Listen to storied American music giant Rodney Jerkins’ new 4-track EP ‘Darkchild Sessions’
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The short yet soul-gripping project reimagines R&B fan favourites.
Starting off with the iconic production DNA of ‘He Wasn’t Man Enough’, Rodney Jerkins gives the spotlight to the Tennesseean rapper nobigdyl (probably “no bid deal”) on ‘On the Radar’. As he successfully obliterates worldly temptations, he also checks off a list of things he won’t do—like doing God’s job. Keeping the Lord first and knowing his place, he simply raps about God, unlike Eminem. The ‘King Jesus’ rapper also shows his disdain against rappers who promote pills to kids, chase multiple women and others selling their souls for fame.
Then, the next track, ‘Eyes On Us’, reimagines Brandy and Monica’s 1998 classic R&B duet ‘The Boy Is Mine’. The San Diego artist Jon Keith focuses on and praises the Lord with diligence in this song. Knowing that God always watches his children, he doesn’t seem to comprehend why a man would confide in a woman or anyone else. In the same breath, he doesn’t seem to enjoy not being enough for his partner.
‘Holy Spirit’ replays Destiny Child 1999 hit record ‘Say My Name’ with Christian artist Georgia-native Hulvey, who welcomes the Holy Spirit to enter and remain in his life daily. Being a Christian is a day-to-day piety, and like any believer, he makes the decision daily to shun things that would take him off his path, like codeine sipping, because he prefers to embrace the Spirit to govern his mind.
And last but not least, ‘Heavenly Melody (God’s Hand, Loved, Altar)‘ turns Ray J’s 2005 Billboard charting single ‘One Wish’ into a praise song about the Lord. This subtle sonic beauty covers God’s clarity, authentic unconditional love and washing away shame. Not for nothing, the beginning of the record took me back to Ty Dolla $ign’s incredibly made ‘Free TC’ album.
If you haven’t heard that body of music, you should, so you could understand where I’m coming from. It also feels like a project Canadian superstar Justin Bieber, who reacclimated his life to Christianity in 2014 following struggles with fame, would enjoy.
More about Rodney Jerkins’ independent record label
Launched in 2024 by highly decorated triple-threat Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, the independent record label is inspired by the power of faith, Alienz Alive empowers artists who are “ten toes down” in their commitment to living a renewed life. Alienz Alive fosters the creation of music that connects, inspires and uplifts, all whilst elevating the honest stories of their artists. This isn’t just music, it’s a movement.
