(October 15, 2024) For over a decade, Mike Teezy has focused on preaching the gospel of Christ in a self-released catalog of seven albums, three EP’s, and numerous singles. Through potent pieces like “Communion,” “Forgive ’em,” and “Child of the King,” this multi-skilled talent bridges rap, vocals and dance, driven mostly by trap beats (propelled by syncopated, synthesized drums).
After developing his ministry in the Christian rap underground, 2023 was a breakthrough year as Teezy’s The Greenhouse Project, an introspective journey how he stayed the course in his Christian walk, debuted at #12 on the iTunes Christian/Gospel Charts. This achievement was followed by a promotional tour for Greenhouse and participation in the 17th Annual McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration of Gospel including Hezekiah Walker and Donald Lawrence.
While ‘trap gospel’ is his forte, this West Virginia born/North Carolina native gives props to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, as one of several musical forces. And that influence is seen on our our World Premiere Video from Teezy, “New Leaf,” featuring choreography reflecting Jackson’s international hit sensation from 1988, “Smooth Criminal.”
“New Leaf” departs a bit from the trap gospel rhythms – throwing down a sharp funky groove with bass and tantalizing percussion. And Teezy displays solid vocal skills echoing dance R&B artists Jason Derulo and Ne-Yo. The video’s premise begins with Teezy being revived in his hospital bed and pulling out a new leaf reflecting a rededication to Christ: “No time like the present/Know that it’s a blessin’/All the leaves from the trees on the ground/And if all you know is goin’ down, turnin’ a new leaf.”
Between his testimony, scriptural teaching points and entertaining videos, Teezy possesses all the tools to draw people, believers or otherwise, in searching for their new leaf in life. Listen up!
By Peggy Oliver