After taking the industry by storm with “The Anthem” from his acclaimed CITY OF PAIN CD, MARK J is back musically giving us the antidote to anything that may be ailing us. I hit the streets of Detroit as I slid the CD into my car’s system, eager to hear what God has placed on this MCs heart…
What's good Mark J? Thanks for taking the time out to talk! Fill us in on what you've been up to since your last CD. What’s good Kiwi! Man, I’ve been on the grind; taking care of the fam, traveling for ministry gigs and knocking out this new album. Just taking it one day at a time.
I know you live in the ATL which is one of the "hot beds" for the Christian Hip Hop movement. Do you find that it helps living there or it's more difficult due to the number of MCs in the area?
To be honest most of my gigs and speaking engagements are usually out of state so I’m here, but I’m not here if you feel me. I think my ministry from the jump had me in Judea and Samaria (aka Atlanta Area) in my earlier years of emceeing. I believe God has me in the uttermost parts (out-of-state & country) more often these days. I notice lately that Atlanta gigs have about 10-20 emcees on the ticket. I try to stray away from those events simply because I don’t feel useful there. I prefer the small intimate events then the huge “400 artists (laughing) on the bill events” I’m not knockin’ anybody for doing those shows…I just feel like it’s more personable when it’s fewer artists on the line-up. Plus, there is no spirit of competitiveness which I tend to see a lot at the bigger events. When I’m in the “A” it’s about spending time with wife and daughter so I don’t attend many Gospel rap functions.
Let's jump into the new project "SOULutions". What's the history behind the title? “SOULutions” is about love & maturity. I have grown tremendously since; “City of Pain” in every aspect. The album was written during some major transitions in my life; from becoming a Father to suffering financially because of job loss. My marriage at one point was going a turn for the worst because I stopped sacrificing. It’s like I finally got that marriage was an earthly example of my relationship with God. Everything I was doing wrong with my wife, I was doing wrong in my relationship with God. This is really what birthed, “SOULutions.” I just wanted to display an album that gives real solutions through God’s unwavering love.
The vibe on it is different from the last joint which had a more "east coast" feel. What made you switch up? Like I said before, I’ve grown in every aspect of my life including artistically. I’ve been listening to more rock, opera, country and jazz. I’m “old soul” by nature so I wanted to express where I am now in life with my music. My content is more in-depth socially and politically but from biblical vantage point. I know I might lose some fans with this one but hopefully I gain some as well. All my boys where like, “What the heck is this….aiight….aiight….I’m feelin’ you dawg” (laughing) …They wanted that rugged east coast feel but musically I’m not there anymore.
Now I have to say, you have some crazy hot collabos on this! I mean, you stretched across musical hemispheres on this one! (laughing) Let's talk about the joint with Tonex. How did that come about? Tonex and I started on the same label (Rescue Records) together back in the days so we used to chit-chat via email every once and awhile. He told me he was heading to the “A” for Megafest so I decided to scoop him up out of his busy schedule for a late night studio session (I felt like Nicodemus). He was only going to record a hook on a song for the Much Luvv compilation but in the car he peeped the “Worldwide” beat and went crazy. He was like, “Oh! I’m droppin’ something on that.” At the time, I didn’t even know he rapped so I was kind of leery about it until he dropped his bars. I was like, “okay, okay” (laughing) and “Worldwide” was birthed.
I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised when I read he was featured on the song because both of your flows are so different, but you impressed me how you tapped into the "nuttier" side of your flow! Yeah, there is a goofy, mainstream punch line side to this emcee (laughing). He doesn’t come out too often but hey…there was a blue moon that evening!!.
