We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lu Bennett a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lu, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
My latest project is a single titled “United Front” featuring Freedom Hester. It is the epitome of how I believe the body of Christ should respond to the current political state in our nation. As believers, we should exercise our civic duty to vote. Furthermore, we should determine the candidates we vote for not merely by their policies, but more importantly by their character. If we gage by both measures, and pray for direction, then we will land on the candidate best suited to lead our nation. If our nation bands together as one community of human beings and the church bands together as one community of disciples, then we can make the most of any situation or predicament. We can empower one another to be the best version of themselves, and not behave or vote selfishly. My dad always told me growing up that the key to a long-lasting marriage is to out give each other. If the world and the church had this one small adjustment in mindset, particularly pertaining to how we treat each other and. care for each other, the world would be a much better place.
This project is important to me because it speaks to who I am as an artist and as a person. It is often said that “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything”. As an artist, it is important to me that I take a stance. This track speaks to what I stand for personally and artistically.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Lu Bennett is a Christian Hip Hop Artist, Songwriter, Licensed Christian Minister, Mentor and Speaker. He is originally from Frankfort, KY and currently resides in Durham, NC with his wife and son. He obtained his Masters of Divinity from Campbellsville University in 2023.
He believes in taking a well-rounded approach towards overall mental, physical and spiritual wellness. Lu began his songwriting journey when he was 16 years old. At this time, he was writing secular music and was afforded the opportunity to open for Wake Flocka and Travis Porter at Kentucky State University’s Homecoming Concert, in 2011. Throughout the course of his musical career, Lu has released several projects, headlined events, and opened for the likes of Gene Hoskins, Waka Flocka and Travis Porter. He has performed all throughout his home state of Kentucky, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Virginia and more.
During his graduating semester of college, Lu Bennett endured a traumatic experience that sent him into a deep state of depression. Having been a preacher’s son seeking a way back, Lu held close to his moral values and his solid foundation in God. He now seeks to utilize ministry and musicianship to bring people together like never before. He wishes to touch broken individuals whose paths may not have ever crossed. Lu Bennett realizes that sharing your story and testimony is what people need to hear. He positively influences society by aligning his passion with his purpose; Utilizing his experiences to reach others and ultimately shed light to the greatest story ever told.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My artistry mission is to help others develop their foundation of faith and heal, in hopes of sustaining joy and clarity of mind through faith-based socially-conscious content. My mantra, REAL BAG, is a play on the common saying, “Secure the Bag”. Securing the “Real Bag” speaks to vital aspects of life that I believe are essential for overall wellness, awareness and camaraderie. Overall wellness and awareness includes but is not limited to being spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically connected. My hope is to play a role in uniting humanity by way of exuding light and love, so we may all grow into the purest versions of ourselves collectively.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I was raised as a pastor’s kid in a Baptist church, giving my life to Christ through baptism at the age of six. I have always believed in the love and power of the gospel with all that it entails. I have never deviated from or even questioned my faith in my Lord and Savior. However, I endured a traumatic experience that changed my life forever my last semester of undergrad at WKU. My girlfriend at the time dealt with the vast majority of her family being strung out on drugs for most of their lives, including her immediate family (parents and siblings). Due to this, she periodically would allude to the fact that she was becoming suicidal because of the heavy burden she felt to carry her family. Eventually, she actually attempted to take her life. She would go on to blame me for her misery and send me volatile texts for months. As a result, I was depressed and suicidal and still conquering anxiety to this day. Although I’ve never concealed the gospel in my life, I was baptized again at the age of twenty three due to my own conviction and wanting to cleanse my slate from years of fornication and random periods of rebelliousness. I felt compelled to do this to rededicate myself more than ever before and allow the light to shine from within me unashamedly at all times. I am so thankful for the strong foundation my earthly father instilled in me regarding my faith and obedience to our heavenly father, to the point that I can’t recall ever not being a believer.
Music is extremely influential therefore, I use it to encourage people to cultivate a genuine personal relationship with Christ and to focus on their wellness. I realize that sharing your story and testimony is what people need to hear. My favorite scripture is Mark 8:36, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his own soul.” It would be purposeless to have influence, and not use my platform to save the souls of others. I want to encourage individuals with similar experiences and lead people to Christ with love and light.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.realbagministries.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lubennettofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lubennettofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo0sZOs7kKpqu0Jg2uYpEWQ
- Other: TIK TOK:
https://www.tiktok.com/@lubennettofficialTHREADS:
https://www.threads.net/@lubennettofficial?hl=fiEMAIL:
[email protected]
Image Credits
John Brown