Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Wallace
Hi Derek, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Derek Wallace stands as a testament to the power of faith channeled through music. A beacon of hope and inspiration, Derek has dedicated his life to ministering the Gospel through the vibrant and evocative medium of rap music. As a minister and Gospel rapper, his mission is clear: to lead people back to God the Father and to make disciples through his art.
Born with a gift for art and fashion, Derek had a resilient heart to pursue his dreams regardless of the circumstances and the environment he was in. He discovered his calling early in life. However, at the age of twelve, everything changed. Derek encountered the Lord and could no longer live in denial that the Lord was real. During this phase of his life, he faced expulsion from school due to a choice that eventually landed him in jail. At seventeen, while walking down the street, a charcoal bus pulled up next to him, and a man invited him to join his tour. That day marked Derek’s first step into the realm of Gospel rap, as the Lord redirected his aspirations away from solely pursuing art and fashion, blending his passion for Christ with a God-given anointing for music. With every beat and lyric, God crafted a unique style that resonated deeply with audiences, setting Derek apart as a true minister through music.
Celebrating his 40th birthday, Derek reflects on 23 years of active ministry. His journey has taken him to a myriad of venues, each stage a platform to spread God’s message of hope and salvation. From the bustling arenas of stadiums to the intimate settings of churches, fashion shows, and community events, Derek’s presence is felt. His influence has even reached the confines of prisons, serving men behind bars as a mentor and through the ministry of presence. Derek and his wife are chaplains through Crisis Chaplaincy of America, where he has served alongside his mother, Lunetta Mitchell, as the Director of the Chaplaincy School and the Head Chaplain of the Darrington Unit in Rosharon, TX, offering redemption and solace through his music and ministry.
Highlighted tours such as “The Streets are White,” “The Buzzword,” “Impact City” Tour, New Room Conference, Passion Mas Fuego, and SXSW have seen Derek perform and have opened the doors to venues like ACL Music Festival and 1Day Houston. His collaborations, including the “Joy In The Morning Tour” alongside Tauren Wells, have helped expand his influence and effectiveness.
Derek’s music is more than entertainment; each song is a call to action. A firm foundation that came from his mission statement “Let’s Talk About It.” The lyrics are a charge to believers through faith to walk in holiness and righteousness. His latest release, “Run It,” featuring his wife Esther Wallace, also known as Hadassah, is from his EP “Let’s Talk About It” and showcases this ethos. That came to be from his desire to speak on the things we don’t say out loud, which led Derek to his podcast and clothing line to spread awareness that we can live and walk in liberty through the truth the Word of God holds for those willing to receive it.
Derek’s discography, available across streaming platforms, is a curated collection of declarations and encouragements. His songs leave listeners not only inspired but equipped with declarations to live by. His music serves as a bridge between the divine and the everyday, transforming ordinary moments into sacred encounters.
Today, Derek serves alongside his wife as leaders at Urban Hymnal, a Monday night worship service that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds to encounter God’s presence through creativity and worship. He also leads a Bible study called “The Door” every week with his wife in their home, which is open to their neighbors in Houston, extending discipleship and mentorship. Derek is a minister at heart as God calls and leads him, whether it be as an event coordinator, youth pastor, or support for other pastors. His vision extends beyond Gospel rap and the present, as he believes his mission is for this generation and those to come. Derek’s authenticity is what sets him apart. While not everyone on stage is a host of the Holy Spirit, he ensures that his music and he remain vessels for divine truth. Through his ministry, Derek is not only shaping the present but also laying the foundation for future generations to embrace faith with fervor.
As Derek continues his journey, with his wife and two daughters, Danae and Esme’, his eyes are set firmly on the horizon. With unwavering faith and a heart full of rhythm, he is poised to reach new heights in his ministry. Derek envisions a world where every beat and every word lead people back to God, creating disciples who carry the message forward.
In the coming years, Derek is dedicated to expanding his outreach, touching lives across the globe. With each performance, he not only shares his music but also his unshakeable belief that through Christ, all things are possible. As a Gospel rapper and minister, Derek is indeed a force for change, a light in the darkness, and a testament to the power of faith in action.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My path has not always been smooth. Like many journeys of faith and purpose, mine has been marked by challenges and obstacles that have shaped my character and resolve.
Growing up, I faced a lack of resources that could have easily derailed persuing my dreams. As a child and teenager, I often found myself without the necessary tools to pursue my passion for music and ministry. However, God open doors for me to work in Churches along side well known ministers so the challenges I faced only fueled my determination to succeed the more I experienced the supernatural move of God on my behalf to make a difference through my creativity and art.
One of the most significant struggles was the absence of a stable father figure. This lack of guidance and support during my formative years left a void that God navigated me through. Despite this, I found strength in my faith and the unwavering support of those God led to me in every season, which helped me stay the course.
Throughout my journey, distractions were a constant challenge. From the temptations of the world to unlearned lessons that delayed my progress, I had to continually refocus and mature in the understanding of my calling. This process of growth was often painful but ultimately necessary for my development as a minister and artist.
There were periods of time where I faced little to no support from those around me, which was disheartening. Disappointment and betrayal from people I trusted added to the weight I bore. Throughout the years I navigated bad relationships that taught me valuable lessons about trust and self-worth, emphasizing the importance of surrounding myself with positive influences in my teenage years.
Perhaps one of the most profound struggles was the lack of value others placed on me. With marriages that led to divorce, I was led to my now wife and life partner, Esther Wallace. God has used my wife to show me what love and patience looks like all while having a helper and forever partner.
My faith in Christ has always been my anchor. He’s provided me the strength to overcome adversity and the wisdom to learn from each experience. My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that, with faith, all challenges can be transformed into stepping stones toward a greater purpose.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am dedicated to answering God’s call, using my diverse talents to guide others back to Christ. Through Gospel rap, I creatively share powerful testimonies that reach people through the heart of Christ. Art and fashion are more than just personal expressions—they are essential to my ministry. I’m known for being a beacon of Christ’s love in the Houston community, helping people gain a deeper understanding of Him. As a minister, I approach life’s challenges with grace, turning everyday moments into profound spiritual insights. I wouldn’t use the word proud, but I would say that the evidence of the good fruit in my life’s journey through my mentees and the ministries God has used me in demonstrates the transformative power of heeding God’s call, and my commitment encourages others to embark on their own spiritual journeys. I aspire to continue using my gifts to foster faith and ignite a global movement of discipleship and divine connection.
How do you define success?
By creating a pathway that bares good fruit that the next generations can obtain and follow.
Pricing:
- Please reach out for inquiries at wallaceministry@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekwallacensb
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@derekwallacensb
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0MyrDIRBwa9ccjsnwtJB8O
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/derek-wallace/1479641191
Image Credits
– Pictures #2 and #6 (prayer over young man and praying with my wife for couple) Jorge Delgado, @selah_peace
– Picture #3 (on stage with my wife) La’Jasha Champion @lajashachampion
– Pictures #1 and #5 (black and white photo and Jesus saves flag with my wife) Joey @picsbyjoey
