Chad Jones

Whether we grow up in stable homes in the suburbs or crime-ridden projects in the inner city, many of us struggle with acceptance. We want to fit in, but we can’t find our place in society. Chad Jones is no exception. But, fortunately, God’s grace helped lead him down the path towards self-discovery, repentance and even that ever-elusive acceptance. Taken from the custody of his biological mother at four months, and adopted by a couple in their 50s, Chad's childhood was far from normal. And being raised Catholic in Grand Rapids, MI in a middle class hood only added to the abnormality of his existence. With 11 new siblings, Chad soon found it hard to not only make sense of his surroundings but finding his place within an already established family also proved difficult. His older siblings didn’t seem to approve of him being adopted into their household; so, feeling their resentment, Chad never got close to them or his parents. While they supplied his needs, there was no emotional connection; they didn’t know who he really was, but then again, neither did he. Chad’s adolescent years were plagued with rejection until he reached high school and deflected his insecurities on others—becoming popular by cracking jokes at the expense of his peers and following the crowd. He also began focusing on perfecting the rap skills he’d begun experimenting with in middle school, which soon lead to an offer for a record deal. Plus, the basketball and acting scholarship opportunities he was being considered for made it clear: Chad Jones was finally arriving. Yet, he never quite showed up. A lack of focus, indecisiveness and a rebellious attitude led him to turn down all the offers, and a year later he found himself struggling to live without his pregnant ex-girlfriend—the first person that had truly connected with him. His feelings of rejection returned, and he then turned to the streets. But, reminded of the father who never played a role in his life, Chad reconciled with his ex-girlfriend (now wife) in order to help raise their child. Later that year, Chad was coaxed into attending a New Years Eve service, and that night he abandoned his rigid Catholic faith and surrendered his life to the Jesus, the High Priest. After his redemption, Chad attended a Christian rap concert and was overwhelmed by the amount of young, black talented men who were also serious about the Lord. However, it took the prodding and encouragement of his pastor to convince him to return to rap, albeit with a new message, while still focusing on his own spiritual growth and development. After going through a “boot camp” period where he could only help set-up events but not actually perform, Chad joined a group and began performing all over California. He later connected with Pro and was encouraged by him to pursue a career in music. Since then, he has released Soul Food, under the name Conviction, and also been featured on Pro’s PSA mix tapes as well as Redemption, Brothatone’s Mic Check and other notable albums. Chad now resides in Memphis, TN with his family and serves at Fellowship Memphis. Opting to leave his stage name behind, Chad Jones aims to let his artistry simply reflect how he lives daily. He hopes to contribute individuality, humility, authenticity and a biblical worldview to the Christian hip-hop community. While his future with RMG could offer an audience that will accept him, Chad is resolved to seek contentment in Christ and Him alone. “My life is going to be marked by worship for the Lord, and a pursuit of all He has to offer outside this world. I don’t feel the pressure to be perfect or liked, but I do feel the pressure to display God and the Gospel.” Until the end of my life I wil strive to glorify God in everything I do simply because I enjoy it.