In a recent episode of Holy Culture’s Artist Spotlight J. Harrington engages in a profound conversation with Edify. The discussion delves into Edify’s personal journey, his faith, and the intersection of music and mental health. This blog post will break down the key themes and insights from the episode, offering actionable advice and thorough explanations for aspiring artists and individuals navigating similar paths.

Edify’s Journey to Faith and Music

Early Foundations in Faith
Edify’s journey began in a Christian household, where he felt a connection with Jesus from a young age. However, it wasn’t until he was 18 and got baptized that he truly embraced his faith. This transformation led him to explore Christian hip-hop, a genre he had initially dismissed. His father introduced him to Lecrae’s music, which sparked his interest in creating music that glorified God while expressing his love for hip-hop.

Discovering Christian Hip-Hop
At 19, Edify met a DJ at Washtenaw Community College who hosted a Christian hip-hop radio show. This connection opened doors for him to discover other artists in the genre, such as KB, Trip Lee, and Andy Mineo. Inspired by these artists, he began recording music using basic software like GarageBand and Fruity Loops, and he performed at various venues in Detroit, including churches and poetry slams.

Familial Support and Musical Development
Edify reflects on the support he received from his family, particularly his father, a talented saxophonist. This familial support made it easier for him to pursue a career in music. He also shares his experience as a worship leader at the Edge Urban Fellowship, a unique church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that focuses on hip-hop culture. Leading worship there helped him hone his musical skills and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.

Edify’s Musical Career and Releases

Early Releases and Growth
While Edify’s first official release on Spotify was in 2019, he had been creating music long before that. He mentions an EP titled “Depravity” from 2015, which is available on streaming platforms. In 2023, he aimed to release a song every two months, attributing this increased output to a newfound seriousness in his approach to music and the support from the Holy Culture team.

Importance of Feedback and Critique
Edify emphasizes that receiving constructive criticism from peers and mentors has been crucial in refining his sound and production skills. Established artists like Derek Minor and Obi provided valuable feedback that helped him improve his music. For aspiring artists, seeking critique and being open to feedback is essential for growth.

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A post shared by Edify (@iamedify)

Balancing Music and Mental Health

Emotional Regulation and Self-Awareness
Balancing his music career with his personal life and work as a clinical mental health counselor, Edify explains that emotional regulation and self-awareness have been key. Understanding one’s limits and recognizing signs of burnout are crucial for maintaining this balance. His background in counseling has also influenced his music, allowing him to draw from his experiences to create authentic and relatable content.

Addressing Mental Health Stigma
The discussion touches on the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within the church community. Edify shares his own experiences with therapy, emphasizing that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a step toward authenticity and growth. He recounts a challenging period in his life when he struggled with depression and anxiety, which ultimately led him to seek therapy. This experience helped him navigate his faith more authentically and connect with God on a deeper level.

Building Relationships in the Music Industry

Collaboration and Community Support
Edify highlights the significance of collaboration and community support, mentioning various artists he has connected with through online platforms and live events. These relationships have led to fruitful collaborations and a sense of camaraderie within the Christian hip-hop scene. For aspiring artists, building relationships within the industry is essential for growth and success.

Practical Advice for Aspiring Artists
Edify offers practical advice for aspiring artists:
Seek Critique: Be open to feedback from peers and mentors to refine your craft. Create Consistently: Develop a habit of creating regularly to improve your skills and build a portfolio.
Learn About Marketing: Understanding how to market your music and develop a release strategy is crucial for reaching your audience effectively. Understand Your Values: Knowing your values and motivations will help you stay committed to your artistic goals.

Edify’s Latest Musical Project: “Top Speed”

Creative Process and Collaboration
Edify shares insights into the creative process behind his latest release, “Top Speed,” a unique blend of Christian hip-hop and EDM. The song features energetic dance elements alongside his rap lyrics, creating a fresh sound that distinguishes it from his previous work. He collaborated with a producer named Mako from Grand Rapids, transforming elements from a previous idea into this new track.

Faith-Based Message
“Top Speed” carries a faith-based message, aiming to spread hope and redemption through its lyrics. Edify’s music continues to reflect his commitment to faith and his desire to inspire others through his art.

Conclusion

Edify’s journey as a Christian hip-hop artist is marked by a commitment to faith, community, and personal growth. His story serves as an inspiration for others in the music industry, highlighting the importance of relationships, critique, and mental health awareness in pursuing one’s passion. Through his engaging dialogue with the host of “Holy Culture,” Edify inspires listeners to pursue their passions while remaining grounded in their faith and seeking help when needed.

For more insights and to connect with Edify, follow him on social media under the handle @iamedify and check out his latest release, “Top Speed,” on various music platforms.

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TIMESTAMPS

Introduction to Edify (00:00:00)
The host welcomes Edify and sets the stage for the discussion.

Edify’s Background and Faith Journey (00:00:40)
Edify shares his upbringing in a Christian home and his personal faith journey.

Musical Influences and Early Interest (00:02:05)
He discusses discovering Christian hip-hop and how it inspired his music career.

Musical Family Background (00:04:12)
Edify talks about his family’s musical talent and his own musical journey.

Transition to Full-Time Producer (00:04:56)
He explains his evolution from rapping to becoming a full-time producer.

Worship Leadership Experience (00:05:30)
Edify shares his experience as a worship leader at a hip-hop church.

Releases and Musical Growth (00:06:44)
He reflects on his music releases and the progression over the years.

Strategic Approach to Music Production (00:07:28)
Edify discusses his goals for consistent music releases in 2023.

Quality Over Quantity in Music (00:09:28)
He emphasizes the importance of honing skills and focusing on quality.

Feedback and Critique in Music Development (00:10:39)
Edify highlights the significance of receiving constructive criticism in his music.

Balancing Music and Counseling Career (00:12:29)
He explains how emotional regulation helps him balance music and counseling.

Collaboration and Community in Music (00:14:00)
Edify discusses building relationships with other artists and collaborations.

Advice for Emerging Artists (00:15:48)
He shares valuable advice on seeking critique and developing a strategy.

Consistency in Independent Music Career (00:17:40)
Edify reveals what keeps him motivated and consistent in his music journey.

Therapy and Mental Health in Faith (00:19:35)
He discusses the importance of therapy and mental health in the faith community.

Personal Journey to Therapy (00:21:41)
Edify shares his experience with therapy during a challenging period in his life.

Therapy and Transparency (00:23:09)
Discussion on how therapy enhances transparency and supports mental health in creative spaces.

Plans for Music Career (00:24:01)
Edify shares thoughts on balancing music and counseling, and the importance of self-initiative.

Music Availability (00:25:50)
Speaker 1 prompts Edify to share where listeners can find his music and recent releases.

Top Speed Release (00:26:07)
Edify discusses his new song “Top Speed,” its unique style, and collaboration with a producer.