116 Life Ep. 121: KJ Kemp & 404 Chew Nothing Can Fill You Like Jesus
On this episode of The 116 Life, host Meah Evans welcomes KJ Kemp and 404 Chew, two of Summer Playlists’ most talked-about emerging artists. The conversation dives deep into faith, purpose, and the journey from chaos to conviction, showing just how powerful authenticity can be when God transforms a life.
Authenticity in Every Step
Both artists were featured on Reach’s Summer ’25 Playlist, and their joint track “Stepper” has quickly become a fan favorite. Meah notes that what stands out most about the duo isn’t just their sound, but their authentic energy. From the very first moments of the interview, it’s clear that neither artist is interested in appearances—they’re focused on staying grounded, serving others, and walking out their faith in real time.
Serving Before Shining
Before fame or features, both men found purpose in serving.
KJ Kemp shares how his pastor instilled in him the principle of humility early on: “How can we trust you with a mic if we can’t trust you to straighten up a chair?” That lesson shaped how he approaches both ministry and music—staying faithful with what’s in his hands before asking for more.
404 Chew echoes that sentiment, emphasizing that true ministry begins with love for God and for people. He reminds listeners that serving isn’t glamorous—it’s spiritual training: “When you stay at people’s feet, that flows into your ministry. You use your music to serve people too.”
From the Streets to Surrender
KJ Kemp opens up about growing up amid gang violence and chaos, confessing that his mindset as a teen was “ready to go kill folks.” But everything changed when a near-death experience forced him to face eternity. A friend turned a gun on him, and in that terrifying moment, KJ prayed, “God, if I get out of this, I’ll change my life for you.” The friend dropped the weapon, and KJ never saw him again—until years later, when God orchestrated a moment of forgiveness between them. That reconciliation marked his full surrender to Christ.
404 Chew’s testimony mirrors the same divine pursuit. Growing up on Atlanta’s Bankhead, in a single-parent home touched by drugs and struggle, he searched for identity through football and the streets. After losing his athletic dream and battling depression, he attempted suicide at 17. In his lowest moment, he cried out to God—and was met with peace he couldn’t explain. That encounter began his transformation from brokenness to bold belief.
Walking Away from Temptation
Both artists are transparent about the ongoing wrestle between spirit and flesh.
Chew recalls nearly attending a college party that ended in tragedy. Choir practice kept him away that night—a clear sign of God’s protection. KJ Kemp speaks candidly about battling lust and pornography, saying, “You can fall into sin so many times and want to give up. But you’ve got to stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit. When you’re weak, that’s when God is strong.”
Their honesty underscores a key theme: sanctification is a process. God’s grace covers the stumble as much as the stride.
“Stepper” and Staying True
Their collaboration “Stepper” came together organically—KJ recording the first part late one night, and Chew adding his verse during “Fried Chicken Wednesday” at his HBCU cafeteria. The record’s energy mirrors their testimonies: fierce, fearless, and faith-filled. Despite online criticism, both artists celebrate the impact it’s having, giving all glory to God for using their authenticity to reach others.
The Message: Seek First the Kingdom
As the episode closes, both artists leave listeners with one unified encouragement: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”
No shortcuts. No self-promotion. Just surrender.
Because in their words, “Drugs can’t do it. Sex can’t do it. Nothing fills you like Jesus.”
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Intro: Meah Evans opens the show solo, previewing an authentic episode
01:30 – Meet KJ Kemp and 404 Chew: Two artists from Reach Records’ Summer ’25 Playlist
03:00 – Life updates: Marriage, college, ministry, and learning to trust God
04:30 – Why serving before shining matters in ministry
06:45 – Staying humble: Lessons learned from serving in church
08:20 – How authenticity shapes faith and music
09:00 – Brotherhood and finding genuine friendship in Christian hip-hop
14:00 – KJ Kemp’s story: Growing up around gangs and finding Christ after a near-death moment
18:00 – How God saved KJ from a life of violence and taught him forgiveness
24:00 – 404 Chew’s story: From Bankhead to breakthrough
27:00 – Struggling with depression, identity, and a suicide attempt before surrendering to God
33:00 – Wrestling with temptation and the fight to stay faithful in college
36:00 – Breaking free from lust and learning to rely on God’s strength
40:00 – No condemnation: Understanding grace in the process of sanctification
42:00 – How “Stepper” was created and what the song represents
46:00 – The power of authenticity in ministry and music
47:30 – Final encouragement: Seek first the Kingdom and stay grounded in Christ
49:00 – Outro: Meah signs off and invites listeners to tune in weekly on Holy Culture Radio
Related Radio Show: 116 Life
