By Suelika N. Creque
Editor-SKNVibes.com
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ROAD TOWN, Tortola – ON very rare occasions one would find young men singing gospel music and praising God. However, Mckenzie Baltimore Jr. (MBJ) of the British Virgin Islands defied all odds and professes his love for God in his debut album ‘Whispers’, which was released on July 8.
Baltimore began singing in church at the age of 8 and is 21 an currently enrolled at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College pursuing studies in Human Services.
He is right where he wants to be and whispered to SKNVibes about his new album and being a young Christian.
“The debut album has been a vision of mine ever since January of last year. Ever since God has been whispering to me what He wants me to tell the people of this generation, and the album, ‘Whispers’, consists of a little bit of everything for the people,” he said.
And indeed it does with R/B, Neo soul, Hip-Hop, Reggae and inspirational music that will pierce the hearts of everyone who lends an ear.
Lincoln Ward is the executive producer of the 13-track album along with Baltimore and local producers Darell Fahie, Kamau Georges and Threcio Phillips. .jpg)
“’Whispers’ is simply what I hear from God. I feel that when God speaks to you He never speaks to you in a loud voice. God speaks to you in a soft voice so that when He whispers to you it will stay in your spirit and be even more effective.
“When I first released Whispers, it was a shock to everyone and they wanted to know who it was. When they found out who it was they were like WOW! By the time you knew it, I had everyone singing...‘I hear whispers’,” he said.
But it was Baltimore’s second release that really caught everyone’s attention.
‘Believe’ not only ‘blew up’ on all the radio stations in the BVI, but it also received recognition from international reggae artiste Maxi Priest through local artiste Alton Bertie, who is now a member of Shurwayne Winchester's Band.
Baltimore is a talented and gifted young man on the rise. His cool persona and ‘Godly swagg’ captures the eyes of every young person he comes across, as his voice touches the lives of the young and the old.
Baltimore admits that it is not easy being a young man serving God, as temptations are all around.
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“At times you just have to say get thee behind me Satan and focus on what you have to focus on. So, at times, I have to say, ‘You know what, I got somewhere to go and I got a goal to meet I can’t let them distract me’,” he said.
His father is someone he describes as one of the most focused men on earth and, because of his encouragement to remain focus in his goals, Baltimore stays on the right track.
“Do I get tempted at times? Sure, a lot! But I guess I've made up in my mind that times are getting hard and the end is near; I have to try and fulfill my purpose,” he said.
That purpose is ministering to as many persons as he can through his music, as he hopes to produce 10 more albums.
“As an artiste or musician your main goal should always be to get more and more fans every day and be the person who your music says you are. But I will say this, there is a difference in entertaining and ministering.
“…Yes it’s always good to put on a good show but it’s also my goal to minister to one person at least. My main goal is to see a place packed with young people and they’re lifting their hands to Jesus, worshiping Him and praising Him, because I believe that He surely deserves it. And I would also like to be on a big stage with all the gospel greats.”
His musical influences stem from his Praise and Worship leader at the New Life Baptist Church to his aunt Donna Clyne Thomas.
“If you never knew how an angel sounds, listen to her…phenomenal! She just released her album a couple of weeks ago, entitled ‘Finally’,” he said.
He listed Fredd Hammond; Richie Righteous, whom he said has been like a brother to him; Deitrick Haddon; Brian Mcknight for his smooth voice that he said captivates everyone; and Michael Jackson for his whole demeanour, as individuals who also influenced him. .jpg)
Speaking of Jackson, Baltimore said, “His stage presence, perfection and the will to never limit himself” were the main factors that attracted him to the late King of Pop. He also mentioned two other individuals who had played similar roles in his musical career: “Jamie Foxx for coming up from nothing to something…I think he writes some of the most beautiful songs; and, lastly, Kirk Franklin for opening the doors for young gospel artistes to do what we love to do.”
Baltimore also commented on the illegal activities in which young men in the society are currently engaged, and noted that adults talking down to them do not help.
“A lot of the young men just need love, and one thing that a young person hates is when older folks talk down on them. One of the biggest influences on young men are their own peers. If we keep speaking positively to them and let them know that we still believe in them no matter what, I guarantee that a change will come.
“It all goes back to being spiritual. The tongue is one of the most powerful organs of your body. What you speak will happen. They want love, they need love and they just need a hand to hold on to. Be consistent with showing them love. Jesus still saves! He can do all you could ever ask or think of. God can do anything but Fail! Showing them love is the first step; if we can’t do that then the other steps would not be necessary,” he said.
Baltimore saw the urge and need of God in a dying society and visioned a ministry by the name of Pala Ministries. Pala bears the meaning ‘extraordinary’ and consists of singing and poetry.
“Growing up, I always had a saying that I am a royal priesthood, a peculiar person, son of a king, extraordinary, and Pala is a Hebrew word I came across while reading a book and I found it fascinating.
“Pala Ministries consist of my singing ministry and my poetry ministry. I also do poetry and I’m a big fan of spoken word poetry. This ministry will open up to any young person who finds singing and poetry as their first love,” he said.
Baltimore comes from a very strong and supportive family.
“From day one when I sang my first song in church at the age of eight, they knew the world was about to have something special. The song was entitled ‘Use Me’.” he said.
His father is a Head Deacon in the church and his mother is an Evangelist.
“My sisters are in the choir and my brother also grew up in church. One of my sisters, Jermaine ‘Jai’ Baltimore, sings back-up for me. Junette Martin, my second oldest sister, is my secretary, and Marecia, my oldest sister, helps with my promotion in New York. So there you see a lot of support is present from my family,” he said.
Baltimore is currently working on his album release and concerts that he plans to host in Tortola, Virgin Gorda and St. Thomas which will start from September 25.
He also plans to have a music video done for one of his songs and encourages others to check him out on youtube and www.myspace.com/bmoremelodies for more information. 
