For the Unheard Voices…
As we acknowledge the AIDS epidemic on this day each year, how many of us truly realize the severity of this illness? For those who have not been directly affected by it, chances are the answer is very few. However, there are individuals whose lives have changed drastically once AIDS personally affected them. When it comes to those individuals, I thank God for the testimonies beyond their trials. Such testimonies have been given by Christian emcee Eric “Campain” Harris, who speaks boldly on his concern for those suffering through this horrible illness. At a young age, the loss of his mother left an imprint on his life that would someday be of great motivation in ministry. Upon my first time witnessing him in action, I was blown away by his strength and his ability to speak with such transparency and conviction. With that said, I felt it necessary to acknowledge him, and others like him in this post. So many of our “urban” Christian artists, or what I prefer to call “underground” Christian singers, poets, and emcees go unrecognized or are often under-appreciated as we are blindsided by the abundance of talent in general. We have the Richie Righteous’, the Lecrae’s, and so forth. And these artists are all PHENOMENAL in what God is leading them to do. However, I would like to take this time to acknowledge the incredible artists who are often left unmentioned.
Another artist speaking on his trials turned into testimonies is Jason Andre Roberts, known to most as “Conquest.” Roberts has experienced the pain that comes with self-esteem issues, as well as the suffering of ending a marriage through divorce. In some of his past work, Conquest speaks on the scrutiny that comes with dating outside of one’s race, and on how that can affect an individual in their spiritual walk. Topics such as these are rarely touched upon in Christian music, and so his delivery is refreshing as well as necessary. For those who have considered suicide or who have questioned God about contentment in companionship being a part of their futures, Conquest is definitely someone who can relate. Consequently, his music is an encouragement as he shares his testimony. As he takes “Revenge Against God’s Enemies,” be on the lookout for more of his story.
Next we have Cynthia “Heesun” Lee (a.k.a. Mrs. Chi), another Christian emcee, who proudly speaks on her experience as an orphan who was eventually adopted by a loving family. Her most recent projects include collaborations on the “I’m a Christian: the Mixtape” series, on which she collaborates with other CHH dynamos! And as she does, she remains poised while reppin’ for the ladies! And in her early work, Heesun acknowledges God’s role in supplying her blessings as she speaks on her own trials and tribulations… as a woman, as an orphan, and as a human-being in general. She speaks on everything from feeling worthless to compromising her own self-esteem with actions taken prior to knowing the Lord. Since she has come to know her savior, Heesun has reclaimed her rightful place as a member of a royal priesthood, and encourages others to do the same. As a female emcee, she has had to prove herself on many occasions, each time stepping up to the plate and doing just that. If anyone out there has felt like they were a mistake, misplaced, or unwanted, her testimony will definitely prove you wrong.
And lastly, we have Adrian R. McClean, Jr. , otherwise known as “Glamour the VOICE,” and formerly Glamour of MP (Manifestation of Praise). Many of you may have actually heard of the previously mentioned Christian artists in recent years. As for this one, he’s definitely no rookie, yet has been keeping a pretty low profile. But if you’ve have recently heard his single, “You Can Change,” heard previous songs such as “Out of Darkness,” “the Future,” or have a copy of the classic “Shaolin Mixtape,” you know this emcee is no joke! He speaks the truth through his triumphs and is a beast in the booth. If the devil wants a battle, he’s looking for a loose tooth. Spittin’ venom so cold you need a triple fat goose! Leaving demons gagging like their neck’s in a noose. Sorry for the diversion, but that just came to me as was typing. These emcees are infectious in more ways than one, but I digress. Getting back on topic, Glamour’s story is one shared by many. Growing up in a single parent home, he revisits the hardships that come with longing for a father. His testimony is a tear jerker as he takes you through the journey shared with his three older brothers, one of which has been a partner of his in ministry. If any of you have questioned God about your hardships, or longed to have a void filled by a father, he speaks on the victory that comes in allowing Christ to fill it.
