Rapper and songwriter DEON is rapidly becoming one of Christian hip-hop’s most genuine voices—an artist unafraid to discuss faith, struggle, and redemption. Known for impactful collaborations like “Crying Out” featuring Britt Nicole and heartfelt anthems such as “In the Light,” DEON’s goal is simple: to direct people toward Jesus through music that heals and lifts.
Following a recent show in Huntsville, Alabama, NRT’s Bradden Ford met with DEON outside the venue to discuss his journey, his passion for ministry, and his upcoming single “Keep Going.”
You just wrapped up your show here in Huntsville. How are you feeling right now?
Man, I’m pumped. I’m sweaty, but I’m just grateful. So many people came out to support the show. It’s been such a blessing seeing what God’s doing.
You’ve been releasing powerful music for a while now. What’s it like looking back at your songs and seeing God’s faithfulness through them?
Honestly, a couple of years ago, I hit a point where I was making songs to make songs. They didn’t have much meaning. I was saying the same stuff, being repetitive—it was just music. But then the Lord convicted my heart. He showed me that even if music isn’t my ministry, it can be. It can bring healing to people.
People go to music for influence all the time, so why not be part of that small percentage creating “positive” music that points people toward the gospel?
One of your best-known songs is “Crying Out” with contemporary artist Britt Nicole. You’ve collaborated with several artists—what draws you to working with others?
Honestly? It’s funny, but it’s because I can’t sing that well. My friends and I will write a song, and we’ll think, who could really deliver this the way it’s meant to be felt?
With Britt, I told her, “Don’t sing it like the demo. Sing it the way Britt would sing it—how you feel it right now.” And she did. At the end of “Crying Out,” she just brought it home. Hearing her voice next to mine reminded me—she’s on another level. But that’s what collaboration is about—letting others’ gifts make the message even stronger.
You were part of the We Love Christian Music Awards this year. What was that experience like for you?
I’m not gonna lie—I almost cried that night. It reminded me that my music matters. And you were there, so you saw it. I’ve been to big award shows before, but this one felt different. It felt like family.
Even with over 600 people in the room, no one was acting Hollywood. Artists like Terrian, Josh Wilson, Sanctus Real, and Chad Mattson, lead singer from Unspoken, were just real people. Chad even came up, asked about my music, and now we text.
At We Love, nobody was caught up in ego. We were just proud to be Christian artists championing the next generation of believers. I’m telling you—I’ll be back for the next 50 years.
That heart for community really comes through in your music and shows. Why do live events matter so much to you?
Because of God—plain and simple, I want every event to reflect His goodness. Christian artist Jordan Feliz has a song called “Everything Good,” and it’s incredible. It reminds me that everything good in life comes from God. I like to say, “If it’s not good, it’s not done.”
With my shows, I’m trying to build a culture here in Huntsville that shows people Christian rap and urban Christian music belong. Young believers are here—we’re not far from God.
We want to know Him personally, not just because our parents did. These shows feel like living-room sessions—intimate and honest. That’s the kind of connection I love.
You released a new single earlier this year. Tell us about “Keep Going.”
It’s not a rap song—it’s a pop song. I didn’t rap at all, which is wild for me. I’m singing, and I’m nervous, but I love it.
I worked on it in June with my friend Michael Washington. He sent me the song during one of the hardest months of my life. June was Men’s Mental Health Month, and my mental health was not good. I didn’t feel like going on. Then Michael sent me this song called “Keep Going.”
It was like God was saying, “You need to proclaim this over your situation.” So that’s what we did—we made a song for anyone who needs a reminder to keep going.
That’s powerful. How can our readers and listeners be praying for you right now?
My wife and I just lost her great aunt recently. We were her full-time caregivers while she battled Parkinson’s Disease. So please pray for peace for our family.
Also, I haven’t shared this publicly before, but I was recently diagnosed with psoriasis, which can lead to psoriatic arthritis. My knees have been hurting badly for weeks. Just pray that God continues to heal my body and that He uses even this for His glory. Whatever happens, I trust that He’ll do what only He can do.
We’ll be praying. Any final words for your fans and supporters?
Just thank you. Thank you for supporting me, my wife, and our ministry. God’s not done yet. Whatever you’re going through—keep going.
Bradden Ford is a Christian music enthusiast responsible for managing NewReleaseToday's new release database of artists and albums. He resides just outside Nashville, Tennessee.
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