I had the awesome pleasure to see Deraj perform at a local Tampa ministry his passion for The Lord was so obvious in his performance. His style of rhyming was just plan cool. This was a guy who I had to talk to about his faith. He was so on fire on stage that I knew his would be a story that I’d want to share with you. It is a pleasure to introduce to you Deraj. You will be hearing a lot more about him. His music is sincere, passionate, and full of The Gospel.

Were you brought up in a Christian home?

Yes and no. My parents were divorced when I was younger, so whenever I was with my Mom there was more of a Christian influence in the household. My father wasn’t very vocal about his beliefs nor attended church or required us to either.

What was it like growing up for you?

Well I grew part of my early years in Prince George’s County, Maryland and although I grew up with both parents divorced and remarried, I had a pretty normal childhood. During my teenage years is when transition began to happen with my identity and character. Never truly having a relationship with Christ, I unknowingly began to seek for acceptance through peers and whatever society and popular culture would offer me. It wasn’t until I moved to Richmond, VA with my mother that I was drawn to Christ Jesus and began to seek and trust him for the salvation of my soul.

Are there any other ministries you are involved in?

Yes currently, I’m a part of Influential Music Ministries located out of Richmond, Virginia. I’m also apart of Kairos Community Church in Kissimmee, FL where I am the Worship Director for the ministry.

What church do you go to?

Kairos Community Church

How did you come up with your stage name?

I had gone through a series of stage names when I first began ministering through Hip-hop, and “Deraj” was kind of birth out of the need to find a name that was unique and that really fit me. “Deraj” is actually my birth name “Jared” spelled backwards, which to me symbolizes the Lord turning my life around.

How has your music evolved since the group started?

Well I can say my music has definitely taken a new direction within the last 2 years. I’m honestly not sure how to categorize it I’m hoping someone can tell me, ha. Initially, I had more of an East Coast kind of vibe to my music. Now and days it’s more experimental as far as my vocal delivery and production, with more intimate and transparent lyricism. I’ve taken a liking to a lot of Christian Rock influences, as well as a lot of different Worship artists, so that’s definitely contributed to the evolution.

Could you tell us about your last project? What was the theme or inspiration?

“Honesty Of The Heart” is my first and latest solo project, which was released Oct. 2009. The theme of the album comes from the scripture Psalms 51:6, “But you desire honesty from the heart, so you can teach me to be wise in my inmost being” (NLT). When I came across this verse, it showed me how much God truly desires for us to confront those things within us meaning every thought, desire, emotion, motive, or whatever. This process is a vehicle where wisdom and revelation can be brought about in our lives. This process allows us to understand ourselves as well as see the character of God in a more accurate light. So this project embodies that mindset as I try to encourage others and myself to continually pursue honesty of the heart.

What has been your biggest challenge as a Christian Rap artist?

The biggest challenge, to my knowledge, has been the walking without fear in how the Lord has designed me to glorify Him, as well as not becoming lazy or complacent in what he has given me.

What message do you want people to get from your music?

That liberty and understanding can be brought through honesty and a relationship with the Father through Christ.

How do you stay grounded in the faith when on the road?

Prayer, God’s Word and accountability with my leaders and mentors as well as fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

How and when did you personally come to faith?

I came to know Christ around the age of 16 when I moved to Richmond, VA and began attending the local youth group at the church my mother went to. This was during the time I was running from problems in Maryland, in which I ended up running right into God.

Have you ever had a God moment? Could you share it with us?

Ha, yeah everyday I wake up with breath in my lungs is a God moment I supposed.

Who is Jesus to you and why do you choose to believe in Him?

Jesus to me is life, mercy and hope. He satisfies beyond what our senses and intellect could ever imagine. He is my validation and identity.

What bible scripture do you cling to?

A scripture my mother gave me when I first came to know the Lord. Psalms 119:11, “For I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

What person in the Bible who you say you related to?

Moses I would have to say.

Deraj is also an amazing graphic artist. He himself designed the photograph above. We added his name of course. But below is the original graphic. We encourage you  to pick up Deraj's alum "Honesty Of The Heart" on iTunes.