These artists are basically God’s way of showing you that no matter how you feel, you’re never truly alone. They’ve been where you are. And just as they’ve been delivered, you can be too! To all the emcees I may have failed to mention, please know you’re all dear to my heart as well. To my homie [Mc]Psalmist, your heart’s as big as the world is round. J Sky, we need you like the deaf need sound. If life is a park, Slave’s the merry-go-round. Keith “Vulcha” Thomas, the world ain’t even ready. Them without you is a parade without confetti. And now for my poets, y’all are dear to my heart. I’m one of you in writing, so you had to get your part. To my boy God’s Child, keep reppin’ for Haiti! The world needs you like Sanford needed Grady. Shout out to Shanelle G. My work is my wealth too! Keep speaking on Lupus and God bless your health boo! My boy Love da Poet, whom I call Anthony, always keeps me mindful of God’s plan for me. And to anybody left, keep on doing what you do, because a lot of lives are waiting just to meet the God in you. I hope my words weren’t too long, mushy or corny. But y’all are dear to my heart in all you do for me.
Just so you know, all of you are a true inspiration and encouragement. In your artistic abilities, your ministry, and your actions. Thank you for being who you are. And once again, my heart goes out on this day especially to those affected by HIV and AIDS. I’ll leave you one more clip of Campain’s testimony as I ask you all to keep these beautiful people in prayer. Trust we’re all praying for you.
And to the mothers with AIDS & future mothers with HIV, this is for you. God bless…
Copyright ©2010 Keisha L. Clarke
Love it…very inspiring.
So glad you were blessed! To God be the glory!
KEISHA: Thank you so much, really this means a lot, to see you mentioned me in a paragraph in your piece really emphasizes the effect my ministry has had on you. You were there for a lot of it’s growth this year, and I know you didn’t always know how to help or what to say at times when I was struggling through trials but nevertheless I never doubted your sincerity in wanting to be as supportive as you possibly could be, plus you were there in other areas that I appreciate to this day. IT MEANT AND STILL MEANS A LOT TO ME FA’ SHO! So again thank you…I promise that what I’ve done is only a small example of what I will be doing in the future since I’m operating in complete freedom as a minister and artist. I also want to THANK YOU FOR ACKNOWLEDGING THE OTHERS: HEESUN, LOVE, GLAMOUR, GOD’S CHILD ETC. for their exceptional ministries as well. Definitely WELL, WELL DESERVED AND FOR YOU TO FEATURE CAMPAIN’S STORY LIKE YOU DID…was BREATHTAKING and drove the point home about AIDS AWARENESS EVEN FURTHER.
Keisha, know you have a real future with your writing abilities mixed with your knack for social awareness and the human condition. ‘GO HAM’ with these gifts sis’. DO NOT HOLD BACK, CONTINUE TO LET GOD USE YOU. Much appreciated!
Thank you so much for the encouragement Jason! I really appreciate it. I can’t tell who else read this unless a comment was left, but whether the others acknowledged read it or not, I pray God continues to use them in a much needed way and that this post will reach all who need to know God has people who know their struggle pulling for them. Also, I hope this will raise more people’s awareness about the “human condition” as you put it, while giving them all the boldness to speak out while trusting God through their trials. God bless & thanks again.:)
I want to thank you Keisha for acknowledging me but more importantly the testimony. As always I hide behind the mic and let God display himself. I pray that what I been thru will motivate people to live and start a new beginning in Jesus Christ. I encourage other ministers to share their testimony so folks can relate and can see that if God can bring this person out of bondage I know he can take me out cause we going thru similar things.
I heard and read the miracles Jesus did and how people ran to tell others what Jesus did for them. I been on many shipwrecks and as soon as I was about to sink God came, saved me, and returned me back to shore. To God be the Glory and once again thank you!!!!
You’re more than welcome. I just wish I’d thought to do this before this year. I really wanted to shed light on your testimony while acknowledging you along with others who share their own experiences. I’m glad I was able to touch on both without one taking away from the other and I pray it encourages you to continue with what God is leading you to do. I’m sure MANY need this as your story is rare, but far from exclusive to you. And lastly, if anyone else is reading this, I pray that you know regardless of your circumstance, God has the power to do something great through your situation. Even if you yourself don’t live to see it. He’s gonna use you, he’s gonna use your children, and with that said your prayers are never in vein.