INTERVIEW: FirstKings Love

We’re very excited to have back with us the talented urban creator and Christian Hip-Hop artist extraordinaire FirstKings Love; greetings and salutations, and welcome to Vents Magazine! Before we dive down the Q&A; musical rabbit hole, how is the New Year finding you and yours?

Praise God! I’m truly grateful to Vent’s for featuring me in your magazine once again. This year has started off incredibly! I welcomed the New Year by spending quality time with The Trinity in my studio, which I now cherish as my Sanctuary. I felt the need for that intimate moment, and as I sat there in gratitude, I reflected on how far God has brought me through meaningful experiences, the miracles in my life, and the doors He has opened. Just like you said, in this “rabbit hole” of life, God has taken me on an amazing journey through the past, present, and future.

I pay careful attention to the small details in hearing the Lord’s voice, and 2024 not only equipped me but also trained me to better tune into it. I’m genuinely excited about what God has been revealing to me about the future, and thus far, 2025 has already been a year filled with confirmations coming to fruition! May 2025 bring even greater affirmations and opportunities as I embrace the incredible plans God has for me, all for His glory. Many people have been curious about where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to. Yet, when they step into the Sanctuary, they realize I have been on God’s schedule. I feel so grateful that God chose to keep me hidden from the world, allowing me to trust in His Will each day He blesses me, as I strive to be an instrument for His glory.

Major kudos and accolades on your freshly-minted new GOD-BREATHED album! Starting at the top, can you walk us through what inspired this absolute gem of a release?

Absolutely! During a season when I thought I was being reprimanded after three months on the road, God actually sent me home to be refilled and refueled for the next phase of my journey, birthing the GOD BREATHED album; in this sacred space, I rediscovered the musical gift He had bestowed upon me, pressing deeper into my calling and assignment, all while wrestling with doubts akin to Gideon’s, questioning if I was indeed the right person for His purposes; yet, in that moment of surrender, I was reminded of the promise God spoke to me while healing in my hospital bed at the beginning of my journey, just like Abraham, as I offered back to Him my gift, not knowing that through my willingness to sacrifice for His glory, He would provide even more for my mission in His service.

While I was seeking answers at home, I prayed to God for spiritual endurance, asking Him to reveal Himself through signs and wonders aligned with scripture, so I could better understand what He wanted to show me in the Bible. God, with a sense of humor, began waking me up at 3 or 4 in the morning, during which He shared visions with me. The entire GOD BREATHED album was born from the images He allowed me to narrate, which captured a glimpse of His thoughts. Initially, I considered naming the album “Defiant Faith,” but one morning, God directed me to 2 Timothy 3:16, and the rest became history—hence, HIStory!

Who did the producing honors on GOD-BREATHED and what did the in-studio collaboration between artist and producer look like while fashioning and shaping the new music?

I handled every aspect of the production myself, using a professional DAW renowned in the industry for music and video creation. My training came from divine inspiration; it was God guiding me through the entire process. This album holds profound significance because I surrendered fully to His direction. I want everyone to know that when I began recording and sharing my music, I did so with just a broken phone, often in unconventional places like public restrooms and hotel rooms. I utilized what I had to bring God’s visions into the world, regardless of the quality of the production, remaining obedient to His leading and learning along the way.  The in-house collaboration sessions were incredibly impactful, as we prioritize God before diving into music. We intentionally focus on fellowship, dedicating ourselves and inviting the Holy Spirit to guide us. This foundational practice sets a powerful tone for each session with the individuals God has specifically chosen to be part of GOD BREATHED.

The entire process of selecting who would be featured on the album was guided by God Himself, who understands each person’s journey far better than I do; just as I was deeply seeking Jesus, He saw that same devotion in them and handpicked each individual to be part of this project. When I shared the album with each featured artist, the first thing they noticed was its strong focus on Jesus, filled with scripture and infused with my own testimony of God’s works. They felt the heartfelt sincerity behind the music, which truly reflects the essence of having a personal relationship with the Lord to grasp the inspiration behind “GOD BREATHED.” It clearly demonstrates spiritual growth, time spent in communion with God, and a message that resonates with people.

In your humble opinion, what differentiates GOD-BREATHED from the Distinguished
Competition on the 2025 music scene?

I don’t focus on competition while fulfilling God’s work; my priority is simply to obey His Will. When I express that God empowers me to be a vessel for His message, I mean that everything that flows through me is for His glory alone. This universal sound resonates with God guiding every aspect of bringing forth what is divinely inspired. In a world often marked by division, God calls for unity through me, emphasizing the importance of building the Body of Christ where each individual is vital, and no one holds greater significance than another as we each fulfill our God-given roles, with God as our Head; in this divine design, competition has no place.

Religion and faith and love of God are all important facets of the music which you create.
Is it safe to assume that this important part of yourself as a person and as an artist has carried
through onto the GOD-BREATHED album?

