Making the name change was easy for Emanuel, whose government literally means God with us.  Keeping Psalm 23 in his heart, the CHH vet is taking us on a journey to explore “da truth” on his self-titled album and reminding us that no matter what, God is with us. 

Healing in the midst of the pandemic

After being on the road for the past 25 years Emanuel admits that the pandemic shutdown was actually a blessing in disguise.  “The pandemic was problematic obviously.  But the quarantine was amazing.  I don’t know if I’m supposed to say that out loud because I know everybody’s experience was different.  It felt good to slow down.”  As a result, Emanuel was able to focus more on NXT, his artist development company which recently platformed afro gospel artist Limoblaze    

Not only did Emanuel have the opportunity to develop an up-and-coming artist, but he also managed to churn out two albums during the shutdown as well.  “I just had time to be introspective and process the next steps.  I started a merch company during that time.  For me the pandemic was tough.  But at the same time, it was bitter because I had some people close to me pass away.  So that was the hardest part.  But for me personally, I kind of enjoyed that time and took advantage of it.” 

With the post-pandemic release of his self-titled album Emanuel is proving why he is a CHH legend.  “As a creative so much of what inspires us is life.  The only difference between a Christian creative and a non-Christian creative, from my vantage point, is that the Christian artist is going to be more intentional about bringing the heart of God to bare on those issues.  And allow for God to weigh in on those discussions.”

One common misconception of Emanuel is that he is an extrovert.  “I’m really not.  I’m more of an ambivert but lean toward introvert.  I’m constantly processing thoughts.  Ideas.  Feelings.  Where I am.  What’s going on with me?  What’s happening?  And the ebbs and flows of my whole soul.  When I write, it’s literally out of the abundance of my heart,” Emanuel explains. 

Psalm 23 God with us

Emanuel reveals he has a little doubting Thomas in him.  “I am a skeptic first,” he admits which is why he likens himself to the “I’ll believe it when I see it” disciple.  “I live in the space of questions and curiosity.   And help me understand.  And why?  And when and where?  There have been 4 different pivotal seasons in which I wrestled with God.”

The truth is, asking those questions is a natural part of the process of developing our relationship with God.  The scriptures say you have not because you ask not.  There’s a saying in the hood, “a closed mouth doesn’t get fed.”  Neither of these is physical or material in nature. 

We have to make our request known.  What are we asking of God?  Are we asking for understanding and clarity?  Are we asking to be in his presence?  Are we asking for God to reveal himself to us?  Are we asking to be able to recognize his voice and see his face? 

After all those crises of faith seasons, one thing remains true for us all. Whether we get caught up in the flesh or not at any given moment, God is ALWAYS with us.   That’s what makes the Emanuel album so relevant regardless of the age of the writer.  It’s a message of hope.  And a confirmation that healing comes.   

Catch this wave with Da Fixx, weekday mornings at 6 est. on Holy Culture Radio, Sirius XM, Channel 154.  And remember to follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to join the conversation.