Pastor Jamaal Takes Us Through His Musical Style, His Influences And Inspirations, And What’s Next For This Rapping Man Of God

Pastor Jamaal has had a roller coaster ride through life, but the rapping pastor has now found peace through God, and the love of a beautiful woman as well as that of his son. He recently spoke about his music, what he’s been through, his latest single, ‘Global Word‘, and new album, ‘Cultivated’.

How do you feel your style has evolved since first starting music, and how would you describe your current style?

My lyrics, production and confidence has significantly improved since I started creating music as a child. I started writing poetry and writing songs for choirs. Now I have increased my skill and also love for ministering through music. I have been blessed to go through things in life that have Cultivated me to be able to deliver thought provoking songs with a strong blend of gospel, pop and hip-hop. My personal cultivation is what led me to name my album ‘Cultivated’ which was released on all major platforms on the 31st of March this year.

Were there any specific moments during the creation of ‘Global Word’ that felt especially impactful or emotional to you?

Yes. I went through a terrible divorce that involved an affair between my former pastor and my first wife. It also included my son being kidnapped from me as well as finding out that I was in a cult! I am unashamed because I served in that particular church believing I was doing the work of the Lord and until things were brought to my personal attention I was a strong advocate for that organisation. I exposed the cult and the cult leader and went on a 3 year healing journey which also led me to a beautiful new woman who loves and respects me. She also accepts my son as her own. There is a part in ‘Global Word’ where I sing “I got a good girl. I used to want a bad….heyyyyyy! Oh ohhhhhh. Oh ohhhhh. Oh ohhhhhh. Oh ohhhhhh!” This is me singing, praising and being thankful in spite of the pain I suffered. Many people do not make it after the things that took place in my life. But God is a healer and I stand in this interview today to tell you, you can make it through your situation too. I am just a messenger of hope and positive change. 

Your style is often raw and unapologetic. How do you balance personal storytelling with creating something universal for listeners?

After you have suffered a while, you become established. I think there is something very unnerving but also beautiful when we go through things that were intended to kill us but they actually make us stronger. When you have been hurt and decide to forgive, you grow into something you never imagined. I have become a wordsmith, a rapping pastor with a brilliant mind. But really I am a spiritual being who is honestly communicating his human experience. It’s not hard to balance when it is simply your truth. Lauren Hill’s first album was so powerful, because it was just about her real life. So it is with my song, ‘Global Word’, and my album, ‘Cultivated’.

What was it like to work with your son on this project? Did he enjoy taking part in the creative process?

It was amazing as it is everyday to live with him. You don’t appreciate something as much as you do when it’s taken from you and then you get it back. My son brings me so much joy. It is an honor and a pleasure to raise my son. I added him to the beginning of the song, because after he heard the song, he began to say the words over and over in our home. So I decided I would just have him say it on the actual song. Saint is so used to his dad creating music, it is a norm for him but I know he does enjoy us spending time with each other and he is happy I include him on my projects. I always have and I always will because family is everything. 

How did you infuse your unique personality into the visuals for ‘Global Word’? Do you feel like the video represents your artistic identity? 

I infused my personality as a dad, Pastor and recording artist. From the spiritual hoodie to the blue blazer I believe I showed a spectrum of who I am. I am glad we were able to put footage of my son and I on an amusement park ride at the beginning and the end of the footage. This shows to always have love and fun with your family. No matter how wild the ride is, hold on because in the end we are going to be alright together. 

Was it especially impactful for you to sing the song on the streets of Augusta, your hometown, for the ‘Global Word’ music video?

It was impactful and exciting to see people watching as I performed the song on the streets of Augusta. This is where it all started and it is important to show honour where you are from.

What is one lesson you have learned in your musical career thus far that you can pass along to aspiring musicians?

Be fully authentic in who you are and what you have been through. For who we are and what we have been through is the essence of the message, we should give to others.

Talk to us about your new album—what can fans expect from Pastor Jamaal moving forward?

‘Cultivated’ is a 10 song ride about a young man who was married and serving God in a church for about a decade. At the end of that time period, he realized his marriage was over, his son was taken from him and his church was actually a cult! He hurt, he healed and he grew into a greater father, pastors, and musical artist. He now encourages others to keep holding on and put your hope in someone greater than yourself, because He has a plan. ‘Cultivated’ is out now on all major platforms. 

Find out more about Pastor Jamaal and his music online on YouTube.

Watch the music video for ‘Global Word’ below.

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