Aaron Cole: Grinding, Growing & Trusting God

On a recent episode of The Corelink Solution with host James Rosseau Sr. (Trig), award-winning Christian hip-hop and R&B artist Aaron Cole stepped into the studio for a transparent, wisdom-filled conversation about purpose, discipline, and the seasons that shape an artist’s life. From childhood beginnings to fatherhood, from vision boards to spiritual recalibration, Aaron paints a picture of what it looks like to grow in your calling without losing sight of the God who gave it.

A Life Built on Early Vision and Relentless Preparation

Aaron’s story starts long before most artists even knew what a microphone was. He was rapping at age three and released his first album before turning five. But as impressive as those early years sound, Aaron emphasizes it wasn’t talent alone that shaped him—it was preparation, discipline, and repetition.

He recalls seasons of “boot camp” created by his father: long days that began with prayer and Bible study, followed by chores, running hills while rapping his set list, practicing performances outside as cars drove past, and ending with daily meetings to discuss what he learned. That foundation created an inner confidence that stayed with him. “I never felt nervous,” Aaron shares. “It was something I felt I was born to do.”

Vision Boards, Milestones, and Avoiding Comfort

Trig brings up something notable about Aaron’s journey—his vision board. Long before he was performing on national stages, Aaron had images of Dove Awards, Stellar Awards, movies, and major collaborations taped to the wall he walked past every day.

Almost all of those goals have come to pass.

But what stands out is not the accomplishment—it’s Aaron’s fear of getting comfortable. He shares that now, as a husband and father, he feels the urgency to create a new vision board rooted not only in personal success but legacy, responsibility, and spiritual alignment.

From God-Inspired to God-Centered: A Creative Shift

One of the most powerful moments of the interview comes when Aaron explains how his creative process has shifted. After the success of Sorry I Changed, he realized he was sometimes making God-inspired music instead of God-centered music.

That conviction became the foundation of his latest project, Where Do We Go From Here.

Instead of bringing God his plans and asking for a blessing, Aaron shifted his posture:
“Lord, what do You want me to do?”

This new mindset also changed his workflow. As a new father, Aaron found himself writing songs between diaper changes, helping his wife, and stealing moments of creativity between family time. The studio became less of a physical place and more of a rhythm he carried with him.

Navigating Industry Highs, Lows, and Authentic Relationships

Aaron and Trig dive deep into the emotional and relational complexities of growing up in the music industry. Aaron admits that some of the hardest lessons came from fake relationships, inconsistent support, and the pressure to keep performing at a high level.

He notes that success often attracts opportunistic people—but the down seasons reveal who is truly in your corner.

Still, despite industry challenges, Aaron remains grounded. He no longer chases features, placements, or validation. If a collaboration makes sense, he’ll do it; if it doesn’t, he’s at peace saying no.

He also shares a key lesson: No person, platform, or opportunity can take you where God intends to send you. That truth keeps him centered regardless of the industry’s ups and downs.

Marriage, Fatherhood, and Shifting Priorities

Becoming a husband and father changed everything for the 26-year-old artist. His priorities evolved from personal ambition to legacy—thinking not just about the next hit, but about the generations coming after him.

He laughs that his new vision board might not include pictures of himself at all—just images symbolizing family, home, and purpose.

A Blueprint of Faith, Work, and Humility

Trig closes the conversation by affirming what many listeners likely feel—Aaron Cole is a blueprint. His story is a testament to trusting God’s timing, maintaining integrity in a demanding industry, and putting in the unseen work when no one is applauding.

Aaron sums it up simply:
“Peace, happiness, whatever God has for me—that’s the next level.”

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Show intro & Flavor Fest reflections
03:20 – Meet today’s guest: Aaron Cole
04:10 – First music break: “Man Above”
07:57 – Aaron returns: tour life & Philly cheesesteaks
08:50 – Something fans don’t know about Aaron
09:20 – Aaron’s earliest memories of music
10:40 – Childhood footage, VHS tapes & documenting the journey
11:35 – Vision boards, goals & early dreams
12:50 – The middle school talent show that changed everything
14:00 – Intense artist bootcamp: daily routine & discipline
16:40 – Early record deals, waiting seasons & maturity
18:55 – Transition: setting up the album conversation
21:35 – Introducing the new project: Where Do We Go From Here
24:11 – How fatherhood changed Aaron’s creative process
26:00 – God-inspired vs. God-centered music
28:15 – Songwriting, studio flow & balancing family life
31:00 – Wrapping the project & trusting God’s timing
33:05 – Marriage, legacy & shifting priorities
35:20 – Friendships, loyalty & adult relationships
37:30 – Fake love in the industry & staying grounded
40:00 – Navigating highs, lows & industry cycles
42:15 – The lost vault of unreleased music
44:00 – Moving forward & not dwelling on the past
45:30 – Dove Award memories & making history
47:05 – Rapid-fire questions with Aaron
53:20 – What goes on the NEW vision board
54:50 – Biggest myth about CHH
55:30 – Final thoughts & where to find Aaron Cole

Related Radio Show: The Corelink Solution Show