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Let
me just start by saying that I listened the Livin’
Proof album and I am really impressed by your ability to take
real life situations and convey the message of hope and grace through Christ
Jesus. Thank you very much. I’m honored that
you would say that. To God be the glory!
What would you say is the most important
thing that you would like for people to get from your music
ministry? Aw man… What a loaded question!
I’m glad you asked. The most important thing that I’d like
for people to get from my music is that there
really is a God who loves them, in spite of what kind of life
they’ve had. It doesn’t matter if
you’ve been in prison, hooking on the street, in a mental
institution, attempted suicide, committed murder, abused drugs or
whatever – your darkness is not more powerful than God’s love that
He – through Jesus Christ – can love you and change your life.
I’m very passionate about people knowing and understanding that!
I
have listened to gospel music all of my
life and have had years of experience in the Hip
Hop industry. I must admit that before I became saved I was
skeptical towards Christian Hip Hop but
now I have come to truly embrace it. How has your message been
received by people who are outside of the church? It
has been good. But we will definitely know for certain once the album
releases on September 11. So far, only one person has voiced
their concerns to me for doing “Holy Hip Hop.” I respect
them for coming to me. Partly it was the religious mind, and
partly it was out of care for me – perceiving that I’m doing
something not pleasing to God. I was told that I was being like
the world. I
don’t get angry or offended when people say those kinds of things.
Persecution and misunderstanding is to be expected when you try to do
things for God. The
religious mind can’t receive things – unconventional things –
that God wants to do in this day and age. Jesus Christ, was
persecuted, crucified and buried for this same reason.
You
have a song on your album that deals with relationships
between single Christians that I liked so much I played it over
a few times before I moved on to the rest of the album.
Ah
yes. You’re talking about “1+1=2.”
I
think you’ve said it all in your song, but do you have any other
words of wisdom or encouragement that you would like to offer
Christian singles reading this today?
I’m
glad you asked that, because if the truth be told, you can’t always
put everything – especially a topic as important as this one –
into one song. I find that there are several things that
trip Christians up and cause them to slip within their walk, and one
such thing is relationships with the opposite sex. Most
Christians – and I would venture to say over 95% (and especially in
America
) – have learned incorrect methods of finding a mate and preparing
yourself for marriage from what they were taught while in the world.
Not only that, but they see it on TV and movies, hear it on the radio,
and many other forms of media. We have to renew our minds in
this area.
Not
everyone may agree with this, but in order to find a mate, the first
thing you must do is make a decision that you will no longer casually
date. Meaning, you won’t be going out here and there with
different people, and then just say, “oh we’re just friends, and
only went out for a good time.” When you casually date, you
really don’t take relationships serious. The will of God
always involves people. It is our job to find out why a
particular person is in our life. If you casually date, you’ll
never be able to tell who God has for you. Your vision will be
blurred and your heart will be separated.
Quite
honestly, to properly answer this question, I would either need to
write a book, or do a teaching series on it! (laughs) So,
hopefully, this answer can help steer people in the right direction.
You’ve
worked with an amazing group of people both on this album and in your
other endeavors. How does it feel to fellowship with such
talented, spirit-filled, positive men and women of God working
together for His glory? Without
saying, I KNOW that I am a blessed and favored man. My heavenly
Father loves me. I thank Him for the opportunities he has given
me. But here’s the beauty of it all. I DON’T DESERVE
ANY OF IT. It’s not because of me – well not all of it…
(I’ll explain that) – but because of His love for me and
willingness to bless me. Now, how do I do my part? By
being obedient to His word; by walking in love toward Him and my
neighbor. So, with that said, anyone can have this!
That’s the beauty. God’s goodness isn’t for me alone, but
anyone can receive it. It’s there for anyone who wants it.
We’re sharing in on Jesus’ reward. (As you can see, I’m
going to take every opportunity I can to let folks know what can be
there’s!)
At
this point in my life – I AM VERY KINGDOM-MINDED. And I love
working together with other kingdom-minded people. How does it
feel, you ask? It feels great! Don’t get me wrong,
I’ve had my share of working with people who need to step up their
love walk, especially while naming themselves as being in Christ.
But, you just have to press on, put it in God’s hands and stay
focused.
I
watched the documentary that you made for the 5th Annual Texas Holy
Hip Hop Awards. It was incredible and you all seemed to have so
much fun. Oh
yes, we did. Didn’t last long enough! (laughs) I have a
testimony about that trip. But I’ll save it.
How
can we get the message out to young people that we can have fun,
dance, and contribute to Hip Hop Culture while remaining obedient and
worshiping God? I
believe the best way is to simply show them. You’ll find that
even parents who tell their kids to do one thing, while they do
another, the kids still turn out like the parents. Had the
parents also walked out what they “talked out,” the kids would
walk just like them. Again, the best way is just doing it.
If you do that, there won’t even be much need for talking. The
worst thing any child can experience is hypocrisy. I say that
because kids are very impressionable. So, don’t ruin it for
them while they’re in church. If you’re reading this, then
please live out what you confess. Not only are the kids
depending upon you, but the world – and even Jesus Himself – is
depending on you. Like my song “Livin’ Proof” says,
we’re the only Jesus people may ever see.
Aside
from being a talented recording artist you seem to have a talent for
making documentaries as well. What other goals and aspirations
do you have for the future?
My
wife asked me somewhat of a similar question today. I founded a
company called Bezworks, and right now under it we have Bezworks
Design, LLC and Bezworks Music and Publishing. We went pass a
newly built, large bank and she asked, “Babe, how large do you see
Bezworks becoming? Meaning, do you see us with offices overseas,
large buildings and such?” (I’m paraphrasing). I said,
“Well, let me put it like this, I plan to put satellites in the
sky.” To me, the most powerful thing is the ability to relay a
message. Why do you think so many people mimic what they are
brain-washed by from the media? The wrong people are in power!
Christians need to be in control of the media! I also told her
that I honestly don’t know how big or how far it will go, because
God will always out do whatever you have in mind. He’ll do
beyond what you can ask or think.
My
main objective is to make sure every soul on this planet Earth hears
and accepts the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And I want to do it on a
global scale. I’ve been called to media. I’ve been called to
business. It will get done too.
Is
there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?
Yes.
In the fifth chapter of Mark, a man named Jairus ran up to Jesus
seeking healing because his daughter was at the point of death.
While coming to Jesus – you should know the story – a woman with
an issue of blood came on the scene. As you know, she reached
out to Jesus in faith and got healed. After that, men from
Jarius’ camp came up to him and told him not to trouble seeking
Jesus to heal his daughter because she was now dead. At that
point! An evil spirit of fear was waiting to jump on him,
oppress him and consume him with doubts and unbelief; which would’ve
resulted in grief, depression and many other ill effects. But
Jesus immediately caught his attention and said in verse 36, “Be not
afraid, only believe.” What’s the point? Faith is a
decision. And you must CHOOSE not to fear. If you are
believing God for something, choose to remain in faith and choose not
to fear. As you know, Jarius’ daughter was healed that same
hour. Had Jairus CHOSEN to fear, Jesus would not have been able
to do anything for him. Your decision to walk in faith and
refusing to fear is what will determine the outcome of any
circumstance you are facing today. So, that is what I leave with
you, verse 36 of Mark chapter 5, “Be not afraid, only believe.”
Thank
you again for the interview. |