In a recent episode of on Holy Culture Radio, hosts Ace Harris and Meah Evans had an engaging conversation with the multifaceted artist Jackie Hill Perry. Known for her work as a poet, author, speaker, and musician, Jackie delved into her creative journey, her recent signing with Reach Records, and her return to music. This blog post will break down the key insights and actionable advice shared during the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for listeners and readers alike.

1. Embracing Multifaceted Talents

Jackie Hill Perry’s Diverse Skill Set
Jackie Hill Perry is often described as a “jack of all trades,” excelling in poetry, writing, speaking, and music. She attributes her success to her love for language and creative expression.

Actionable Advice:
Identify Your Core Passion: Like Jackie, find the common thread that ties your talents together. For her, it’s the love for words and language.
Diversify Your Skills: Don’t be afraid to explore different creative outlets. Each skill can complement and enhance the others.

2. Authenticity and Transparency

The Importance of Being Genuine
Jackie emphasizes the value of authenticity and transparency in her work and interactions. She believes that being genuine is less exhausting than maintaining a facade.

Actionable Advice:
Be Honest About Your Feelings: Whether you’re creating art or engaging with others, honesty fosters deeper connections and trust.
Avoid Pretentiousness: Authenticity resonates more with audiences and helps build a loyal following.

3. Navigating Small Talk and Social Interactions

Approaching Conversations with a Service Mindset
Jackie shares her strategy for handling small talk in green rooms or at conferences. She approaches these situations with a mindset of service, aiming to honor others through conversation.

Actionable Advice:
Engage with Intent: View small talk as an opportunity to serve and connect with others meaningfully.
Know When to Recharge: Recognize when you need to step back and take a break to maintain your well-being.

4. Transitioning to Music with Reach Records

The Journey to Signing with Reach Records
Jackie discusses her recent signing with Reach Records and how the transition has been smoother than expected. She paused writing books to focus on music, creating space for new creative expressions.

Actionable Advice:
Create Space for New Ventures: Sometimes, you need to pause one project to make room for another. This can lead to fresh and exciting opportunities.
Trust the Process: Embrace transitions and trust that they can lead to growth and new creative heights.

5. Crafting Music with Purpose

The Creative Process Behind “First Draft”
Jackie shares insights into her creative process for her first single, “First Draft.” Initially unsure about the song, she trusted her producer’s vision and pushed for the right production.

Actionable Advice:
Know Your Sound: Be confident in your artistic choices and understand the sound you want to create.
Collaborate and Trust: Work with others who can help bring your vision to life, and trust their expertise.

6. Addressing Criticism and Protecting Your Peace

Handling Negative Feedback
Jackie admits that she avoids reading comments to protect her peace. She focuses on positive feedback and constructive criticism.

Actionable Advice:
Filter Feedback: Focus on feedback that helps you grow and avoid engaging with negativity that can harm your mental health.
Protect Your Peace: Prioritize your well-being by setting boundaries around how you receive and process feedback.

7. The Role of Music in Faith and Culture

Bridging Gaps with Hip Hop
Jackie and Ace discuss the unique ability of hip hop to bridge gaps between church and culture. They emphasize the importance of creating music that reflects one’s faith and values.

Actionable Advice:
Create with Intention: Use your platform to create music that honors your faith and positively influences your audience.
Embrace Cultural Influence: Recognize the power of music to shape culture and use it responsibly.

8. The Importance of Discipleship and Community

Hosting the Acts 242 Conference
Jackie highlights the need for discipleship and sound doctrine in the Christian community. She and her friend Megan Ashley are hosting the Acts 242 conference to address these needs.

Actionable Advice:
Seek Discipleship: Engage in communities and events that offer sound teaching and spiritual growth.
Invest in Basics: Focus on understanding foundational truths of your faith to build a strong spiritual foundation.

9. Balancing Creativity and Spiritual Health

Staying Rooted in Community
Jackie stresses the importance of being connected to a local church and community to maintain spiritual health and accountability.

Actionable Advice:

• Stay Connected: Regularly engage with a faith community to receive support and accountability.
• Prioritize Spiritual Health: Ensure that your creative pursuits are balanced with spiritual nourishment and growth.