I operate solely on love, especially God’s love, striving to embody the way He loves us regardless of our circumstances. My hope is that when people read this and listen to the GOD BREATHED album, they understand that I’m not trying to elevate myself above anyone; rather, I’m simply fulfilling His call to reach others. I see myself as a conduit for Christ, believing that even the smallest spark can ignite a wildfire, and that’s my role—to be that spark in people’s lives. Love prevails in every situation; while forgiving those who have hurt us can be incredibly challenging, it is through love that such forgiveness becomes possible.

This album, GOD BREATHED, beautifully encapsulates the profound love I have for God and the unconditional love He has for us; it represents more than just music, as it was crafted over time through intimate moments spent in His presence, ensuring that every note resonates with His perfect guidance. My hope is that listeners not only hear the word but truly feel the message, recognizing that it is God’s voice speaking directly to their hearts, inviting them to experience His love and purpose.

In the wake of the release of GOD-BREATHED, can fans look forward to catching you on
the touring/performing circuit?

Absolutely! This is a fantastic question—when God called me back to focus on Him, He paused my activities and grounded me, making it clear that I should not entertain any offers outside His Will. I was instructed to complete and release the GOD BREATHED album first, and then He would open doors for me. I felt like a young eagle being nurtured by His love, and as event tours started reaching out, I recognized it as a test of my loyalty to His Word by respectfully declining those offers in obedience to Christ’s vision. I firmly believe that saying yes to God and no to man is a step toward His plan for me to share GOD BREATHED with the world, and He will guide me to the right opportunities for ministry.

Who are some of the artists in the world of music who have inspired and influenced your
own indelible pathway?

Honestly, I initially wasn’t paying attention to any other artists. However, God began to guide me toward musicians who genuinely pursue His heart, rather than those focused on fame. I prefer to focus on the guidance I’ve received from Christ without naming any individuals. This year, I’ve witnessed many of His revelations come to fruition, affirming that He is indeed leading my path. In those pivotal moments, I will reflect on the insights God shared with me. I’m grateful for the musicians and event coordinators who have connected with me, and I feel this is a year of intentionality, which is my guiding principle.

You were born in Riverside, California and were raised in Luzon Island. How do these
seemingly disparate roots inform you as an artist?

I’m thrilled to hear that you’ve done your research—it’s truly appreciated. I was born in Riverside, California, but only lived there briefly due to my dad’s military career. My mother hails from Luzon Island, and my family on her side was eager to meet me when I was born. Before moving to the island, we spent a few years in Italy. Growing up on the Island instilled a lot of valuable lessons in me. As the youngest sibling, I was enveloped in a nurturing environment overflowing with love. Growing up as an outdoorsy individual, the secure and affectionate surroundings instilled in me a sense of confidence that continues to drive me today. My experiences of trust, exploration, and self-assuredness were deeply rooted in the freedom I enjoyed on the island, surrounded by the beautiful creations of nature.

My upbringing has undeniably shaped the reasons behind my artistic expression. As I listen to other musicians, I realize that God intentionally kept me from their influences while He was instilling a new identity in me, teaching me how to serve as a vessel for His messages. This divine guidance has ensured that my sound is uniquely distinct, setting me apart from the norm. I am truly honored and grateful for how God has nurtured me for His glory alone.

At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners take away from GOD-BREATHED after giving it many-a-spin on their respective turntables?

I hope that listeners of the GOD BREATHED album truly recognize that it serves as a divine message, highlighting that God is speaking through my music. Each song is intentionally crafted to evoke feelings, and if the first track resonates, it’s no coincidence; it’s a testament to the transformative journey that pursuing Jesus can lead to in our lives. My prayer is that as you experience this album, you feel motivated and inspired, not merely by my own journey, but by the immense possibilities that God wants to unveil in your own life. Building a personal relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is crucial, as without it, navigating life’s challenges can lead to an identity crisis; your true purpose can only be revealed through Christ, who shows you who you are through His eyes.

God is doing something extraordinary with His upcoming project, GOD BREATHED, and I’ve come to realize that He works in threes. I’m thrilled to announce that I will be releasing the GOD BREATHED album in three unique formats. First, there’s the studio release through BLOODLINEMAFIA:MUSICC L.L.C. Next, I’ll be offering a mixtape-style version, produced in DOLBY, which will seamlessly flow as one track while encompassing the entire album only through the BLOODLINEMAFIA:MUSICC L.L.C. website. Finally, the third release will include a visual component, showcasing the making of music videos for each song, complete with behind-the-scenes footage. This final piece is crucial, as it highlights my journey as a human guided by God, demonstrating that I can do nothing without Him. I’m incredibly excited about this project!

https://www.bloodlinemafiamusicc.com

https://boldjourney.com/meet-firstkings-love

https://canvasrebel.com/meet-firstkings-love

https://www.instagram.com/firstkingslove

https://www.facebook.com/just.intime.1kings

About rj frometa

Head Honcho, Editor in Chief and writer here on VENTS. I don't like walking on the beach, but I love playing the guitar and geeking out about music. I am also a movie maniac and 6 hours sleeper.

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