Today we’d like to introduce you to Malik “M.K.J.” Johnson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Malik Kiambe Johnson, stage name is “M.K.J. (My King Jesus).”
I am a Christian Rapper from Memphis, TN, (Memphis CHH) who makes conscious and relevant music that speaks to the culture, our society, and our youth, with solution-driven music based on the “Good News”.
I also own my record label, “10:15 Records”, which is based on Romans 10:15. I’ve been doing music now for nearly 15 years, and I’ve had my record label for over 10 years. Over these years, I’ve been blessed to do over 400 shows and tours around the country, I’ve been on many TV stations (most noted: ABC 24, Action News 5, News Channel 3, etc.)
All 20 music/lyric videos I’ve released have combined for over 300,000 views between Youtube and Facebook.
Every year, I throw concerts in the Juvenile Detention Center and the prisons on 201 Poplar here in Memphis, and in 2020 I and a few other Christian Rappers (Godz Warriah, James Todd, Troop Music) went viral from a Facebook post that led to our “Freedom Tour” going to several detention centers and prisons around the Mid-South.
Although I’m full-time in music when I’m not on the road, I mentor young men and I’m also the youth pastor at Breath Of Life Christian Center.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not sure if it’s such a thing as an “easy road” when it comes to success and aiming toward your goals, especially when it comes to doing God’s will for your life, but I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.
Like I said in my latest project “10 Years 10:15”, I’ve never called this a “career,” it’s always been a journey for me. A beautiful journey that has truly paid dividends and has led to the fulfilling life that I now live.
Anything that’s easy probably isn’t worth having, and it probably won’t last. I wouldn’t trade anything as far as my path to get where I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Although I am a hip-hop artist, I will sing and produce, on occasion. In all, the thing that I enjoy the most is studio engineering and I believe I owe that to growing up in a musical family, which affords me to have a great ear for how things sound.
I specialize in making solution-driven music; solution-driven music has been my calling, especially in recent years.
Too many artists love to glamorize the problems and issues that black people face, but I would much rather make music that speaks on practical solutions that are based on Scripture, to provoke change for our city, and our youth.
I’m most known, not just as a straightforward artist that breaks down answers to questions in my music, but I am also known as a performer on stage as well. Come to an M.K.J. concert, and I guarantee you it is always high energy!
I do not like the word “proud” because I am always aiming to be as humbled as I can, but I will say I am most pleased with seeing the many people that have changed their lives as a result of my music.
Above any award, I will ever win or any accolade I can achieve, seeing my music impact the culture and this generation will always be what drives me the most because that is the driving force behind why I do what I love to do.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Wow, there are so many vital lessons that I have learned over these years, but the few that will always stand out to me, are:
#1. I am forever a student of the game; I have never “arrived”, due to me always being a student, and willing to learn and grow, so that I can continue to thrive and be the best artist that I can be.
#2. Do not settle; Be somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to your craft. When you have a worldwide audience, you always want to be sure they are hearing your music on the best level it can be.
#3. You never know who is watching you; this music industry can be discouraging at times, but just because you may not get the most likes or comments on social media, does not mean people are not seeing your grind.
Don’t ever stop and stay encouraged because someone is always watching your every move.
Pricing:
- Performing: Reach Out To Us: info@1015music.com
- Speaking Engagement: Reach Out To Us: info@1015music.com
- Preaching: Reach Out To Us: info@1015music.com
- Studio Time: Reach Out To Us: info@1015music.com
Contact Info:
- Email: info@1015music.com
- Website: www.1015music.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/mkj1015
- Facebook: Facebook.com/mkj1015
- Twitter: Twitter.com/mkj1015
- Youtube: Youtube.com/MyKingJesus116
- SoundCloud: Soundcloud.com/mkj1015
- Other: https://mkj.hearnow.com
Image Credits
10:15 Records
