Today we’d like to introduce you to FirstKings Love.
Hi FirstKings, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story in this magazine again; capturing my journey feels like an undertaking best suited for a series of testaments to God’s grace, starting from my seemingly perfect life in 2016, where success, love, and joy were abundant, to the humbling moment when pride led me to declare myself god, only to face the profound consequences of that assertion.
I’ll start from 2016 to 2025. In 2016, I believed I was living my best life—successful with a well-paying job, a thriving side business, a fantastic girlfriend, and a lavish lifestyle including cars, stylish clothes, and a substantial shoe collection. I had full custody of my son, Messiah, and life felt great, fueled by material happiness. However, my priorities shifted when I sought to buy another car for status and ended up at a high-end dealership in Bellevue, where, against the odds, I drove away with a Mercedes Benz. Shortly after, a phone call from my girlfriend revealed that she felt neglected, leading to a pivotal moment where I arrogantly declared myself “god” of my wealth. Instantly, I sensed a shift; the weight of my words hung heavy as I noticed a stranger’s disbelief beside me. This prideful claim hurt God, who presented me with two choices: surrender everything I had or face the loss of it all. I attempted to negotiate but quickly learned that God demanded full submission. Just 30 days later, I found myself in jail, realizing God had kept His word.
As I sat in jail for ten months, I was desperate to return to my life, despite feeling that God wanted me to stay put. My drive to manage my circumstances led me to hire a prominent attorney from Bellevue, WA, who uncovered several loopholes in my case and assured me we had a strong chance at trial. However, during my confinement, I began to rekindle my relationship with God, immersing myself in the Bible and attending church services regularly. In a transformative moment while reading about Paul on the road to Damascus, I felt compelled to align my values with God’s, leading me to lay prostrate on the floor of my solitary cell in a moment of humble reflection. This prompted an inner dialogue with God, who laid out a choice before me: I could return to my old life with charges dropped or carry my cross, trusting in His plan. Chosen faith over familiarity, I felt invigorated after a night of seemingly divine music, as my next door cellmate noted my singing throughout the night. This spiritual awakening confirmed my decision to let God lead, and when my attorney returned, I surprised him by expressing my desire to avoid trial, explaining that God wanted me to trust and be still.
When I was released, I was still on my walk with Christ, navigating the challenges of my faith like a baby Christian who struggled to fully commit. Although I felt I was in a probationary period with the Lord, knowing I had returned to His grace, I recognized that I had a long way to go in my spiritual growth. I eventually acquired a car and secured a place to live, but in hindsight, I realize this was my plan, not God’s. I had moved away from Yakima, Washington, where my roots lay, to Seattle for about 16 years, only visiting Yakima occasionally to showcase my achievements on social media. When I was prompted to return home, I desperately pleaded with God not to let me face my past, fearing the judgment of those who once knew me. During a snow-filled winter, I visited Yakima and got stuck because the mountain pass was closed; during this time, I had hoped to make quick money by buying street items, even though I knew in my heart it wasn’t His will for me. The police were called on me when I attempted to sell these items, leading them to my vehicle, where they suspected a dead body was hidden—not true, but that car contained all my possessions along with the substances I had planned to sell. Everything came crashing down when my car was towed for investigation, leaving me powerless to retrieve it since it wasn’t yet in my name, and the original owner reported it stolen. This marked the beginning of a difficult three-year journey of homelessness in Yakima, forcing me to confront my past and seek a deeper connection with God.
