A Preacher's Kid to a Christian Hip Hop Artist : A Journey of Faith & Music

Photo Captured by: Kraig (Visual Moments)

My real name is Malachi Henry III, a name that carries with it a legacy and a story deeply intertwined with my faith and experiences. I go by the name Meshach, inspired by the biblical tale of Daniel and the three Hebrew boys—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their unwavering courage in the face of insurmountable odds resonated with me profoundly as a child, and I admired their boldness and steadfast faith. Growing up in Duval County, Jacksonville, FL, I was immersed in a community that valued spirituality and the teachings of the church, as I am a pastor's kid, often referred to as a PK. From a young age, my life revolved around the church; it was not just a place of worship but a second home where I learned the importance of faith, community, and service. In our household, gospel music was the soundtrack of our lives, shaping my understanding of love, hope, and resilience. The influence of this genre was so profound that other forms of music, particularly rap, were strictly forbidden. Yet, everything changed for me when I first heard the song "Down by the River" featured in the movie "The Fighting Temptations." That moment ignited a spark within me, introducing me to the world of Christian hip-hop, a genre that seamlessly blended my love for rhythm and my passion for faith. Inspired by this new discovery, I began to explore my own creativity, and at the tender age of eight, I penned my first song titled "He Changed Me," a reflection of my early understanding of transformation through faith.

However, as I transitioned into my high school years and then into my freshman year of college, the pressures and expectations that often accompany being a pastor's kid began to weigh heavily on me. The stigma associated with PKs—often seen as either perfect or rebellious—started to take a toll on my mental health. I found myself rebelling against the very values I had been raised with, drifting away from God and experimenting with lifestyles and choices that were completely contrary to my upbringing. Influenced by the popular culture of the time, I gravitated towards the music of artists like Lil Wayne, Drake, and Gucci Mane, whose lyrics and lifestyles seemed to offer an escape from my internal struggles.

Eventually, everything came crashing down during my freshman year of college. I fell into a deep depression that clouded my judgment and impacted my academic performance. I struggled to keep up with my classes, ultimately failing all of them, which led to the difficult decision to drop out of school and return home. This period marked one of the lowest points in my life, reminiscent of the story of the prodigal son. It was during this time of reflection and despair that I experienced a profound awakening. I realized the emptiness of my choices and the longing for a deeper connection with God that had always been in my heart.

In a moment of clarity and desperation, I rededicated my life to Christ, making a heartfelt promise to use all of my gifts and talents solely for His glory and to advance the kingdom. This commitment marked the beginning of a transformative journey, one where I sought to align my passions with my faith. I embraced the power of music as a means of ministry, determined to share my story and the message of hope and redemption through my art. My experiences, both the highs and the lows, have shaped me into who I am today—a vessel for God's message, ready to inspire others who may find themselves on a similar path of struggle and discovery.