Rest is #MINE | Christian JaLon Interview
Chicago born & based artist, Christian JaLon, sat down to talk with Femelle Soul about her album, Unmixed Unmastered (Mine). She plans to release a full visual album this year, but what’s been released so far is beautiful. The lyrics are full of wisdom and the Word.
At only 24, Christian JaLon is an artist who is taking the gospel music scene by storm. On this album she explores topics ranging from worship, rest, responsibility, community, self-worth, and empowerment via alternative R&B, Hip-Hop, and Soul. So, speaking with her after such a soul-stirring release was a blessing. We agreed to video chat on a snowy Sunday afternoon after virtual church. Yet even the cold couldn’t steal our joy. Here’s some of what we discussed:
FS: To start things off, how are you right now?
At this moment, I feel very pleasant. My Sunday has actually been full of rest. My dad is a pastor, and he actually just put us back on virtual service, because the COVID numbers are rising again. I haven’t done much. My little sister and I are home alone today and we just kicked it.
FS: How does your faith influence your creativity?
My faith is my livelihood. I don’t like to box myself in as far as genres go. I believe you can find God in anything, and when I say anything I mean anything. To the point where, I have old songs written about my ex that God has used to reach people. One song is entitled, “If You Let Me.” Someone DM’d me about that song saying it sounded like God was talking to them. She said every time she got to the chorus it felt like God was saying, “Let me love you,” to her. I said, “Baby, if you need this song to be about God, let it be about God.” Basically, over the years, I’ve constantly heard from people that, “It sounds like you’re talking about God. It feels like this song is from God to me.” And I’m like, if God is using this for that, then let it be that. Because I have my own favorite secular songs where I feel like God and me sit—like “Flaws and All” by Beyoncé. But I’m grateful that the Gospel is finding its way back [to more music genres]. Jesus makes the world go ‘round. I’ve always decided to include Him in my artwork, and I think that’s why people hear Him even in songs where he’s not mentioned., because that is an anointing.
FS: What has been your favorite part of the album rollout?
When we first started recording [the music video for] “Ego Tripping.” I was in the group chat nervous. My director reassured me like, “You are going to be okay. This is literally supposed to be happening. It’s perfect.” Then, my videographer was sitting in the car, at the time, and took a picture of a car’s license plate that said EGO TRIP. He sent, “Christian, this is literally what I’m looking at right now. I promise you we’re supposed to be doing this.” Every reminder I’ve gotten from the LORD is proof that He hasn’t left me yet… I recognize that my help is not my own. It’s a God thing.
FS: Wow! Yes. Very that. So, on the “Story Time” interlude you state, “It’s not about becoming a “famous anything” anymore like it was when I was 8 and 12 years old. I just want to give and give and give.” Can you expound on this revelation?
I’m a firm believer because my mom taught me this. She always taught my siblings and I that our blessings are not just for us. They’re for us to share and to give to other people. God does not give us things to harbour and hoard on our own. So, if there’s anything I can give to someone in my music; that’s a gift. If there is a certain amount of money that I make, and I’m able to give that to someone who needs it a whole lot more than I do. I’m giving. If there is somebody who needs a word from the LORD, and He says it’s for me to give. Then I’m going to avail myself to give it.
FS: Now, let’s shift gears. What makes rest holy?
I am a firm believer that in order to get anything from God, you have to be willing to rest. By that I mean, you cannot always be up and about, moving and feeling like you have to earn it, to do something, in order to receive from God. His Word tells us when He’s talking to Paul, “My grace is sufficient unto you.” Nothing is coming to you by your works. We do not receive things from God based upon what we deserve or even what we do. We receive it based upon His love, grace, mercy, and will.
Now, faith without works is absolutely dead, but say there is something God is instructing you to do. And you’re taking your slow, sweet time [to accomplish it]. Guess what, His will is still going to get done.
It’s okay for us to sit down. Jesus rests at the right hand of the Father. God rested on the Sabbath day. Why can’t I rest? It’s okay to be still… God honors rest, and rest comes with surrender.
FS: On “Restoration,” you rap, “I know who I am, and I know whose I am. You want to step to me; you better come correct.” What scripture(s) reminds you who & whose you are in Christ?
Girl, I have several:
Philippians 2:5-211
Matthew 13:8-9
Matthew 13:23
Psalm 1:1-3
FS: How can our readers best support you now and moving forward?
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram @ChristianJaLon. Look out for the completion of the visual album. I’m also stepping into my rap bag this year. And look for a couple of covers from live performances and a Livestream concert of #MINE Live.
Interview by Jocelyn
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