Paztuh Mike has earned a reputation as a no-nonsense evangelist and preacher in the St. Louis region. Whether he’s in a pulpit or walking the inner-city streets, listeners are met with honest, bold messages that challenge, convict, and inspire.
His music is no different.
Before his call into ministry, Paztuh Mike made his mark on the area’s hip-hop scene as a potent lyricist and innovative producer. He started out as MiNiMe, an aspiring artist who had no relationship with God. His songs bashed women and promoted violence. A business contact got his tracks to a major record label that wanted to sign Paztuh Mike. The contract negotiations fell through though when the contact was busted in a drug ring. After learning about the arrest, the record company immediately pulled the plug on the deal.
A few years later, another label had Paztuh Mike on its radar. By this time, a lot had changed behind the scenes. He had committed his life to Christ and was leaving the street lifestyle. His music was also turning, a shift the record label wanted to redirect. “They kept saying ‘We like his flow, we like his style, we like how he’s positive, but he’s going to have to stop talking about God in his music.’ I wasn’t willing to compromise.”
Today, Paztuh Mike’s music not only rattles the car speakers, but rattles the conscience too. Although he avoids categorizing himself as a Christian rapper, his songs address universal issues from a godly perspective. His aim? To leave a lasting impression on the ears and the soul.
His early tracks, “Need Your Love” and “Good Life,” showcase his ability to mix head-bobbing music with memorable lyrics that explore relatable topics. Another popular record, “Fighter’s Anthem,” is a hard-hitting song backed by an R&B-hook that implores listeners to let nothing get in the way of fulfilling their vision.
He’s currently in the studio laying down new tracks he plans to release as singles along with music videos and other content. “I want my music to reach the inner-city, to change the mindset of an entire generation, to influence people for God,” Paztuh Mike explains. “Through my nonprofit Men Standing Positive, I’m in the streets serving communities firsthand, helping people get back on their feet. I see the needs up-close. My sermons may not touch some folks, but my music will. I want people to know they can approach me, not just so they support my music, but to motivate them to join me in this fight to change lives.”