Grace & Mercy Magazine justified

Written and Interviewed by: Maria D. Smith

‘God’s Servant’

This man of God is representing the Lord, by spreading the word of change and being an AOC, (Agents of Change.) This servant of God has broken many barriers as well as stomping down the devil’s kingdom with his word, telling all young people they too can be agents of change, walking the walk, walked by Jesus-Christ two thousand years ago.

His music reflects both spirit and truth for all looking to make a change for the kingdom of God. He witnesses how God changed his life with the many pit falls he had to face and overcoming his many challenges. His life reads like a book, an open book to view and show we are not all perfect but, to stay inline with God we cannot go to the places we frequent before, but if we want to be successfully in our walk, stay away from those things, places that seek to tempt us and to draw us back into the life we left behind and to stay out of the enemy’s clutches. Christ is our model and Modeling Christ in a positive way. When people look at us people should know we are Christian. We should be that open bible for all to see.

We talk with J.A.Z. and this is what he had to say:

GMM: Who is JAZ?

JAZ: JAZ is a man who God has kept through it all. Growing up as a witness to every bit of wickedness imaginable it’s hard to imagine myself as anything worth discussing had it not been for God’s grace and mercy. Now I travel with minimal needs and a maximized effort to communicate the Love of the Lord to a people desperate to feel whole, but blinded to the emptiness the world subjects us to. I’m a Husband, a dad, and a servant.

GMM: What were some of your greatest challenges' in becoming who God called you to be?

JAZ: One was overcoming the past. Forgiving people who hurt me. Understanding that they too were lost and couldn't possibly show me the full Love I needed, because they didn't know what it was to be truly loved either. My heart needed healing from the feeling of rejection and low self esteem. Thinking that everyone had it better than me. I had to understand there is no better or worse, but simply the measure God has given us all. As long as I keep my eyes and ears on Jesus I can full fill my assignment on earth.

GMM: When did you hear the calling from God in regards to ministry?

JAZ: In 1995 I didn't know what to do. I knew I liked hip hop but had never heard Gospel hip hop before. I figured I was the only one along with some guys in my church the only one doing it. Rapping for Jesus. So it started out as small raps, short verses. As the Lord grew me up in him so did the ministry he birthed through me.

GMM: What made you want to go into Gospel Hip Hop?

JAZ: I fell in love with rapping when I was young. I was never a fan of a particular rapper though. I would freestyle for hours and record myself with my cousin’s stereo. Back when tape decks were popular. Man time fly’s!

GMM: What was your first reaction to that calling?

JAZ: I loved doing it alone in my room. Or even in rehearsals. But to do it before people made me very nervous at first. Hoping I didn't forget my words or trip on my shoe laces. So it was twofold at first. I loved the calling and discovery of my skill in private. But when it came time to show it to the congregation...my stomach would drop.

GMM: How has it changed your life?

JAZ: I can't look at a young person without wondering if its God will that I pull them aside and minister into their lives. I take it personal when a young man or women get into situations God has warned us about. I do all I can to make God's teaching understandable and relatable. However at the end of it I realized that it is the job of the Holy Spirit to draw them and seal their salvation. I’m always postured to serve the Lord will.

GMM: What positive changes have your music brought about?

JAZ: Hundreds of kids stayed in school after hearing me. Many went back to school. I get email all the time from people thanking me for a specific song that by God's grace got them through some very tough and trying times. And I have lost count of the souls that have come into a relationship with Jesus Christ and are still bearing fruit. Glory to God

GMM: How has God used you to help the youth and young adults?

JAZ: He has been giving them a clearer perspective on life. They have understood the cost of salvation and how much God needs us to be set apart and not drawn into the system of a corrupt world. We have danced and worshiped The Lord in spirit and in truth, both at my concerts and with my songs playing on their iPods. They have laughed at my videos and felt the joy of the Lord being presented during a rather depressing time for our country. They have become wiser and stronger in The Faith.

GMM: Where do you see God taking you next?

JAZ: I have been doing a lot of writing. Be on the lookout for my line of books coming soon. I have been a writer for a very long time, but figured it was solely for musical purposes, nope!
I also have my own radio show. It’s called "The Justified Radio show" and can be downloaded on iTunes. These two things just happened within the last two months, so I know God is up to something.

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BIO Curtsey of Justified Zealous (J.A.Z)

J.A.Z BIO

Justified and Zealous is a fitting name for a man of this Caliber. Being born into a broken home, crippled by drugs and deception, only aided in his family’s conversion to Christ, leaving nothing but praise for the Lord. He, Jamaine D. R. Herbert, having experienced the worst imaginable situations first hand, from being a foster child, to the loss of his mother to aids, now has a true reverence for the new life.

He states that he has been “Justified in the eyes of God and is Zealous in the eyes of God and man.” If you have had the pleasure of meeting him, you know this statement is true to his core. With the true heart of a servant, he seeks fresh and innovative ways to spread the gospel.

You may see him as an emcee, however there is so much more to this man of God. He has been blessed with the spirit of evangelism, passed down through his father, who single handedly led almost all of his family to Christ. God has bestowed upon him the mantle of a public speaker and teacher, which was witnessed by The Harlem Tabernacle Church for the first time, in November of 2003. He shared the truth of God’s word through tangible message filled with fun, laughter, and keen relevance without ever losing the power of profound revelation. Everyone in attendance can still be heard echoing excerpts of his messages, confirming they their lives have been impacted forever. Since then, as an ordained minister he has spoken around the tri state area and across the country, as his compassion for souls, leads his life as a witness to people, without a microphone.
J.A.Z. is very critical when it comes to his flows, line patterns and over all feel of his words. Each verse spills from his mouth in a rhythmic collage of passion, Love, Faith, and Worship. His speech is courageous, but humble, with his quick word play, and witty approach to song writing, he has been acclaimed as one of the finest artists to ever grace the Mic. He can be heard on a number of projects currently circling the Christian market. It is very likely that if you ask any Christian Rap fan about J.A.Z., they will not only know him, but will have been impacted by his ministry.