What differentiates ministry from entertainment? One young man who provides that definition is Reality aka David Gavin. Reality is an explosive, inspirational Hip-hop artist from the mean streets of Philadelphia, USA, whose ministry captures the ears and hearts of listeners; Painting vivid portraits of real life and faith in Jesus Christ. He is simply real whether on stage, when you meet him after a concert, at home, in church or on the street.
With no formal introduction, star collaborations, or major dollar backing Reality first hit the studio in 2002 pouring his heart out on track after track, thus producing three hit volumes. His sole intention was to bring salvation to the streets. As a result of these faith-filled steps Reality took Philadelphia by storm, leading thousands of youths and young adults to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. This success proved to him that anything is possible with Jesus Christ.
“My vision for my music is to show the world the difference from acting like a Christian and being a real Christian….to show all that through faith all things are achievable and there is no limit to success.
With the ability to rival any mainstream artist in terms of creativity, skills and delivery, Reality takes Holy Hip-hop to another level. He admits that his musical inspirations have been drawn from various sources including Christian and Non-Christian. His delivery is clear enough for parents to understand; while his transparent, no-nonsense message relates to the youth. When witnessing Reality ministering live it is common to see audiences gripped by the anointing and reasoning behind the message. Other times you will see heads nodding and people dancing.
Born to parents Davida and Alonzo Gavin, David was the last of three boys. Growing up in one of the most notorious inner-city areas in Philadelphia he witnessed people being shot, killed, drive by shootings and stabbings on multiple occasions. By the age of 16 he was already selling drugs, stealing, shop lifting, hustling girls for money and had no respect for people in authority. His aim was to make it out of the ghetto by any means necessary.
In high school David’s first love was football. Being one of the two young stars on the rise David dominated the spotlight with his brother Sean. His dedication and natural ability later earned him many honors, making the city All Stars Team and front covers of news papers. At that time Jerry McConnel (Football Coach)at Cardinal Dougherty High was very influential in steering David in the right direction. Not only did this career path have great potential, it also enabled David to channel the anger and frustration from his personal life.
In spite of College prospects and dreams of playing in the NFL, in 1999 David dropped football to tend to a child he fathered in the 12th grade. With no back-up plans David reverted to doing what he knew best – survive by any means necessary. Nevertheless this fast street life soon took its toll. David could feel his heart growing colder and life becoming depressing as he saw the effects drugs had on its victims. But he was filled with too much pride to accept a minimum wage job. That is until a series of tragic events caused him to reconsider his path and accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and savior.
David began his Hip-hop ministry at the age of 21 and has been rapping ever since. Presently David is working on his debut album “When the World Meets Realityâ€. With this project David has sought professional Marketing and Distribution to extend his international reach in 2008. He believes his message is not just national but international. Anywhere around the globe that needs deliverance from gun culture, gangs and drugs.