Today, I recognize that every event in my journey was part of God’s divine plan. I often reflect on that night in my jail cell when, in my desperation and homelessness, I turned wholly to Him for support. It was during this time I experienced a profound humbling; He was stripping away my pride in a way I couldn’t have achieved alone. Over the three years of my journey, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the lives of those living on the streets, learning the harsh realities of survival while forming deep connections with my peers. Despite the difficulties, I felt called to share the goodness of God as I settled in various places. In times when I felt betrayed by those I trusted, He instructed me to give rather than to expect—an insight that transformed my perspective. I recall nights spent under bridges, scavenging through dumpsters, and one especially pivotal night when I found myself led to a mountaintop. After a long trek, I was instructed to remove my shoes, and as I stood overlooking the city, God reminded me that my struggles were small in the grand scheme of His love. At that moment, with dawn breaking, I felt an overwhelming peace and joy, as if God Himself was affirming His presence and guidance in my life. I eventually fell asleep there, waking refreshed and eager to share the love I felt. Descending the mountain, I encountered a stranger who offered me water and listened to my story, inviting me to dinner—my spirit renewed. This journey is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the enveloping goodness of God, guiding my path forward for His glory alone.
It was nearing the end of my three years of homelessness when a profound sense of hope began to surge within me, leading me to believe that I was on the brink of graduation from this ordeal. Sharing this newfound truth with others often garnered skeptical responses; many thought I was either under the influence of drugs or losing my grip on reality. One pivotal moment occurred in a friend’s trailer, where I suddenly felt the overwhelming presence of God’s Spirit fill me, restoring the vibrant energy I had lost years earlier and reaffirming the goodness of God. Eager to share this transformative experience, I hurried to the homeless encampment that had been my refuge. As I arrived, I encountered someone who seemed to be waiting for me, yet he rejected my sharing of God’s goodness. In that moment of connection, I was unexpectedly struck in the face, leaving me unaware of how long I had lost consciousness. When I finally came to, a crowd surrounded me, astonished to see me sit up, blood filling my mouth due to a chipped tooth. I instinctively covered my injury with my hoodie and rode back to my friend’s trailer, feeling almost weightless, and mesmerized by the shimmering streaks along my arm as I moved. Upon reaching her home, I startled my friend awake and implored her for help, still unaware of the severity of my injury. When I revealed my face, she fainted, overwhelmed by the horrific sight. As she regained consciousness, she remarked that a pipe couldn’t inflict such damage and encouraged me to look in the mirror. Facing my reflection, I was consumed by a wave of despair, primarily thinking of my son, Messiah, and how he would no longer recognize me. Just as I felt myself slipping into shock, I found strength in the desperation of crying out to God, seeking solace in the only source of hope I knew.
When I woke up in the hospital, disoriented and confused, I quickly learned that a bullet had miraculously bounced off my face. Police officers were present, pressing me for a statement, but I found it difficult to engage; having come to terms with the situation, I forgave the person responsible and didn’t want to complicate matters by pressing charges. I pleaded with my doctor for documentation to reflect that I had suffered an injury from something other than a bullet, hoping this would shield me from further inquiries. During the three days I was unconscious, I felt as though I had traversed heavenly realms, guided by the Holy Spirit, traversing what I perceived as “lightning veins” illuminated by a constant, divine light to my right. In my ethereal journey, I faced a colossal wall, which I now recognize as the pearly gates of Heaven, where thoughts were exchanged in silence rather than words. Presented with the choice to stay in this boundless light, I hesitated, feeling unworthy of eternity with God, given my flaws, but I resolved to return to my earthly body, vowing to live a life that would earn me a rightful place among the divine. In that transcendental moment, I looked upon my physical self, observing the frantic energy of the emergency room, and suddenly, I could hear everything—the whispers of two nurses lamenting the prospect of me living with a glass eye or patch for the rest of my life. That conversation pulled me back into my body, and as I regained consciousness, I sprang up, declaring, “You’re lying! He said I will see again!” The room fell silent, baffled by my awareness despite my previous state of unconsciousness, marking the moment my extraordinary journey collided with reality, forever altering my path.
