An inspiring story of a Christian rapper
Rodney was tall and muscular. When we first met, what got my attention wasn't Rodney's big physique, but his huge bag full of notebooks. It was later revealed that he carries his written poems and music compositions with him wherever he goes. With his good manners and unquestionable confidence, it is hard to believe he's had a dark past.
Unlike most rappers, Rodney combines poetry in his lyrics and raps about his faith, lifestyle and religion and that his listeners can relate to. “[Mainstream] songs are always about sex, money or a woman being objectified as a piece of meat in the club, I found them degrading.”
God, Rodney’s inspiration, always comes first in everything he does, including his music. His stage name is D.I.S.C.I.P.L.E- the abbreviation of Dedicated In Serving Christ In Preparation of Living Eternally. Even for his internet account names, he includes the number ‘314’ that stands for ‘three’ nails where Jesus was killed; ‘one’ cross where Jesus was hanged; and ‘four’ for forgiveness.
Rapping about religion for seven years now, he has released singles, albums and gained reputation in the church community around New South Wales. However, there is a dark story behind his success.
“People deserve a second chance. And the second chance was given to me by God.”
This can be traced back to the time when Rodney was four years old. Before his parents divorced, his father had abused his mother to a point where she developed sickness. Rodney was separated from his family by foster care for a few months before re-uniting with his mother.
Rodney was rebellious in his teenage years. He started drinking and beating people up. “Life was unfair. I didn’t have a proper family and we were poor. I wanted to see people in pain because I was always in pain. It made me feel better,” he recalls.
The turning point came at the age of 15 when God transformed him. “I was always forced to go to the church and I didn’t believe in God. But in 2005, when we were praying in a camp, I saw God. From that moment, I believed God exists.” Since then, Rodney has become a better person.
At 16, he taught himself piano by playing random key chords. In addition, he started composing music and writing poems.
“I would prefer to be known as a minister, rather than a rapper.” Other than normal rapping, Rodney dedicates each section to specific church members who are experiencing the downside in their lives.
Rodney has encountered a lot of frustration. “Some of my closest friends didn’t believe in me because I didn’t go the usual, American-dominated way,” however, he sees this as a test for him to grow “stronger, wiser and better”.
“The world we live in is so separated, with all kinds of discrimination and misunderstandings. I believe through my music, people will put aside arrogance and ignorance.” Other than producing music, Rodney spreads love by doing voluntary work that helps orphans, widows, homeless people, prisoners and prostitutes. “I don’t do music for fame. I don’t care about awards. Spreading hope, love and faith- that’s what I truly care about.”
I was curious. By rapping religious music, did he want his listeners to become Christian? Rodney shakes his head, “people don’t have to be Christian to listen to my music. What I value is diversity.” In fact, with nearly 2000 fans on Facebook, 30 per cent of his fans are Buddhist, Hindu or Muslim.
“People always ask ‘how much do you charge?’. I tell them I charge nothing. It’s whatever you feel. If you feel like blessing me and supporting what I’m doing, then go ahead. If you don’t give me a dollar, as long as I know I’ve moved someone, it’s fine.”
Rodney’s upcoming album will be released in December with a launch concert accommodating 800 fans. His future plans are to build a record label in Australia and perform in his home country, Ghana.
When asked about his biggest success so far, he smiles, “my best show is my next one, my biggest goal is my next appearance.”
Visit D.I.S.C.I.P.L.E.’s fan page to find out more:
www.facebook.com/314disciple
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