Driven By Destiny

It was enlightening to chat with the team of A God Driven Destiny. The team consists of husband and wife James and Jessica Carter and their flagship artiste  Prayze Factor Season 2 Finalist Meria Shantez. This unique team hopes to make a profound impact on the holy hip hop community at large. This summer they embarked on their first tour which includes the hip hop duo The Boys and Jesus. We talked about musical influences, the current state of hip hop, and of course The Team Jesus Tour.

 As an independent hip-hop label what do you think about the current state of hip-hop and the ways in which they're adding new insights to the business?

Holy Hip Hop is making a huge wave right now.  Every day it is evolving despite the naysayers.  It is bold, and here to stay.  Holy Hip Hop is transforming gospel music as we know it.  Each generation has their music that speaks to their way of life and is an expression of who they are.  Holy Hip Hop is that expression for today’s generation of young believers.

What artists inspired you too become involved with Hip Hop? What is your favorite album of all time? What is your ultimate goal for your company?

We love music of all genres.  We were first introduced to Holy Hip Hop when we were Youth Leaders in Europe.  The young people felt that “church music” was just not relatable to them.  In an effort to reach them where they were, we began researching and the couple that co-led the youth with us, brought in a CD with music from 116 Clique (Lecrae, TripLee) and Canton Jones.  From that moment, we were pretty much hooked.  It was music with a message that pretty much said, “It is ok to be young and saved.  Life doesn’t stop because you accept Christ.  Christians can have good, clean fun.”

Wow. Favorite album of all time…. That’s a hard one.  We don’t really have a favorite, we just love music.  James’ favorite artist of all time is John P. Kee. 

The vision for our company is to deliver the Word of God through music. Our vision is to make music that is God centered and God inspired.  Not only do we want to make great and inspiring music, we want to agents of change across generations. 

There is more to come from GDD in the very near future.  Be on the lookout of a prophetic worship album from James Carter (our CEO/Executive Producer).

Tell us about the Team Jesus Tour? What artists are participating? What is the purpose of the tour or what do you hope to accomplish by the end of the tour?

The Team Jesus Tour came about one day as we were sitting around the table discussing who Jesus is to us.  He is our everything; and we realize that there is nothing we can do without Him.  The mission of the Team Jesus Tour is to spread the love of Christ and to teach young and old that you don’t have to conform to what society says you should be.  As long as you have Jesus in your heart, you can accomplish whatever your heart desires.

Currently, the tour consists of Meria Shantez and The Boyz and Jesus.  We are looking to add more artists in the near future. 

Our goal is not end this tour, but for it to evolve and be fresh each year.  We desire to bring awareness to bullying and the effects it has on our young people.  Additionally, we are developing a partnership with a local shelter in Huntsville, AL and plan to donate proceeds (and needed items) to assist the residents.  More information on our partnership will be available in the very near future.

 Meria Where did you grow up? What are your musical influences? What inspires you?

I grew up in a small town called Gretna Florida which is right outside of Tallahassee Florida.  We have on caution light J.  It is one of those towns where everyone is related.

My producer James Carter has really influenced me alot over the past two years. Rapping was always something I wanted to do but never had anyone to take time out and listen to what God has given me BUT HE DID. He saw my gift and help push me into my dream. Also the Boyz and Jesus music and lifestyle influenced my career. I was afraid to write certain things but being on tour with them and listening to their music has really helped me.

Coming from a family that never really had much inspires me to work hard and strive for the best. Seeing my mom working hard in the church, keeping her faith through everything thing she has gone through, has inspired me to be the woman of God I am today.

Today music is about collaborations what "hot" rapper (Secular or Christian) out now, you would love to work with on a project?

Of course my favorite rapper, Lecrae.  I would also love to work with Tasha Cobbs, although her style is more so praise and worship.

You can ask them what the stages are in their writing process, what they think of their earlier music, and even if they remember who their first inspiration was.

Whenever I write, I love to listen to one of my favorite artist ...Tasha Cobbs, Lecrae, The Boyz and Jesus or myself.   The music I do now is a little bit different then when I first started . Starting out I was somewhat insecure and always thought about what people would think, but now I’m completely all ears to God.  I had to step aside and let Him take full control because He knows what I THINK I know.   My first inspiration came from me being in a wheelchair.  I had to totally depend on God.  I now know that with Him ANYTHING is possible.  If He healed me from the wheelchair, then it’s nothing too hard for Him.