When I finally fully awoke in my hospital bed, I cried for three days straight; it was a cry of joy, overwhelmed by the presence of love and peace surrounding me in what felt like the heavenly realm. Despite the initial sorrow of waking up to an empty room and feeling forgotten, God reached down and placed His hand on my chest, transforming my heart to one capable of forgiveness and love. During my healing process, He bestowed visions of my purpose—urging me to reach people en masse for His glory—as a vessel for His messages, truth, and power, as reflected in John 9:1-3. I envisioned myself amidst a crowd, but then felt His arm gently pulling me away, revealing my divine assignment to connect with those who share similar struggles. I was called to minister through music, not as a rapper, but as a messenger narrating His vision in a way that resonates with the lost souls impacted by negative influences in the music world. Though I initially doubted my ability to fulfill this calling without the means to begin, I placed my trust in God, and the miraculous transformation of my life became evident—He guided me to establish my own faith-based music recording label and a fully operational building, all orchestrated by His grace and not my own efforts. With a simple “yes and amen,” I embraced my mission to serve as a testament of His grace, continually astonished by the doors He opens and committed to being an ambassador of His kingdom.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has undeniably been challenging, but I realize that every moment has been vital in preparing me for the impact I am meant to make. After my discharge from the hospital, I found myself lost in a new city, Tri-Cities, a name that later revealed its significance to me with its reference to the number 3. While at Kadlec Hospital, I met Amanda, the operations manager, who had heard my story and was inspired to assist me in getting back on my feet. This led to temporary housing at a Holiday Inn, where the lively music from a nearby event sparked inspiration in me. However, my transition was rocky; I moved between Oxford houses four times due to a lack of acceptance from others when I spoke of God’s goodness. Eventually, I returned to the hotel, where a chance meeting with Teresa blossomed into a friendship rooted in faith. She invited me to an empowering conference that deepened my connection to God’s plan, ultimately leading me to a new home with some brothers who had heard my story and welcomed me into their lives. This journey has taught me resilience and the importance of community, and I am grateful for the path that has unfolded.
The most challenging aspect of my journey has been attempting to connect with individuals who genuinely resonate with God’s timing in their lives. I strive to make my intentions known—my passion for sharing God’s goodness, particularly through the gift of music. However, I’ve encountered a significant barrier; as someone who is relatively new to the music scene and unfamiliar with the community in my current city, I often feel overlooked. Despite my earnest efforts to reach out and bond with others who share a similar devotion, my newfound presence seems to lead others to miss the depth of my heart for Christ. It has been a struggle to build meaningful connections in a space where I hope to unite with fellow believers in creating and celebrating music that glorifies God.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Someone once remarked that the name of my company sounds gangster, but what they didn’t understand is that it’s a name God gave me to represent Him. I once lived a hardcore gang life, notorious in the streets, embodying the lifestyle many rappers portray in their music today. God transformed my past, using it for His purpose and showcasing that I am still a “gangster” in a sense—only now I fight harder for the Lord than I ever did for any street colors. My company, BLOODLINEMAFIA:Musicc LLC, is a faith-based professional music recording studio, open to all ministries that wish to share God’s goodness, whether through music, voiceovers, audiobooks, or recorded prayers. We focus on sound quality, effectiveness, and clarity, and before we begin any project, we always empty ourselves to invite the Holy Spirit to take over. I take pride in how God has developed me as a sound engineer, guiding me to learn the ins and outs of sound production and allowing me to use this knowledge to glorify Him and share my gifts with others.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Through my journey, I’ve learned the vital importance of placing my full trust in God rather than in any human being. Many still struggle to understand the profound transformation God has made in my life, yet I recognize the danger of relying on my own understanding, as emotional decisions can often lead me astray. My commitment is to serve God above all else. I’ve come to realize that those who misjudge me often resist recognizing the work of Christ within me. Additionally, I’ve shed the tendency to please others, realizing that their satisfaction is fleeting. Accepting situations as they unfold has taught me that each experience contributes to my character development. Ultimately, it is God who saved my life, not people, and I proudly acknowledge that I am called to serve Him. I’ve learned to celebrate the successes of others, understanding that it’s not about me but rather about uniting in victories. My focus is on collective joy, and as I celebrate others, I hope to be celebrated in return during my own season of blessings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bloodlinemafiamusicc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstkingslove
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/just.intime.1kings
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgpumIGMXFvTXfDo3ob3l6A
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0KPMGC9LYHsY5yWgyvo87Y?si=v-Jq4_C1QrCwBDEbMiPvDw