The 116 Life Conclusion

Jackie Hill Perry’s conversation on “116 Live” offers valuable insights into her creative journey, the importance of authenticity, and the role of faith in her work. By embracing multifaceted talents, navigating social interactions with a service mindset, and staying rooted in community, Jackie exemplifies how to balance creativity with spiritual health. Whether you’re an artist, writer, or musician, these actionable tips can guide you in your own creative and spiritual journey.

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Timecode References:

Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:00)
Ace Harris welcomes listeners to the “116 Live” podcast on Holy Culture Radio.

Guest Introduction (00:00:44)
The hosts introduce Jackie Hill Perry, praising her talents and contributions.

Jackie’s Creative Process (00:01:11)
Jackie discusses her strengths and admits to not excelling at everything, humorously mentioning cooking.

Honesty in Conversations (00:02:51)
Jackie shares her views on being transparent rather than pretentious in discussions.

Navigating Social Situations (00:04:18)
Jackie explains how she handles small talk in social settings and her introverted nature.

Serving Others (00:05:16)
Jackie emphasizes the importance of serving others in social interactions, even when feeling drained.

Music and Creative Journey (00:06:14)
The hosts shift the conversation to Jackie’s music career and creative process.

Balancing Roles (00:06:50)
Jackie explains how returning to music has been easier due to her previous life adjustments.

Recording Process Insights (00:08:03)
Ace shares his experience witnessing Jackie’s impressive recording sessions.

Transitioning to Reach Records (00:09:14)
Jackie recounts her emotional journey leading to her signing with Reach Records.

Divine Timing in Music (00:12:27)
Jackie discusses the importance of God’s involvement in her music career decisions.

First Single Release (00:13:41)
Jackie reflects on her feelings about her first single release since signing with Reach.

Creative Control in Production (00:14:28)
Jackie highlights her involvement in the production process of her music.

Cultural Influences on Jackie’s Sound (00:15:19)
Jackie shares her musical background and how it shapes her current sound.

Understanding “Worldly” Sounds (00:17:01)
Jackie discusses the concept of “worldly” sounds in music and its implications.

Criticism and Support (00:18:44)
Jackie addresses the online criticism she faces while maintaining emotional health.

The Importance of Online Comments (19:05)
Discussion on the toxicity of online comments and the need for constructive dialogue.

Rap Zilla Situation (20:02)
Jackie shares her experiences with negativity following the release of her work.

Writing Process in Different Forms (20:23)
Jackie explains how writing rap differs from poetry and book writing.

The Role of Music in Hip Hop (22:26)
Exploration of how hip hop serves as a bridge between church and culture.

Influence of Music on Behavior (24:30)
Jackie discusses the power of music to shape attitudes and behaviors in listeners.

Honesty in Songwriting (25:28)
Jackie reflects on the freedom music provides to express human emotions authentically.

Impact of Music on Children (27:19)
Ace shares how his child responds to music, highlighting its influence from a young age.

Controversy Over Christian Hip Hop (28:04)
Discussion on the backlash Jackie faced regarding her comments on lyricism in Christian hip hop.

Clarifying Misunderstandings (29:00)
Jackie addresses the misinterpretation of her comments and the context behind them.

The Weight of Leadership (32:01)
Jackie reflects on the responsibility of being a leader and the impact of her words.

Idolatry in the Industry (34:07)
Conversation about the potential idolatry present in the Christian hip hop scene.

Navigating Humility in Hip Hop (36:00)
Jackie discusses the challenge of maintaining humility within a competitive genre.

The Need for Discipleship (37:33)
Importance of discipleship for artists to ensure their work honors God.

Risks of Isolation in Leadership (39:17)
Jackie warns against the dangers of leaders lacking accountability and community.

Discussion on Life Stages and Influence (00:40:21)
Jackie emphasizes the importance of community and being seen during difficult times.

Need for Discipleship Conference (00:41:18)
Ace asks Jackie about her upcoming conference focused on discipleship and addressing modern teaching issues.

Acts 242 Conference Overview (00:41:44)
Jackie explains the purpose of the Acts 242 conference, targeting fundamental Christian teachings.

Musical Journey and New Projects (00:43:18)
Ace invites Jackie to share insights about her current music projects and creative process.

Creating Excellent Music (00:43:28)
Jackie discusses her excitement about repurposing past lyrics and striving for excellence in her music.

Final Thoughts and Lighthearted Banter (00:44:15)
The hosts share humorous final thoughts, touching on self-care and personal grooming.

Related Radio Show: 116 Life