Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins
A Light in the Music Industry
Music producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins stands in the spotlight today in honor of Black Music Month. Every June, the music industry recognizes the achievements of musicians, singers, songwriters, and producers who have achieved great feats in the music industry.
“Darkchild” is more than an accomplished producer; he’s a devout Christian who exhibits unwavering faith.
Jesus says, “let your light so shine before others so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.”
Understanding how “Darkchild” shines requires learning about his upbringing and the journey that led to becoming a professional producer. Discovering how he shines for Christ also means analyzing his impact on the music industry and the biblical principles that guide him.
The Jerkins Family
A Faith-Filled Mother
Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins was born on July 29, 1977. He is the youngest of Frederick and Sylvia Jerkins’ four children. His father, a bishop in the Pentecostal Holiness denomination, taught his family to have faith in God.
Faith in God became a foundational part of “Darkchild’s” life while he was in his mother’s womb. While seven months pregnant, the doctors told Mrs. Jerkins her baby would not survive due to medical issues.
Instead of worrying, Mrs. Jerkins chose to believe God would let her son live to declare His works. Five years later, she exercised faith, telling a piano teacher “Darkchild” was special and should be tutored by him.
The teacher agreed, and those tutoring sessions became the first step on the path to a successful music career.
“Darkchild” Receives His Father’s Blessing
Ironically, “Darkchild” didn’t want to play piano, but obeyed a rule Mr. Jerkins set for his children.
While firm about piano lessons, Mr. Jerkins demonstrated the flexibility needed to make “Darkchild’s” dream a reality. He does this when “Darkchild” is a teenager by allowing him to listen to secular music.
This was a major decision for a bishop who is expected to uphold 1 Timothy 3:4-5 while leading his congregation. Thankfully, Mr. Jerkins understood God’s plan for his son was greater than potential public scrutiny.
Mr. Jenkins also demonstrated flexibility by allowing his son to stay up late and create music. “Darkchild” just had to make sure he was never late for school. Mr. Jerkins also displayed confidence in his son’s abilities through financial investments.
He paid for photocopies of an 80-page manual for “Darkchild” to learn how to play an MPC60. Mr. Jerkins also borrowed money from his life insurance policy to purchase the $1,200 machine
Simultaneously, he taught his son financial responsibility by having him sign a contract to repay the money.
Mr. Jerkins also proved his confidence in his son by taking a leap of faith. They took a chance trip from Atlantic City to Virginia Beach so “Darkchild” could meet the famous producer Teddy Riley.
All of the instances took place by the time “Darkchild” was 14 years old.
Mentorship & Career Success
The Career Accolades
As a teen prodigy, “Darkchild” spent two summers being mentored by Teddy Riley. During this time, he proved he belonged in the same spaces as famous artists and producers.
While it’s impossible to mention “Darkchild’s” full journey, I’ll highlight how his gifts and work ethic create opportunities for him.
He has had the opportunity to produce hit records for artists like Aretha Franklin, Brandy, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston.
Doing so has allowed him to achieve accomplishments such as
- Being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
- Garnish over 250 million record sales worldwide.
- Serving as the executive music producer for the television show Empire.
“Darkchild” has also produced hit records like
- “Its Not Right but It’s Okay” by Whitney Houston.
- “The Boy is Mine” by Brandy and Monica.
- “You Rock My World” by Michael Jackson.
While these songs strengthen his resume, I believe “Darkchild is blessed because he hasn’t strayed from God.
He’s produced songs for Gospel artists like Mary Mary and Kirk Franklin. Some of his Gospel songs are
- “Eyes on Us” by Jon Keith
- “He Said” by Mary Mary
- “Revolution” by Kirk Franklin
His story also resembles Boaz as he met his wife (Gospel Artist Joy Enriquez) while working on her debut album.
How Does “Darkchild” Shine His Light?
Being a Father, Friend, & Witness
“Darkchild” and Joy were married on April 4, 2004, and have four children
- Rodney David Jerkins III
- Heavenly Joy
- Hannah Joy.
- Royal David.
Though “Darkchild” has many accomplishments, he considers his kids his greatest achievement. He strives to be a light to them by demonstrating the loving patience God shows him.
He also works hard to leave them an inheritance and pushes them to do their best.“Darkchild” doesn’t just shine his light before his family; he also models Proverbs 17:17 before his friends.
He did this for Michael Jackson by inviting him and his family to hang out at his mother’s home. He was also present to pray with and encourage Michael during a public court case.
“Darkchild’s prayers must have been answered as he talks about how Michael declared Christ as his Lord and Savior two weeks before he died.
“Darkchild” also had the privilege of interceding for and attending church with Whitney Houston. He also hosts a bi-weekly church service called Worship Alive for artists signed to his label at his studio.
“Darkchild” understands music isn’t just his passion but a pathway that draws others closer to the Lord.
“Darkchild” Dares to Stand Out
Along with using music to draw others closer to God for salvation and worship, “Darkchild” also dares to stand out.
He is credited as one of the first musicians to use a producer tag on his beats. Even the name “Darkchild” sets him apart from his peers.
The stage name comes from wordplay based on his love for minor, dark chords and his youthfulness.
While he loves the name “Darkchild,” Rodney wrestles with changing the moniker. He recognizes the name can be confusing for those who don’t know he’s a Christian.
That being said, a name change can represent a positive transformation. Just ask Abraham, Sarah, and Israel, whose names reflect God’s plan and promises to them.
God’s plan for “Darkchild” called for him to stand out by not signing contracts with Teddy Riley and P. Diddy. He did so in obedience to the Holy Spirit, and now realizes God was protecting the uniqueness of his sound.
He also stands out by choosing to work with artists who strive to have a relationship with God. “Darkchild” admits he didn’t use to be firm in this stance but realizes he must submit to God’s purpose for his gift.
“Darkchild’s” Advice for Other Artists
Interestingly, submission to God has helped him discover the key to writer’s block.
“Darkchild” encourages creatives to pray when they are struggling to find inspiration. He believes no one can truly create and overcome writer’s block unless they are in tune with God.
Paul and Solomon support this by telling believers to pray about everything while committing their plans to God.
While prayer is key, “Darkchild” knows faith without works is dead. Therefore, he advises all people to study their craft, work hard, and not make excuses.
He embodied 1 Timothy 4:12 as a child studying his favorite artists and the MPC 60. He also didn’t make excuses by traveling 2 ½ hours each way by bus to work with artists in recording studios.
Lastly, he warns all music artists to beware of vanity. Solomon teaches readers that vanity is meaningless and the pride associated with it leads to destruction.
Life proves this, as many famous people who were once at the pinnacle of success have had their misdeeds exposed and lost their reputations.
Instead of emulating these kinds of people, believers must follow Christ and resist Satan’s tempting offers. This will prove their character and ability to withstand Satan’s schemes.
Living by this truth has helped “Darkchild” establish an excellent reputation amid the darkness of the music industry.
I hope “Darkchild’s” story inspires you to shine your light for Christ. I’d love to hear how your favorite artist honors the Lord in all their ways.
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on this article!
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