Former Tennessee Titans and University of Wisconsin standout wide receiver, Artist D. Harp, was born and raised, Jonathan Orr in Detroit, MI.   Growing up with his two brothers and two wonderful parents in the northwest part of Detroit, Jonathan always used his natural abilities to excel above the rest. High School athlete and Senior Class president, Jonathan was the ideal generational blessing, growing up not to far from the legendary 8 mile.

In 2009, after injury and a stint in the NFL, Jonathan began exploring his gifts of comedy and music. He began doing comedy at local events in the community and is now part of the L.O.L (Light of Laughter) Network.  L.O.L Network is a Christian comedy circuit based out of Nashville.  In addition to comedy, Jonathan has completed his first Christian rap CD called “THE A.L.B.U.M”, released on November 20^th, 2009.  In Addition, Jonathan has started David’s Harp Entertainment, whose sole purpose is to use the creative gifting and talents of others to glorify God and edify individuals.

The interview below will dive deeper into D. Harp’s new project and will hopefully inspire you to realize your Authority!

NA: How is it going D. Harp?

DH: You know its going pretty good. Just really enjoying 2010 so far

NA: So tell me about this D. Harp name and how did you choose it?

DH: Well, the name D. Harp is short for David’s Harp. It is inspired by 1 Samuel chapter 16, where distressed King Saul was visited by David who played his harp for the King. As a result of the music, King Saul was refreshed and made well. Likewise, the name David’s Harp expresses my desire to be used like the harp that was in David’s hand; an instrument used to glorify God and edify others.

NA: Wow that’s amazing, so how does the name fit with your choice of Album Title?

DH: In order to glorify God and edify others as an instrument in God’s hand a person must be in agreement with God and proclaim His truths. And that is what The A.L.B.U.M it addresses a lot of the misconceptions faced by today’s generation. 

NA: With that how did you come up with the name to the album and what is the purpose of the album?

DH: Actually I had first come up with the first line to the Intro track which is “Welcome to the intro, the intro to the album”. And I remember thinking I really would like to call this project “The A.L.B.U.M”. But at the same time I wanted the title to have meaning. So one day I was just driving to McDonald’s and God gave me the Acronym (A Look Beyond Usual Misconceptions). And the purpose of it is to confront and address the misconceptions of today concerning Christianity, purpose, sex, identity, etc. But I’m not addressing it with my opinions the issues are addressed by God’s truths.

NA: You go in detail about your struggle with a particular sin and you give your testimony about the triumph… What do you say to children, men and women that may be struggling with this addiction or any addiction?

DH: The first thing I would say to individuals struggling with addictions to pornography and any other type of sexually immorality is that you can and will walk in victory. We must understand that for many people deliverance can be a process. This process must include first being honest with God and yourself.  It must include have accountability. It must include making a conscience decision to guard your eyes and ears from sexually immoral content. It must include a commitment to spiritual disciplines like staying in the word, praying, and fasting. It must also include relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and not yourself.

NA:There is a song on the A.L.B.U.M call “All Alone”, my favorite, that speaks about emptiness, tell us more about your inspiration?

DH: Well I had the opportunity to play in the NFL for a couple of years and in doing so I noticed that even people who appear to have it all; money, homes, cars, and status they are still empty. This is because every person is born with a void that can only be filled by God through Jesus Christ. So regardless of how many degrees, money, the title a person has with out a relationship with God they will still be All Alone.

NA: The track “Monopoly Parable” is so powerful is that an original story?

DH: No, that is not an original story. I actually heard Pastor Tony Evans from Dallas Texas tell that story a few years ago and I never forgot it. It really caused me to look at thing different as far as what life is about.

NA: I know when people get your CD they with be astounded by the way you incorporated biblical teachings with tangible analogies to today’s generation, Was that a planned direction?

DH: Yes, that was definitely planned.  My hearts desire is that will get a better understanding of God’s word as a result of listening to The A.L.B.U.M.  Also one of the gifts God has given me is to teach his word with simplicity and understanding and so my music is just a reflection of that.  

NA: I know that you are heavily involved with the Youth Ministry at your church, how have the youth responded to the CD?

DH: The response has been really good. Many of them have expressed that they can identify with the content on the project. I purposely addressed some of the things I recall going through as a youth in hopes that it would empower them to learn from my mistakes. Also, the youth really enjoy the “beats”.  

NA: There is nothing like a great beat. How about the reaction of older people, knowing that they possibly disagree with your approach?

DH: The response from the older generation has been overwhelming in support of the project. Many of the songs on The A.L.B.UM discuss topics that everyone can relate to regardless of age, ethnicity, or social status.  So I think that content in addition with the style God has given me makes it appealing to a broad range of people.

NA: Do you think there is a place in the ministry for Christian Rap or Hip Hop? And what do you say to the people that do not agree?

DH: There is definitely a place for this form of artistic expression to be used. God has placed gifts and talents in every one of us and He wants those to be used for his Glory. Christian rap provides another opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, teach the word of God, and encourage the body of Christ. I have personally witnessed Holy Spirit inspired Christian hip hop impact lives and help advance the Kingdom of God. For people who may disagree I would encourage them to get look pass the packaging and focus on the message being delivered.

NA: Lastly the track “We on that” is a song this generation should make their anthem… This song ties directly to the vision of Nu-Authority. What made you write a song with so much social conviction?

DH: “We On That”, was really inspired by my personal struggle of pursuing the things of God over the things of this world.  Because the World says “your crazy if you don’t go to the club, have the newest Jordan’s, do what all the stars are doing, chase after money, etc”. So this song counters that argument by saying “your crazy if you’re not praying, reading the bible, walking in forgiveness, etc”. “We on That” is letting the world know what we are about and why they should come over to our side. The Lord’s side!

NA: So can we use this song on the website?

DH: Absolutely

NA: Who are your influences musically and spiritually?

DH: Musically- Da Truth, Duck, Tripp Lee, Lecrae, just to name a few. Spiritually, my wife Heydie Orr, my dad Larry Orr, my Pastor Bishop Horace Hockett, Terrance Green and Pastor Alexander Gee

NA: So tell me a little more about the project/movement going on in Detroit… Who is involved and what’s the direction for 2010.

DH: Well, I am originally from Detroit, and God has really given us me a love and passion for the people in my city. So we actually have a non profit organization called 633 Ministries and as God leads us we go back and do outreach, spread the gospel, and have events to help edify and empower the Detroit community. In 2010 we plan on partnering with Detroit City Love LLC, and other organizations to just that.

NA: Man you are involved in a lot of things Career, Rapping, Youth Ministry, Detroit Ministry, Comedy and on top of that married and have a young daughter.  Tell me how you juggle all of that.

DH: I have learned and am still learning to prioritize. God is first, Family is second, and than comes the other things. I have to stay connected to God He is my source of strength, love, direction, wisdom, peace, everything. He has to be top priority. Second always has to be my family, they are my first ministry and greatest responsibility. It would not please God if I was out rapping all over the place and my wife and daughter are not covered properly. Then the other stuff, which can be overwhelming at times, that, is why I have really been learning to listen to God and do the stuff he tells me to do. This means sometimes having to say NO and that can be hard at times.

NA: So how can people purchase the CD?

DH: The CD is available on our website www.dharp.com.  It is also available on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Naptster, and Myspace Music

NA: This interview has been great, if you can tell the young people reading this interview anything. What would you tell them?

DH: Thanks again for this opportunity. I would say to the people reading this to remember that every human being is born with a void and a purpose, which can only be filled by God.  True success and fulfillment in life is experienced when that void is filled and that purpose is being fulfilled.