Oatmeal: Embracing Faith and Creativity
Welcome to this edition of Holy Culture Artist Spotlight, where host J. delves into the unique life and career of rapper, teacher, and martial artist, Oatmeal. Known to some as Gerald Wright, Oatmeal shares his creative journey, his faith, and what drives him as an artist in a candid conversation that spans music, martial arts, and personal transformation.
The Beginnings of Oatmeal
Oatmeal’s name is more than just a quirky moniker; it’s a family story involving an uncle and a memorable childhood incident. This anecdote opens the door to understanding Oatmeal’s close-knit family ties, which have been integral in shaping his artistic path.
Oatmeal dives into his early exposure to music, sharing how his uncle Brenton, a once secular and now Christian artist, provided a backdrop of musical inspiration in his formative years. Hearing his uncle’s song on the radio at a young age sparked the realization that music could be a significant part of his life.
Faith: A Pillar of Strength
Oatmeal speaks openly about his upbringing in the church and a pivotal moment at a concert that solidified his faith. At just 12 years old, he attended a concert that deepened his belief in Jesus and inspired a more profound commitment to his faith journey. This defining experience marked a transition from simply knowing about faith to living it actively.
While his faith has always been central to his life, Oatmeal candidly discusses the challenges of staying connected to it through his teenage years. By high school, however, he began embracing faith more seriously, largely due to influential family members and personal conviction.
Music: The Soul’s Expression
Soon enough, Oatmeal found himself immersed in music. He recalls writing his first rap in high school and realizing he could not only craft lyrics but deliver them effectively—a skill he would hone over time. With a unique sound that blends the new wave vibe with substantial bars, Oatmeal seeks to create music that both entertains and inspires.
When asked about the jump to a professional music career, Oatmeal highlights a session where his father and uncle discovered one of his initial recordings. Their encouragement played a key role in his decision to pursue music more seriously, echoing the support he receives from his close-knit family.
Beyond Music: The Artist’s Life
Oatmeal balances a busy family life with his career, spending dedicated time creating music while navigating life as a husband and father. His wife’s support allows him to record and write while their daughter is cared for by family nearby, illustrating the essential network that enables his artistic pursuits.
An avid gamer and martial artist, Oatmeal shares how these passions influence his music, with gaming references frequently finding their way into his lyrics. While licensing music for games remains an aspiration, his love for gaming underscores his creative journey.
Goals Aligned with Purpose
What drives Oatmeal forward is a simple yet profound goal: to reach lives for Jesus through his music. The joy and transformative power of music fuels this mission, as he aims to entertain while spreading a message of faith and hope.
As he continues to work with Godchaserz , including collaborations with his brother and the wider artistic family, Oatmeal remains committed to creating music that resonates deeply with audiences. With new projects on the horizon, his journey as an artist and man of faith is one to watch closely.
In sharing his story on the Holy Culture Artist Spotlight, Oatmeal provides a window into the life of a multifaceted creator whose heart and talent shape every note and every beat, aligning with his ultimate calling and purpose.
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TIMESTAMPS
Join J. Harrington as he sits down with Oatmeal, a versatile artist who is also a Christian rapper, teacher, mixed martial artist, and gamer. Oatmeal opens up about the origins of his unique name, his deep-rooted connection to music, and how his faith has shaped his career. Discover how a pivotal concert experience inspired him to fully commit to his music, and hear about the balance he maintains between his artistry and family life. Learn about his influences, favorite games, and upcoming projects, including collaborations with his brother Nazarite and mentor Brenton.
00:00 Introduction and Memorable Concert Experience
00:34 Meet Oatmeal: The Origin of the Name
01:26 Oatmeal’s Diverse Talents and Interests
02:34 Journey of Faith and Music
04:25 Early Musical Influences and First Rap
06:40 First Spotify Release and Musical Evolution
14:52 Balancing Music and Personal Life
18:39 Future Projects and Collaborations
