Christian music has expanded tremendously and more rap and hip-hop artists are coming onto the scene. Derek Minor is a Christian rapper who has been in the music industry since his debut album The Blackout was released in 2008. Formerly known as PRo, Derek Minor is getting ready to release his newest album Empire with record label Reflection Music Group (RMG) which he co-founded in 2011 with Doc Watson. Empire is all about using what God gives you to build His kingdom.
This entire album is laid out in a really creative manner and tells a story that will make you question whether you are truly building God’s kingdom. Derek Minor collaborated with many artists for this album, including Lecrae, Canon, Colton Dixon, B. Cooper, Leah Smith, Traneshia “Truth” Chiles, Deraj, nobigdyl, Tony Tillman, Tedashii, J. Paul, Move Aside, Chad Jones, Anthony Evans Jr and Social Club. Each track brings a new flavor and style. My favorite songs are “Fly” with Colton Dixon and “Babel”. “Babel” talks about how God places a desire in our hearts to build an empire, but we often let our own selfishness take over.
Empire was released January 27, 2015 and I had a chance to talk with Derek Minor about the new album and how he balances life as a singer, husband and father.
Question: What is the theme of the album?
“Often times I was one of the type of guys who would take apart the radio and put it together. It was always missing some parts and it wouldn’t work right. My whole life has been dedicated to building something. I went to college and started doing music and I was always trying to build something. What I realized in my older years is building the kingdom of God is the most important. When you are building the kingdom of God, God’s plans are perfect – they never fail. That’s the basic idea behind Empire.”
Question: What motivates you as an artist?
“It’s hard to narrow it down to one. If I had to pick one, I feel as though this is what God created me to do. I feel as though the Lord has made me to glorify Him through music. Every night when I get on the stage I leave it all on the stage. A lot of people say my music is really passionate and it’s passionate because it’s my way to worship God.”
Question: What made you decide to change your stage name?
“When I first started doing music I was in college and I lost my bearings and lost my way there. The name PRo was short for Prodigal and I felt like the prodigal son. I got to a point in my life where didn’t want to continue my career as the prodigal son. I’m no longer the prodigal son. I’m the son who is no longer dead now. I felt like it was time to grow from that moniker. Derek Minor is me taking the name my mom gave me as a kid; I was named after my birth dad. My name is Jr. because I’m a junior. I’m going to be myself from here on out.”
Question: How is God leading you now?
“The goal of this [Reflection Music Group] is to create other opportunities for people who I feel is message is Christ centered. God has gifted me with a platform and hopefully I can leverage that to help other guys. Canon, Janet Jones, Deraj, B. Cooper – they get the opportunity to do music. Hopefully I can be somewhat of a guide and navigate the waters, but I feel that is what the Lord has called me to do; to grow His kingdom.
Question: How do you balance having a busy career and maintaining relationships?
“I’m not perfect at it. I think that’s one of those things you grow in and you just try to do the best you can. One of my mentors told me this when I first started doing my music: “You have to be okay with missing some opportunities that seem amazing for what is most important and that is your home.” That is how I live life – I want to take care of my family and provide for them and I also want to push music as far as I can, but I won’t do that at the expense of my family.”
Question: Is there anything else you would like to tell HearItFirst.com readers?
“I pray if you buy the Empire album that it blesses you immensely and that ultimately you decide to build the kingdom of God because only what you do for Christ will last.”
By following God’s calling, Derek is opening the door for other Christian artists to pursue and fulfill more of God’s work. Derek Minor’s music is original, creative and energizing. He is coming alive through each song and I’m excited to see how God is glorified through Empire.
You Can Purchase Empire Here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/empire/id945090463
Article by Elise Cleary
I am a Christian writer and editor that lives in northern Michigan and thoroughly enjoy music, movies, TV shows, books and other entertainment with a Christian focus. My favorite song is "Oceans" by Hillsong United because it reminds me that has big plans for me and everyone else who puts their trust in Him. There are many movies that have impacted my life, but a few include God's Not Dead, The Shunning and Letters to God. I also write for www.faithandentertainment.com and love connecting with readers, so please don't hesitate to contact me! When I'm not writing I enjoy watching movies and laughing with my busy toddler and husband.
