Houston hip-hop artist Pasquale (James Edward Pierson Jr.) delivers a bold anthem with “Kings.” The track fuses street grit with spiritual conviction, reminding listeners that true strength comes from faith, resilience, and identity in God’s kingdom. With hard-hitting verses and a chorus that feels like a rally cry, “Kings” speaks to men navigating struggle, calling them to rise as leaders and visionaries. It’s both an urban anthem and a declaration of hope. Pasquale, founder of Merci Muzik, is known for blending authenticity and ministry in his music. His sound tells real stories of struggle and redemption while pointing toward transformation. With songs like “Kings,” he continues to carve out a lane for faith-driven hip-hop that uplifts and empowers.
How did you get started in music?
I didn’t always rap for God. I started rapping when I was 13 in Texas Youth Commission, basically like prison for kids. They didn’t give you anything to write with, all you had was a Bible. I would write raps in his mind, by creating a line and memorizing bars sentence by sentence by repetition. I was signed to Explicit Records at age 17 and performed on 97.9 The Box with Mad Hatter and Nicky D. I was incarcerated for the first time as an adult
at age 19 and stopped rapping. I wouldn’t resume rapping again until returning to prison to serve a 35 year sentence and being inspired to use my gift for God.
Who were your favorite artists growing up?
When I was growing up I was in the streets, so I listened to Spice 1, Master P, Tupac, and Scarface. I was born and raised in Houston so mostly Houston artists.
What inspired you to share the Word through music?
The Holy Spirit.
Some people can write rhymes real fast, I can’t. My prayer was that if God wanted me to use my gift to glorify him, he would have to give me the lyrics. I’m honored that I get to glorify him with my gift, and I hope that believers can identify his truth in my songs.
How would you describe your music to someone who's never heard you?
Raw and authentic. My music is my testimony—my ministry. Understandable for people of all ages, it’s real.
What would a dream collaboration be?
My dream collaboration was with Bryann T, because he inspired me to use my gift for God. When I was in prison, and dealing with a 2 year set off (finding out I wouldn’t be seeing parole for another 2 years), Bryann came in to minister the music. I had already been saved, but I didn’t think about using my for God.
Although I was resisting, God put it on my heart and I have been rapping since then. We have song out called Wolves in Sheep Clothing that was released last year.
What are you currently working on?
Ministry is always first. I go back into juvenile centers and prisons to talk to people about the love of Christ, and lead more people to Jesus. I just released two songs, “Kings” with Brandon Trejo and YD Kev and “Church Clothes”, with my wife on the chorus. I am also working on launching a new clothing line, and have founded a new prison ministry, Merci Muzik Ministries.
What are your ultimate goals for your career?
I don’t consider this my career, this is my calling. My ultimate goal is to plant seeds for spiritual growth to build the body of Christ.
Follow Merci Muzik on Social Media
){kind=link}