Tramaine Hawkins, Kim Burrell, Marvin Sapp, JMoss, Dorinda Clark-Cole, JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise and more. Developing a name for themselves and believing in the scripture Ecclesiastes 4:9, that “two are better than one”, Roy and Troy have become instrumental artist, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders achieving much success both as students in their educational disciplines and musical craft.

 

“Double Portion is more than a singing duo; they are two innovative, business-minded young men who will take soul winning to another level,” gospel producer (Fred Hammond, Ruben Studdard, Yolanda Adams) and CEO of Hitland Entertainment Derek Clark said. “Their passion for the Gospel of Jesus drives and motivates them to minister to those within and outside the four walls of the church.”

 

In 2005, Double Portion entered the studio again, recording their hit single ‘I Am Somebody’. The single not only provides a different sound from the more traditional ‘Pressing On’ album, but the encouraging message to the body of Christ has proven to be influential. As Double Portion travels the nation as guest at choir workshops, youth conferences, musicals and concerts, their mission of ‘reaching the lost and the unchurched with the gospel message of hope, love peace and restoration’ is being fulfilled.

 

“I Am Somebody’ is our testimony,” Double Portion says. “So many times people are told they can’t achieve certain things just because of their age, gender, race or background. And the simply isn’t true.  All people - young, old, black, white or whoever, need to know that in Christ they are somebody; that greater is He in you than he that is in the world. And with the new release, we just want to encourage God’s people.”

 

Although busy spreading hope through music and studying both the word of God and their college books,  Roy and Troy remain heavily involved in their family, home church and community. In addition to singing, one of the Roy and Troy’s greatest loves is working in the ministry of their church. In late 2005, the twins parents moved to Austin, Texas and are currently building a new church campus. The twins are instrumental in the success of the church, still serving over the music ministry and in various other capacities.

 

“We want to keep God first.” Roy and Troy say. “Our whole purpose is ministry. Whether it is with our family and our congregation or just us two on stage in front of thousands, as long as God gets all the glory that’s all that matters.”