Jelani Aswad is a native of the Bronx and grew up for most of his life in Spring Valley, New York. In church, he learned singing, performing, and how to glorify God through his gifts. Jelani strayed for years wondering who he was while experiencing the stories of his neighborhood that always intrigued him. Over time, Jelani developed a deep desire to catalog its stories through music and poetry. 
 The gospel of Jesus Christ transformed Jelani’s life, but he still felt the untold stories, deep groanings, and the heartfelt lamentations of the community he was raised in could bring transformation to a world so desperately seeking peace in temporary places. 
 After returning to college at 26 years old in 2012 to learn about ministry, Jelani eventually became an Associate Pastor at Grace CMA Church in Cleveland, Ohio, and was recently ordained by the Christian & Missionary Alliance in 2020. Jelani now feels the time to share those stories through music is now. 10 years of marriage, 3 children, 6 years of full-time ministry, developing his craft with his best friend and writer of Free DA 9, Cliford Gray, and the loss of his dear mother Joanne, have all enriched Jelani Aswad’s music ministry and set him on a course for Kingdom impact. Don’t be surprised by the wide array of styles featured in His debut album The Revival Project with features by Geoffrey Golden. The nations are the audience and the message is that Jesus is the hope of the world and you can find peace in Him.