Abundance. Increase. Wealth. Well-being. Prosperity? More like ProzperaD. Ricardo Paul adapted this name when he became a member of the Bound For Glory family. As a Hip Hop gospel artist, ProzperaD uses his lyrical talents with the sole purpose of saving souls. Knowing the impact of rap music, rapping is his ministry of choice so that he may offer an alternative to what is being played on the radio. Coming from the 7th and 8th wards of New Orleans, Ricardo’s story is “From Poverty to ProzperaD.”

7th Made Online: When did you first seriously give your life to God?

ProzperaD: I recieved Christ when I was 16. The day I found out about Jesus, I gave into to Him and His desires for my life. Despite my will or dreams or wants, God just overwhelmingly intrigued me. I was so curious about Him [and] fought hard to find out who He was.

7MO: After you dedicated your life to Christ, what was the hardest aspect of your lifestyle to change?

Proz: Myself. The hardest thing to do for God was denying myself and the wants of my flesh. Changing "my" wants into the wants and desires He has for my life. Honestly, the closer you grow to God your desires become His desires. Also, the wants of the flesh become less. You simply want His will and to please Him.

7MO: What would you say to the younger person that is struggling with staying in line with God's word? How should one deal with backsliding etc?

Proz: God says He’s married to the Backslider! He never leaves us. He’s there with you RIGHT NOW as you’re reading this! Just love on HIM!!  God doesn’t want to lose any of His creations. Moreover because of Jesus dying in place of us we have been graphed into God's family. Joint-Heirs with Christ! This means we are the sons and daughters of God. Gods loves us all despite age. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. Read your word daily and, over time, it’s easier to not sin and struggle with the flesh. When you become weak, don’t try to ignore it, but actually take it to God and ask Him to free you from the bondage of sin and displeasing Him! Draw nigh to Him and He will draw nigh to you. Also, resist the devil and he will flee!

7MO: What specifically made you want to minister to youth?

Proz: I don’t only target youth. Though they are the future, the bible doesn’t have age discrimination. There's no little and big Holy Ghost! Anyone can freely come to the Word of God regardless of age, race or religion. In that, I target God’s anointing towards a dying world [as a whole!] I simply produce an audio King James: God’s word over tracks, music, beats, etc. I perform on Friday nights for the youth and God speaks. This is the same as when I perform on Sunday morning to a traditional crowd. Paul “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Cor 9:22) I take that same approach and mindset when creating my music.

7MO: What personal experiences do you draw from when you are trying to reach your audience?

Proz: Honestly, just life itself. Everything! I try not to preach life misleadingly. All my songs are true experiences. We overcome by our testimonies, and even encourage others by them. So everything I go through or even went through, wasn't necessarily only for my building, but even that of others that I may preach Jesus to people who have been through what I’ve been through.

7MO: What is the most touching testimony you have heard from one of your fans?

Proz: “WOW, that my song changed my life!” Do you know how hard it is to get through to some folks? God did it in less than 5 minutes with 3 verses and a hook! People have been saved, changed, and set free of bondages and so much more from a 5 minute song! TELL ME GOD AIN’T ABLE AND AWESOME!!! Please! [laughs]

7MO: I read that you were a catalyst of sorts in getting your family to give their lives to Christ. Explain what it was like to be the example.

Proz: ...rough at times and a blessing. Their blood is at your hands. This is your family...people you should feel comfortable in front of, but at the same time can’t totally be yourself and too familiar, because the instant you mess up...they say "you’re supposed to be a Christian!” It’s hard to be saved and God fearing and know the life your mother’s living is leading her to hell! But God’s grace and his word say he’ll save you and your whole household! So I just want to encourage anyone who’s in that situation to just STAND!! GOD CAN AND WILL WORK IT OUT!!!!

-J. McNair