MEET RISING WVIU RADIO CHRISTIAN HIP-HOP ARTIST, DARIUS GIVENS!
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Introduction: We are so thrilled to introduce to some and present to others, 2023 WVIU Music Award Nominee, Christian Hip-Hop Artist, Darius Givens! It's an honor to have him as a member of the WVIU Radio family and it is such a blessing to witness where the Lord is taking his music ministry. Let's dive right into this phenomenal written interview that he recently did with us to help everyone know him better...
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1. Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview, Darius! For those who may be new fans of yours or even new listeners of WVIU Radio. Tell us a little bit about yourself... For starters, Where are you from?
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I am from the beautiful state of Michigan! Born and raised. Haha!
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2. WOW! All the way from Michigan?! What a blessing. So, how long have you been doing music?
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I’ve been doing music since I was 22 years old. So, since around 2020... I’ve always had a passion for music and it's always been in my heart and spirit to create, but I began taking it more seriously around the age of 22.
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3. Who inspired you to make music?
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God and my family. I come from a musical family. My family is huge and we’re big on music. We sing, rap, play instruments, whatever you can think of. I knew that music was some thing that I wanted to do, because it was the best way that I learned to express myself.
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4. How would you describe the music that you typically create?
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I make music for the ones who are looking for Jesus! For those who are looking for a better life and a better way of living. Also for the ones who are similar to me, for the teenagers who are trying to find their way through life, I just want to lead people to Jesus. That's the ultimate goal.
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5. What is your creative process like?
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I will usually listen to a beat. I listen to a lot of beats. Haha! But I take some time to think about how that beat makes me feel and match it with what I’m currently feeling. I get in the word of God and I talk to God and he gives me what to say. I have to always make sure that I’m spiritually aligned with Christ, FIRST, to make sure that everything that I write comes from God
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6. How long does it usually take you to write a new song?
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It all depends really. I can write a song in one day or a week, but it’s really up to Jesus and where my head is at. Once I lock in, I can write a couple of songs in a day.
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7. If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
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I would love to open up a show for any artist from 116 Clique. Growing up, I always looked up to them, music wise, and I wanted to do what they do, which is performing music with a purpose and a Godly message, spreading the gospel of Christ and reaching the lost through music ministry. So, that would definitely be very inspiring for me to open up for them.
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8. Awesome! What’s your primary goal in life?
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To reach as many souls as possible, and lead them to Christ.
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9. What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music ministry or current career?
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To be honest, Music ministry is the main thing that drives me every single day. I believe that this is why God created me. It's my passion and I don't even want to imagine myself doing anything other than what God has called me to do. Haha! Which is to witness to the lost, win souls, and save lives through this music and by HIS grace.
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10. Where have you performed?
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I’ve performed at local churches, cities outside of my hometown, other states, and at school events as well!
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11. Do you have any upcoming shows?
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I do have a few upcoming shows that I'm very excited about! To get the exact dates and times be sure to follow me on social media @DariusGivens!
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12. How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music arena? Specifically, for Independent, new and upcoming Christian/Gospel artists?
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I believe that the internet is a powerful tool to get the gospel of Christ into the world. Social media and the internet world are extremely beneficial when used properly. It has also allowed Independent artists, like myself and thousands of others, to take control of their own music. I feel like that's important because as Christian artists, we want to be able to actively talk about GOD and the gospel of Christ without being afraid that labels or other outlets will water us down. So, the internet definitely puts the power back into the hands of the artists. It's a blessing for sure!
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13. What is your favorite song to perform LIVE?
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My song called “Praise God”, which is available on all digital streaming music platforms by the way!
14. Which well-known musicians do you admire?
My Pastor, CEO, and Leader of TBAR (Christian Music Group), “Joe brown” .
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15. What is a favorite song of yours that you’ve written? Lyric-wise? Why?
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My single called “Save me” feat. VP. It gets deep into my story and my life and how God saved me. That song is also available on all digital music streaming platforms as well.
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16. Wow! That is such a beautiful testimony... Thank you so much for sharing your story with us through such impactful lyrics and emotion! What would you say is the best advice you’ve been given?
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“Continue to Stay humble”
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17. At what age did you come to know Christ for yourself? Who helped you to grow in the faith?
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Although I've been in church my whole life. I didn't really get to know Christ for myself on a personal level until I was about 18 years old. I've always known about GOD and having a relationship with Jesus, but when I became a young adult, I began to experience God on a level that I had not before. So, 18 years old.
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18. How would you encourage a person who is afraid to stand up for their Christian beliefs, morals, and values?
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I would say to remain steadfast in the things of GOD. The enemy may try to send people to discourage you and say you're doing too much for the Lord, but keep following GOD no matter what! I know it gets tough sometimes and if you're dealing with peer pressure you may feel like you never fit in. But that's okay, because you were meant to be set apart. The Bible says MANY are CALLED, but FEW are CHOSEN. You're in that minority, but that's okay because you're ROYALTY in the Kingdom of GOD. If GOD gave you a vision, stick with it. It may be a slow start, but it'll all be worth it if you continue to follow God's plan with diligence, humility, sincerity, and grace.
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19. How do you balance your daily life, ministry, job, music, and other responsibilities without getting burned out?
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Always start the day off with prayer and talking to GOD first, but also listening and waiting on GOD to speak. He is the source of our strength and nothing works or succeeds without HIM. So, personal time in worship and seeking GOD for each day helps A LOT and guarantees for a more peaceful and productive day. It's all Jesus haha! I can't do life without Him.
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20. Are you currently working on any music videos?
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I have some ideas for a few new music videos, but I will definitely keep everyone posted on when the next one comes out! A lot more to come, so stay tuned.
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21. What’s next for you?
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A lot! Haha I'm currently in the process of preparing to release my album, which I'm beyond excited for! I can't wait for everybody to hear what I've been working and I'm just praying that GOD will use this album to encourage, inspire, and help those who listen.
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22. What word of encouragement would you give to your fans and to our listeners here at WVIU Radio?
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Keep GOD first in all things and if God is dealing with you about sharing your story, whether it's through music, teaching, video content, writing, or whatever it may be... DO IT! Because you never know who God is going to use you to encourage. So, stop being afraid and do what God has called you to do and be all that HE has called you to be.
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To support Darius Givens, be sure to request his music "Praise GOD" & "Save Me" featuring V.P. via WVIU Radio by clicking on the "Make a Request" button! You can also listen to more of his music and stay connected by going here, "Darius Givens Content"!!
