Derek Minor and Canon on Valuing Human Interaction, Patience, and Self-Reflection
On this episode of WhatItIzWhatItBeezLike?!, host King Cyz sits down with two powerhouses in Christian hip hop, Canon and Derek Minor, for an honest and vulnerable conversation about success, faith, the culture of Christian hip hop, and the personal growth that comes with walking through pain. What unfolds is more than an interview; it’s a masterclass in reflection, grace, and redefining what it means to make an impact both in music and in life.
Redefining Success Beyond Numbers
Derek Minor opens up about how his definition of success has evolved over the years. In his early career, success was tied to metrics — chart positions, money, and fame. But now, he says it’s about peace and integrity:
“I want to be able to sleep at night with the decisions I made when I was younger.”
He explains that true success comes from the kind of impact you leave on people and the joy you get from creating, not just the financial gain. For Derek, choosing meaningful work over profitable ventures is what allows him to stay true to his purpose and maintain a sense of fulfillment.
The Evolution of Christian Hip Hop
When King Cyz asks both artists what today’s CHH community gets right — and what it still misses — the answers are both affirming and challenging. Derek and Canon agree that one of the greatest strengths of today’s CHH artists is their passion. Many are standing firm in their convictions and building communities rooted in faith and creativity.
However, both men point out that the genre sometimes struggles with transparency and compassion. Canon notes that artists often get caught up in preaching ideals instead of sharing their personal struggles — the very stories that help listeners connect on a deeper level.
“I can be passionate about mental health or faith,” Canon says, “but people connect more if I talk about where I’m at.”
The message is clear: authenticity matters more than perfection. And for Christian hip hop to continue thriving, its artists must learn to balance truth with vulnerability.
From Online Fame to Real-World Impact
In an age of social media dominance, Derek Minor highlights another shift that needs to happen. While CHH artists are “killing it online,” he says, they sometimes forget to make real-world connections. “Everybody’s back outside,” he adds. “We have to get back to having real-life impact and document that for online.”
It’s a reminder that faith — and influence — are lived out through relationships, service, and showing up in communities, not just through screens and algorithms.
Kingdom Culture and Community
The conversation also touches on unity and celebration within the faith-based music scene. All three men share how powerful it felt to attend the Kingdom Choice Awards (KCA) — an event that honors CHH artists for their contributions. There was no ego in the room, just love and mutual respect. King Cyz recalls closing his eyes and soaking it all in:
“It wasn’t just artists on stage — it was family. That’s what it should be.”
Moments like that show the strength of the community and the importance of giving “flowers” to those who’ve paved the way.
Pain, Perspective, and Purpose
Canon’s story takes the discussion even deeper when he reflects on the accident that nearly took his life in 2014 — a pivotal event explored in his documentary Grateful. He explains that recovery taught him to live one day at a time.
Not every day is easy, he admits. Some days he’s an “angry husband” or “frustrated son,” but he’s learned that frustration can be a setup for growth.
“God has every good intention for me,” he says. “So let me trust that and lean into it.”
That daily surrender has not only shaped his faith but also his art, allowing him to extend grace to himself and to others.
The Bigger Picture
As the episode closes, Derek and Canon reflect on what it means to build something lasting. “It takes time to build the world you want to live in,” Derek says. “We had to sit through some seasons that weren’t fun — seasons of self-reflection.”
Their final takeaway? Give yourself grace as you grow. The transformation process is ongoing, and every challenge is part of a larger design. As Derek puts it,
“When you plant a seed, you’re not just planting a tree — you’re planting a forest.”
Canon and Derek Minor remind listeners that faith, creativity, and impact take time, honesty, and community. Their words serve as a challenge and an encouragement to anyone chasing purpose: be patient, stay authentic, and never lose sight of love — both for God and for people.
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Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: King Cyz welcomes Canon & Derek Minor
00:47 – Derek talks about redefining success and finding peace
03:13 – The evolution of Christian hip hop: what’s working and what’s missing
05:37 – Accountability, transparency, and the culture of judgment in CHH
08:03 – Derek on the power of real-life impact vs online influence
09:20 – Christian Hip Hop’s growth and community at the Kingdom Choice Awards
10:26 – The importance of unity and giving artists their flowers
11:40 – Canon opens up about pain, frustration, and living one day at a time
13:55 – The “Vigilante” concept: fighting systems that dehumanize
17:14 – Derek and Canon on legacy, patience, and planting spiritual seeds
19:39 – Closing words of encouragement: grace, growth, and purpose
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