From Church Choirs
to Hip-Hop Stages:
An Exclusive Interview
with hYYdn

In the realm of music, some artists transcend the boundaries of genres, creating a unique blend that speaks to their soul and captivates their audience. Hyydn is one such artist, whose journey from gospel choirs to hip-hop stages reflects his deep-rooted connection with God, music, and his relentless pursuit of authenticity.

A Musical Genesis

“My family used to sing together,” Hyydn reminisces, recalling the days when gospel music filled his home. “My uncle would play the piano, or my great grandmother would play the organ, and we would sing gospel songs together.” Growing up, gospel legends like Kurt Carr, Richard Smallwood, and Fred Hammond were the soundtrack of his childhood. These experiences laid the foundation for Hyydn’s musical journey, embedding a love for music that would only grow stronger with time.

While gospel music was a staple in his household, hip-hop intrigued young Hyydn from afar. “I always used to hear it from the windows of other cars,” he shares, painting a picture of a curious child, captivated by the rhythms and beats that were unfamiliar yet enticing. His first real encounter with hip-hop was in a barbershop, where music videos introduced him to the genre that would become a significant part of his identity.

Navigating the Intersection of Gospel and Hip-Hop

Growing up in a conservative church environment presented its challenges. “My church didn’t have a drum set,” Hyydn notes, highlighting the stark contrast between the gospel music he grew up with and the hip-hop that fascinated him. Despite this, his early exposure to music in church shaped his understanding and appreciation of harmony, choirs, and bands. It wasn’t long before he started exploring his musical talents, albeit cautiously.

Hyydn’s first performance came at a young age, singing in the Children’s Choir and later, a solo in the adult choir. “I was probably seven, and I was really nervous,” he admits. Despite his initial shyness, these early experiences on stage planted the seeds for his future performances. It wasn’t until he was a teenager that his passion for hip-hop found an outlet. “I made beats and rapped during a church trip, and everyone was like, ‘Yo, we want to start a band,'” he recalls. This marked the beginning of a journey that would see him lead a youth band and venture into gospel vocal performances.

The Struggles and Triumphs of a Shy Performer

Hyydn’s journey wasn’t without its struggles. “I was definitely shy about rapping,” he confesses. Encouragement from friends who recognized his talent helped him gain confidence. A pivotal moment came when a teacher selected him to perform a rap at his sixth-grade graduation. “Everybody went off, and it was kind of toxic before then, the butt of everybody’s jokes,” he reveals. This performance changed everything, sparking a desire to pursue rap more seriously.

Despite these early successes, Hyydn continued to grapple with self-consciousness. “I was always shy about sharing my raps,” he says. An older girl on his school bus who would regularly read his rhymes and offer encouragement played a crucial role in bolstering his confidence. These experiences, coupled with opportunities to record his first songs, slowly helped him overcome his insecurities.

Embracing Authenticity and Humility

Today, Hyydn approaches his music and performances with a focus on authenticity and humility. “The only thing that ever messed me up was trying to force worrying about how people perceive me,” he explains. By striving to “empty himself of himself,” Hyydn allows the music and the moment to take center stage, letting God guide his performances.

This philosophy extends beyond the stage to his personal life and career. “When I am humble, I can be used,” he states, reflecting on how he sees his role in reaching and impacting others. Hyydn emphasizes the importance of generosity, particularly with his attention and intentions. Whether offering a listening ear to friends in need or being open about his own struggles, he believes that authentic relationships are a powerful conduit for God’s work.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Hyydn’s Music

As he continues to evolve as an artist, Hyydn remains focused on creating music that is both authentic and innovative. He is currently working with local producers on new projects, aiming to blend hip-hop with gospel influences in unique ways. “I want to create hip-hop gospel music,” he asserts, envisioning future projects that incorporate live musicians and vocalists to achieve a rich, layered sound.

Recent releases include collaborations with artists like B Mills and Kway, and Hyydn is keen to continue pushing boundaries with his music. Despite the challenges of balancing the artistic and marketing aspects of his career, he is committed to staying true to his vision. “It’s about the music, but it’s bigger than the music,” he concludes, encapsulating his mission to inspire and uplift through his art.

Hyydn’s journey from a shy church boy to a confident hip-hop artist is a testament to his resilience and passion for music. As he continues to navigate the complexities of the music industry, his commitment to the faith, authenticity, and humility remains unwavering, promising a future filled with powerful, soul-stirring music.