Meet Mike Pennino

We were lucky to catch up with Mike Pennino recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mike, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Honestly, I found my purpose through my relationship with the Lord. Most of my life growing up I had different thoughts on what I wanted to do, but our identity shouldn’t be wrapped up in a job. When I trusted in Jesus and started following Him, I started learning even more about myself. I’ve learned our purpose in life is to know the Lord and to represent Him. The chief way of representing Him is by loving Him and loving others. So I’ve found where I can use my talents and abilities to glorify God, love God, and love people is what I should aim for. So whether it’s as a hip-hop artist, pastor, friend, brother, son, or whatever… my purpose is to know God, love God, and love people. My purpose isn’t music, preaching, or doing some activity, but rather my purpose is to know God and strive to represent Him in what I do. My ultimate purpose in life is being a child of God and knowing God (and everything else should flow from that).

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My story is simply I was lost and now I am found. I was lost in my sin and I have been found and saved by Jesus. And I want the world to know about the good news of Jesus and the freedom that is found in Him. Two of the avenues I have taken to do that is through music and pastoring. I’ll focus on the music side of things from here, since God used Christian rap to draw me to Himself and save me. Since God used music in an incredible way in my life, I want to use music to bless others in the same way. To point people to the Lord and to help people through their struggles in life. I released my first mixtape in 2016 and my first album in 2021. Since then I have released a few singles, one of them being “What Is Life” which has gained some attention. Moving forward, I have a new single that’ll be coming out very soon. I am very excited to see how God uses it to bless people and how people receive it. It’s called “Coming Wit It” and it is a hype hip-hop song. So keep your eyes open for the release of “Coming Wit It.”

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities that have been most impactful and helpful on my journey is humility, determination, and wisdom. Humility because I need to remember who I am and not under or over estimate who I am, regardless of what others say. To take healthy feedback and critiques, while ignoring bad feedback or hate. Determination because life is hard and it involves hard work. If you are unwilling to work and push, then you won’t make it. Wisdom because knowing how to apply what you know and understand is extremely important. Wisdom is very underrated. Wisdom can save us from unnecessary issues and struggles, while also can help us get through issues and struggles.

I do have advice for those who are pursuing music and are early in the journey. One, know the reason for why you are doing music. What is the goal or the purpose of it? Those without a vision, will struggle and fall apart. Two, have a steady income from a job, so you can invest in your music and be stable as you are growing as an artist or band. The music industry is a cut throat business and is extremely difficult. Most artists and bands who seem to have just “pop off” and get popular usually have been working as an artist or band for many years prior. Three, be uniquely yourself with your music while learning from who has influenced you musically and who has come before you musically.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The main book that has played an important role in my life is the Bible. God used Christian rap to get me to read the New Testament, which led to me trusting in Jesus. And since, God has used the whole Bible to greatly grow me and shape me into who I am today. And He isn’t done working on me. I’d strongly advice everyone to read through the whole Bible and let God guide them through it.

Now another book that specifically helped me with some practicalities of hip-hop is a book called “How to Rap: The Art and Science of the Hip-Hop MC” by Paul Edwards. Paul interviews and asks many iconic and talented artists about hip-hop and the different parts of it. I’d advice anyone starting out to rap (or even if you’ve been rapping for awhile) to get that book and read it. There is a lot of good practical insight and knowledge in that book when it comes to the many aspects of hip-hop (from writing, beat selection, performing, recording, etc).

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photo Credits: Jordan McGirt, Laurie Kirby, Reagan Moody, VA Bryants Photography, and Sky The Camera Guyy.

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Designing Stories You Can Play: Yitong Hu on Interactive Storytelling in Games

For game and technical designer Yitong Hu, the power of games lies in their ability to

Highlighter Series
Building Support Where It’s Needed Most: Shaykara Webster on Advocating for Medically Fragile Children and Their Families

For Shaykara Webster, launching Salvation Private Home Care was both a professional mission and a deeply personal calling.

Highlighter Series
Bringing Ink Together: Misha’s Approach to “Transitional” Tattoos

For Misha, tattoos don’t have to exist as isolated pieces on the body. Through what he