Rapper Illuminate spoke to Rapzilla at SXSW and shared some info about his new record and his testimony.
Illuminate is working on his fourth album which is called Authenticity.
“I see a lot of people try to alter who they really are to try to fit in or try to fit into a certain lane,” he explained. “But really the anointing is on who you are and who God’s made you to be.”
Watch the the video below:
The emcee also shared his testimony about growing up in Richmond, California, “Probably, per capita, the worst city in Northern California.”
Illuminate said he was picked on so much that turned into a “monster.” He began “gang banging,” selling drugs, and became a pimp.
His life briefly changed after his father overdosed on heroin when he was 18. He gave his life to Christ, but only for a few months before going back to his old ways.
“I was seeing 666 on license plates…carrying guns,” he said. A YouTube skit of the song “Everything” by Lifehouse changed his life.
Watch the full interview below: