Can you begin by telling me a little about your testimony ?

    I grew up a victim of sin, meaning I wasn't the one committing the sin, but I was greatly affected by the sin's of my family.  I watched drug addiction, strife, and pretty much anything you could think of tear my family apart.  I could remember finding myself in the mist of drug busts and shoot outs not afraid for my life, but those of my family. 

     My life was headed in that direction, had I not been picked up by the foster care system.  I remained in the foster care system for 5 years, until my aunt took custody of me.  I remained with her until my farther returned home from prison and ultimately took custody of me.  My father introduced me to Christ as well as a lot of my immediate family.  There's where I begin to rap for the Lord.  I've been rapping and ministering through hip-hop for the past ten years.  And the rest is history.

Was music part of the healing process of your childhood?

I can remember locking myself in the room at my aunts house, making up songs and ideas through music.  I remember it soothing some pains, but I didn't totally understand it back then.  But I do now, so to answer your question, yes - music was a part of the healing process.

Who was the first person to introduce you to Christianity?

My dad  

Do you feel like a role model? If yes ..

how do you want to influence the youth culture?

I am a role model.  I want to teach youth that doing positive thing's are not corny and that doing negative thing's don't make you cool.  I want to reach them through hip hop because it's powerful and influential.  I believe that when they understand what I've been through and where God has brought me, they'll see that it's possible for them to overcome their current situation - no matter what it may be.   

Are you approached after a concert by young men who ask how do you stay focused ?in culture where everything evolves around sexuality, promiscuity, and gangs to the point of promotion? What advice do give these young adults?

All the time.  I'm always approached by people wondering how to be better people.  My only answer is Jesus.  As a generation we try everything else, but to no avail.  Some people think if they get a good enough education or a good enough job that they can stay out of trouble and stay focused, but those who have achieved those goals will tell you that it's not enough to sustain you as a person.  The only thing proven to bring true deliverance from those negative things [meaning not just covering it up and pushing it under the rug], is a life lived upon the principles of God's word through Christ. 

I know that your married to a beautiful woman, Theresa. Tell me how did you guys meet ? and How does she encourage your career?

We actually met through a mutual friend.  When I laid eyes on her I knew she was different.  I did everything I could to impress her and get her attention.  We courted for about 7 years and have been married for 3 and a half years.  She's my support system and my staff.  We work hand in hand in everything.  It's a beautiful union and relationship.  I am honored that she has stuck by me through some very tough times - even before marriage.  She was destined to be my bride and has truly been the "help meet" that she said she would during her vows.   

Are there any artist secular or Christian that you are influenced musically by?

Quiet honestly, not influenced by, but there are a few Christian artist's that I do enjoy -  their music and ministry.

I understand that your write your own lyrics? How do tap into the inspiration for your songs?

Yes, I do write my own lyrics.  I tap in through prayer and years of experience.

How would you describe your lyrical style?

Versatile, charismatic, emotional, and very real.

What are your other interests? What else are you involved in?

I have a graphic design business and I also have a production company called Zealous Productions, with some very talented producer's and mc's.  I'm the head of the youth ministry at my church and along with my father (my covering) am embarking on starting a decipleship program called "Table Of Council."

What is the bible quote that encourages you?

It's in the story of Solomon, when he was asleep and the Lord told him "ask me for anything you want" (I'm paraphrasing of course).  And instead of Solomon asking for material things, he asked him for wisdom to make the right decisions. And the Lord granted him what he asked for, as well as the things he didn't ask for.  It encourages me to ask God, not for the material things, but for the wisdom to maintain what I have.

Lastly, There is a young generation that feels lost, a sense of hopelessness and for them there appears to be no security or possibility for their future.  Can you say something for the young brothers and sisters who think the street is all there is?

I'd tell them they have the wrong focus.  Anytime you try to figure life out on your own - you will feel empty and hopeless, because it is not within man's power to figure out his purpose in life.  It is only through the power of God and the spirit of his word can a man find purpose and destiny for his life.  Anything else will have this generation searching and only coming to the same result, temporal satisfaction.  Eternal life is found in Christ.

 For  more information : www.adfmusic.com/jaz