As a child, Philip was raised in church. Like many, he became mesmerized with the lust of the world. Doing his best to navigate sexual abuse and trauma, Philip looked to the streets to create an identity. In fear of Philip’s self-destruction, his father sought help from his trusted childhood church. At the age of 13 Phil found himself being mentored by Bishop Fredrick D. Patterson of Cathedral Baptist Church in Winston-Salem NC. During his time volunteering on the film crew, he experienced spiritual conviction for the first time at a church revival.  

Being prideful, he held back from going to alter call but prayed and promised Jesus if they called again, he would go. Seconds later a homeless man burst into the church asking for prayer. The church offered the alter call again; and that day Philip Israel Watkins dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. Although he accepted God, as a teenager overtime he drifted back further into the street life. Time and time again God’s mercy spared him. At the age of 19 Philip had a life changing encounter with God.  Experiencing mental torment as he suffered the absence of God’s peace. He was humbled by this correction, vowing to never return to evil again. As an adult he feels grateful, honored, and obligated to worship God. He decided to put away excuses and commit his all into living a life that pleases God.  

After wrestling with conviction over his love for music, Phil abandoned his secular success as a recording artist to align himself with the values of following Christ. He chose to walk away at the height of his career after collaborating with numerous multi-platinum artists, signing a publishing deal, and touring opening for industry majors in hip-hop. Overtime he began to understand that he was going the wrong way. There is no middle ground when living for Christ. As we are taught, no one can have two masters; he repented and submitted to the Holy Spirit. Philip felt it was critical to honor YHWH and to lead by example with all the time he has left. Now Phil fearlessly professes his loyalty and admiration of Jesus Christ exclusively as a Christian faith-based artist. What better way than to use his talent’s than to worship God & hopefully inspire others. 

Ephesians 4:22-24  

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.