In this exclusive interview, we had the privilege of delving deep into the world of MVKEYYJ, a Christian hip-hop artist whose music not only resonates with listeners’ hearts but also speaks to their souls. With an unwavering commitment to his Christian values and a relentless passion for the art of hip-hop, MVKEYYJ offers a unique perspective on how these seemingly divergent paths can converge into a remarkable journey.
When asked how he got into hiphop music, MVKEYYJ said that he was listening to a lot of music in 2018 when he was still in high school and he didn’t hear anything that he liked.
“One of my homies was just like, ‘Man, you should start making music!’ And so, in 2019, I started making music. I got to open up for some artists and started taking it seriously, and things just started doing well. So, I was actually in college; I finished my associates and started doing music. That’s where I’m at right now.”
MVKEYYJ creates music that can fit into different parts of your life. Whether you’re shooting hoops on the court or sitting at home working on an essay, his music adds a nice touch. He loves making songs that become like chapters in people’s lives. MVKEYYJ wants his music to blend perfectly with your own experiences, becoming the background music to all kinds of moments. This idea guides how he makes music, aiming to create songs that everyone can enjoy and relate to.
When asked how it is to be Christian while doing hiphop, he said:
“It’s definitely hard. It’s an industry that is very tough on you, and they want you to do a lot of things that I just don’t believe in. I always tell my friends this: I could be a lot bigger than I am right now, but I would have to make some moral choices that I don’t agree with.”
“A lot of the time, I get tested a lot; people ask me to compromise my beliefs or morals. It’s hard to say no because they offer money for it, so it’s definitely a tricky business,” he added.
When asked about his creative influences, he mentioned Drake, Travis Scott, Lecrae, and Jack Harlow.
“I love Drake. Drake capitalizes on being all-encompassing. He does every genre, can pull off any style, and I love his persona. Travis Scott, because I love ‘Utopia’ and also love his aesthetics and edits. That’s the kind of vibe I like.”
“I’m also a big fan of Lecrae. Lecrae did a lot of Christian hip-hop, and it’s awesome to come up under that. Jack Harlow is amazing; I love his swag, so smooth, and he’s just a good person.”
When asked who he wants to collaborate with in the future, he said:
“I would love to collaborate with Coldplay and Jonas Brothers because I like other music outside hip-hop. I don’t honestly listen to a lot of hip-hop; I listen to a lot of pop music, indie rock like Bad Suns and LANY and stuff. I would also love to collaborate with Jaden Smith, Willow Smith, Travis Barker – just different people from different genres.”
MVKEYYJ’s commitment to staying true to his beliefs while navigating the complex industry serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and listeners alike. Through his music, he bridges the gap between two seemingly different worlds, reminding us that authenticity and passion can harmoniously coexist. He stands as a testament to the power of staying rooted in faith while embracing the flow of creativity.