Now how did the collabo with John P. Kee come about? I was DEFINATELY surprised by that one! Pastor Kee is one of my mentors. I can truly say this man has a heart for ministry. I preached at one of his youth conferences and we have been tight ever since. It was a miracle just getting him on the song because his schedule is ridiculous. I get stressed just listening to him about what’s on his plate. This man grinds for the kingdom of God fo’ real. His life is an inspiration to me!! He taught me that you can endure and remain steadfast in the Lord’s arms through all this crap and fakeness of this industry. I’m so tired of this industry it’s not funny. Fake people man…..can’t stand it!!!
...and I have to mention the collabos on the remake of "The Anthem". Now, am I mistaken, or are you not featured on that song? How did that come about? (Laughing) Of course I’m featured on the song. Dag, Kiwi I don’t sound that different from City of Pain do I? Nah, I’m the 4th emcee to spit. Yeah, I decided to bring in some cats who I was feeling at the time that truly represented Christ with their own verbal swag. I’m just tired of emcees mimicking secular cats. If we serve the Originator why can’t we be original? Anyway, that’s another story.
(laughing) oops! My bad, I guess a sista’ was caught up! (laughing) …I personally think one of the most impactful songs is "Espananza". Can you talk about the inspiration behind that song? It’s funny you mentioned that because we are actually shooting a video for that song which will be debut at my release party. This song was hard to write simply because my wife kept trying to find out if there is a real “Espananza” lingering around our way. (laughing). (No, baby…there’s only you!). The concept came to mind after a question was asked in our men’s Bible study. The question was, “Have any of you ever cheated on your wives in your mind?” It wasn’t the answers that took me for a loop but the levity and laughter behind it. Answers like, “Have I? You just interrupted a thought…”(chuckles around the room)” I was floored on how lightly cats took the problem. I was thinking this is how lust is formed which spirals into temptation which spirals into sin and then death. Then I thought… why not create a song that would fuel the Holy Spirit to lay convictions on our hearts from the gate.
Do you have a favorite track and why that song? “Cool of the day,” because of the soulful, reggae vibe of the song. Also, the third verse is based a true story of a girl I know who grow up in the Gaza strip, so that song hits home with me.
One of the elements you included, which I LOVE, is excerpts of your sermons. In ministry, do you prefer one area of ministry over the other and do you get the same or different responses? I definitely love preaching more than rapping. Preaching gives me the liberty to present the Gospel on platforms that are really meant for just rapping. So, I’ve been able to preach at clubs, bars and other venues that normally wouldn’t allow it. My mission is to present Jesus Christ in light which cats have to make a choice. That supercedes me tryin’ to just rock a show and sell cds. The Gospel has got to be heard!!!
I think I ask this every interview, but I want to know...do you feel the increase of MCs in Christian Hip Hop is helping or hurting? It’s funny because you asked me this same question when you interviewed me for, “City of Pain” and now my answer has changed. I believe for every emcee that picks up a mic and has not yet been discipled is hurting the movement more than helping. I hear more Christian emcees spittin’ about what they got, what they want, more than the Gospel. Matter of fact, it’s hard to find Gospel rap albums that actually has the Gospel in it. On the other hand, you got Gospel emcees that spit the Gospel but show no love. Now when I say “love,” I’m not saying accept every wind of doctrine but empathizing with unlearned emcees that need to be nurtured with care into a proper perspective of God and His word. That doesn’t mean smacking them in the head with heavy theology and Greek words that you need a Strong’s concordance and a Holman dictionary to follow!!! That’s just knowledge puffed up!! I wouldn’t feed my 11 month old daughter a T-Bone steak lest she choke on it and never try it again (hint, hint). You know some secular emcees will say, “I’m the dopest!!” Yet some Gospel emcees will say, “Is there anybody more humble than me” Same heart just different words. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love supercedes doctrines, denominations and says, “Hey, I see the error of your stiff ways and I will love you in spite and help massage you into the truth.” So maybe…..just maybe….they will change because of your love not your whip-lashing tongue.
Thank you for your time! Where can people pick up "SOULoutions"? www.markj.cc http://www.dasouth.com/bus-shop/ www.3hmp3.com
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