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Who else did you work with on this project? Artists?
eXcelsius, HOOD, Brothatone, Soul P, YSG-Timothy, D.Reed, Lil Ash & Da Chosen 1.
Producers? Ansane, F Major, Kris Minter, Nebula and I also produced one of the bonus tracks which feature HOOD.
It's clear that you have a heart to reach young people. What do you hope to accomplish with this project? Lives right now are being saved and changed and just being used as an instrument to orchestrate this is an accomplishment in itself. When I go to minister at events.. It is more than just making people dance. For an example.. they learn how to put the armor of God on (Eph 6), they learn why it’s important not to put your trust in worldly possessions (Matthew 6:19-21), spiritual guidance re: Sex before marriage and lost souls get an opportunity to invite Jesus in their hearts. Along with challenging believers to go deeper with the Lord in their faith.
Many Holy Hip Hop artists started out doing secular music. I understand that the same is true for you, and that you used to go by the name Jymini and were doing your thing underground for a minute. Can your tell us about your transition from that to where you are with your music and your ministry now? The transition took place when I surrendered to the Lord in July of 05. It was the best thing I could have ever done because now everything is led by the Holy Spirit when I construct a song. It’s not about me anymore, It’s all about finding a strategic way to get people closer to the ever present one Jehovah Shammah feel me? I ran around as
Jymini.. wearing a mask. That is one of the main reasons I stripped off all rap aliases and just came back to my birth name. The Lord had a plan for the talent he entrusted me with and although it took me a while to really embed that revelation within my soul – praise God it’s happening now!!
What can you share with other artists who feel as though they are being led to use their talents for the Kingdom, but are afraid to crossover?
The world has nothing to offer you. You will never find peace serving God with 50% of your talents. When you submit to God and are obedient to him – he then unlocks his power in your life which will provide you with spiritual blessings the human mind can’t even comprehend. I am speaking from experience
yall. Remember, when you seek God’s Kingdom first, everything else you need will be added to you. It’s easy to get caught up with the but you don’t have to waste your life half
steppin. It’s sooo much more fulfilling working for the creator of the heavens and the earth. Think about serving him whole heartedly – you won’t regret it! I am a witness.
I did a little research and learned that you are a woman of many talents. You not only sing and rhyme, but you also produce. What are your career goals for the next few years, and do you favor any one part of the process over another?
Hmm.. that’s a good question. Well I love to write songs, record them and spend time mixing them down. I enjoy making beats too (to be honest, I usually produce when I have writers block)
lol. I also developed my own website
www.OctaviaHarris.com and come up with all my newsletter designs, fliers, t-shirts, stickers and any other web marketing promo. I like doing stuff like that.
The Internet has been instrumental in helping artists increase their fan base, and the same can be said for Ministers of the Word and reaching God's children with a message of salvation and love. I see you doing your thing with ring tones and video on your website. How are you using technology and online communities to fulfill your purpose? I am taking advantage of all the avenues that provide convenience for the end user. I am making sure they are able to navigate my website easily and find the content they are looking for. Tapping into ring tones which are really popular these days (especially for the teen market), teaming up with online CD distributors who have access to top download players such as iTunes and who are able to make my CD accessible to international markets and avenues as well. Promotional opportunities online are endless, you just have to be creative, persistent and target the right demographics.
Is there anything else that you'd like to share with our readers? I hope God leads you to pick up a few copies of my new album “4 The Children” and share it among your friends and family. Please continue to pray over me and this wonderful ministry God has blessed me with. I leave you with one of the verses I take to heart when it comes to doing the Lords work - 2 Corinthians 2:17. Peace & Blessings and thanks Charlene for an opportunity to share my heart. ~O. |
