Soundtrack for Salvation: Mr. Del Speaks About His Upbringing, Vision & New Album

Mr. Del is the president of the independent record label Dedicated Music Group (DMG)/Universal Records. He received a Grammy award nomination for Best Rock Gospel Album and a GMA Dove Award nomination for Rap/Hip Hop Album in 2010.

His first solo album, "The Future" (EMI Gospel), was released in 2005 and debuted at No. 15 on Billboard's Gospel Chart. "Hope Dealer," was released in 2007 and peaked at No. 47 on Billboard's Gospel Chart and featured American jazz musician Kirk Whalum. Thrilla (DMG/Universal Records), was released in 2009 and debuted at No. 2 on the Christian R&B/Hip Hop Chart. 

This year, Mr. Del released his much anticipated "Hope Dealer 2." We are honored to be able to catch up with Mr. Del for this Hallels' exclusive interview.

Hallels:  Before you were involved in Christian Hip Hop, you were into mainstream hardcore rap.  Tell us about how you came to know Jesus? Why did you decide to leave mainstream rap/hip hop?  

Well my mother was always a devout christian but i never paid that any mind because I was too busy consumed with anger concerning my living situation. My father abandoned me before I was born and I was dealing with abuse from my stepfather so it left me with looking for acceptance in the streets and music. So when I was in Three 6 Mafia i was beginning to feel that all that I was doing I was still missing something. So when I heard God tell me to leave and pursue a vision he showed me of being a soldier for the kingdom. I made the decision right there to do it. And here we are 14 years later.

Hallels:  You have often been credited as the "godfather" of Christian hip hop.  What is your vision for your music?  How do you think your music can serve God's kingdom?

My vision for my music is to be the soundtrack to salvation. As I grew my music grew. And I have the ability to speak to the listener and bare my soul as well as motivate them to be a kingdom rider.

Hallels:  Let's talk about your new album "Hope Dealer 2."  What is the take home message you want your listeners to grasp after hearing this album?

Hope Dealer 2 is a message to the generation which is lost & the ministers who are called to save it. Thats it. It's not like Faith Walka. It's more evangelistic and street as far as the sound. I even do a call to salvation at the end of it. I want this to be a tool people use to minister to the ear of our lost generation,

Hallels:  One of the songs I really like is "I'm Ghost."  For our readers who have not it yet, what's the song about?  What's the inspiration behind the song?

I'm Ghost stands for (God's Host) meaning that we are the vessels in which the Holy spirit dwells. And it is critical that you recognize that if you have the Holy Ghost you are a force to be reckon with.

Hallels:  For our readers who would like to purchase "Hope Dealer 2" or/and find out more about you, where can they go?

You can go to mrdel.com and the album is available in stores,itunes, and amazon. 

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