Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
One of our featured performers will be Pastor Aaron Witcher (aka Soulja). His nickname Soulja stands for “Serving Only Under Lord Jesus Amen.” Soulja is an inspirational gospel rap artist who has been performing gospel music for over three years.
This is his second year performing at the Gospel Festival. He will perform two songs including “Get God” and “He Said.” Soulja writes, produces and sings all his own songs. He gets his song ideas from events that have happened in his life.
“The Gospel Fest is an incredible opportunity for people to come together and learn about the origin of Gospel music,” Soulja said.
- Weber State University (SignPost News), January 23, 2004
Most young people will tell you what they like about rap music is the beat. Some say they don't really listen to the lyrics, which often contain vulgar angry words. But one Salt Lake rap artist says the words are important.
His name is Soulja.. He says it stands for Serving Only Under Lord Jesus Amen. The name also reflects his eight years in the army. But back then he was different person.
Three years ago he couldn't hold a job; his marriage was on the rocks; and his life was one big unsatisfying party. His father talked him into going to church.
Soulja, Gospel Rap Artist: "The moment I walked into the church I felt like the preacher was talking to me, and everything he was saying in his sermon . And from that point I said, you know what? I've got to follow."
This 15 year veteran of R & B music had a new rap.
Soulja, Gospel Rap Artist: "And there is a brighter light to everything bad that happens. I’m living proof of that. I've seen so many bad things happen in my life. And for me to be able to come out on top, I know that’s a blessing from God."
Soulja is a father of four who is very concerned about the music kids listen to.
Soulja, Gospel Rap Artist: "You see, the problem is nobody is talking to them about going to church. Nobody is talking to them about a foundation. Nobody is talking to them about building a relationship with God. So what I wanted to do was take my experiences, put them in a song and put it in a song that these kids can relate to."
Soulja says he doesn't know where his music will lead him, but he is sure it's God's path and he will trust in the Lord.
- Interview with Shelly Osterloh/KSL News/Salt Lake City
Discography
Genesis A.D.-2004,2005
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Floetic Gospel rap artist and Pastor, SOULJA (Serving Only Under Lord Jesus Amen), evokes an array of spiritual moods and emotions with everything from Hip Hop to R&B to Gospel on his debut cd Genesis A.D. A compilation of a dozen original songs, all of which SOULJA wrote and produced, the aptly titled Genesis A.D. Soulja's album is a unique array of Gospel with elements of R&B & Hip Hop that powerfully demonstrate his versatility as both a songwriter, producer and recording artist. The emotion of the music on Genesis A.D. serves as a direct reflection of who SOULJA is and where he has been. A native of California who now resides in Salt Lake City, SOULJA is a man with a devout religious and passionate love of God. Once a soldier in the United States Army and now a SOULJA in the Army for Christ, he credits his family, friends, faith, and now his fans, as contributing factors in his music, and God with his sense of purpose, all of which lay the foundation to his songs. "I am truly blessed to have the gift of music in my life and to be able to share it and my love of Christ with others. I was on the verge of giving up completely. It was then, and only then—when I was nearing nothing, that I truly felt God was up to something." Though the vibes may vary, the themes throughout the CD are universal. Such is the case with the song One Voice One Mission, a song that SOULJA wrote about trying to do what God has called him to do versus what others believe God has called him to do, something that every Christian can relate to. The track Open Me Up deals with the ever-popular relationship struggle in marriages, where what you thought you were going to be before you got married has changed due to finances, children, and spiritual beliefs. “I asked God to Open Me Up so that I could see, live, and love better. So I could think more clearly about what I needed to do to help my marriage withstand the trials and tribulations of life.” Accused of being a dreamer, SOULJA also proves to be a realist…"I am not out to change the world," says SOULJA. "I merely want to affect people through my lyrics, my music, my performances…just as God affected me…and hey, I am still just a saint under construction I don’t have it all figured out. God has granted me a gift and expects me to use it to glorify His name. For so many years I used it as a tool of self-gratification and for many years my hard work yielded nothing. However, I am living proof that God’s Word does not come back empty. All I can say to those who are struggling is Let go & Let God. That’s what I had to do, and that’s what I’ll continue to do.” Recorded in Salt Lake City for independent label G-Squad Entertainment Records, Genesis A.D. was generated through the combined efforts of SOULJA and a select few talented vocalists. One need only to listen to the words of SOULJA’s song, aptly titled SOULJA, to gain further insight into his concept on music, business, and his life. SOULJA, groomed and raised in the military, felt the most profound statement in the bible to govern his life by is, “Be strong in the Lord and in His Mighty Power. Put on the Full Armor of God.” Ephesians 6:10-18
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