Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Pennino.
Mike, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I first got interested in hip-hop during high school because of Eminem’s song Lose Yourself. After that, I began binge listening to hip-hop music. For years I would go on YouTube looking for new artists and I stumbled on Christian hip-hop. I had a nominally catholic upbringing and I really liked hip-hop, so I gave it a listen. I was impressed. I didn’t know that people actually rapped for God. I found artists like Da Truth, Trip Lee, and Lecrae. Their music inspired me, but also challenged me. I started wondering why I wasn’t as passionate as they were about Jesus. I decided to read through the New Testament in the Bible to learn about Jesus and why He said the things He said. That would lead to me acknowledging my sin issue (which all people have), that Jesus died on the cross to fix me, and I needed Him. I gave Jesus my life. I remember thinking and praying, “That’s why You died for me, because I can’t fix myself. Alright, I’m down fro whatever, I am Your’s.” Ever since then, my life hasn’t been the same. God has changed my life and continues to work on me. Seeing how God used artists like Da Truth, Trip Lee, and Lecrae in my life, I decided I wanted to be used by God to help others through hip-hop too. God has allowed me to release music that has helped people, to perform in many places that has reached lots of people, and to be in many situations off-stage that were memorable. My goal with my music isn’t for attention or my own glory. My goal with music (and life) to love God, love people, and be there for others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been moments that have been smooth and not smooth. It has been a journey that God has used to stretch me and become more selfless. There’s a lot of moments I could share, but I’ll share one. There was a time (I believe in 2013) when I was recording some vocals with Oak City Slums, who has been very helpful and supportive of me. I thought I had prepared a good verse, but mid-recording he stopped the recording. He proceeded to tell me I need to do better on this song and give me constructive feedback. Honestly, it was great advice, but I felt terrible. I started contemplating whether I should keep going with music. My pride and ego was hit. Despite that, I was able to swallow my pride and take the constructive criticism. The next time I went to Oak City Slums’ study, he said I took the feedback well and wrote a better verse. There’s been moments where people have either disliked my music or didn’t like my style, but I have learned how to not take things personally. I learned that my identity is not in my music, but in Jesus. I can always improve as an artist, but regardless my value is priceless.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have done many types of work. For now, I want to highlight my work as a hip-hop artist. I strive to make music that points people to Jesus and helps people in whatever situation of life they are in. I am personally grateful for my two songs “Pick It Up” and “Too Blessed.” I have found they resonate with and inspire people of all backgrounds. They both are probably my most streamed songs online. I’ve been called by a couple people Mr. Pick It Up due to my song “Pick It Up.”
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The first is the Bible. God’s word is so essential for us to learn about God, His ways, His salvation, His church, and life in general. I would also suggest reading the letters of the early church fathers like Clement, Ignatius, and Justin Martyr. Otherwise, for hip-hop (this might sound funny at first) I’d suggest “How To Rap: The Art and Science of the Hip-Hop MC” by Paul Edwards. It is an incredible book where Paul gets insight on all the facets of hip-hop from some of the best MCs.
Pricing:
- For booking email me at mikepennino0317@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/mikepennino
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikepennino/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@mikepennino
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikepennino
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsmikepennino
