Hip-hop artist Tedashii Anderson, who goes by Tedashii, uses his latest album, “Below Paradise,” to explore his heartache and grief following the sudden death of his 1-year-old son, Chase, in 2013 — and tell about the strength he finds in Christ.
Through his music and message, Tedashii hopes to encourage audiences to make an eternal difference by showing compassion to hurting people and connecting them to Christ.
“This album takes a very honest look at the world around us,” Tedashii said. “This earth is very subpar when it comes to the paradise that we have been promised, the hope that we have as believers. There is a stark difference in what the Bible promises heaven to be like and what we have here on earth. Crime, sickness, disease, pain, suffering and loss — those things we won’t find in heaven.”
Eternal value
“Many times, people value the things of this earth so much that they don’t think about the things of eternal value until they are forced to. Within the last year of my life I have been forced to. But it’s caused me to become more considerate and compassionate toward other people who are struggling and facing tough situations. By sharing these songs and my own struggles my hope is that people would begin to think about living for what matters most and thinking about the eternal weight of glory.”
While walking through this unexpected journey Tedashii and his wife, Danielle, have relied on their faith in Christ to sustain them every step of the way.
The young couple found encouragement in the overwhelming support they received from their home church, as well as from ministries and fellow musicians who have rallied around them.
“The Christian community and other artists really rallied around my family in amazing ways,” Tedashii said. “As a member of the body of Christ, when a fellow brother or sister is suffering, you are hurting as well and want to reach out to them. Throughout the past year I have seen the genuineness and sincerity of other believers coming alongside and grieving with my family. Many people have been so engaged and present through our suffering.”
After taking several months off Tedashii resumed his concert schedule with a renewed passion to share the gospel and later began recording songs for the new album.
“My wife and I have spent a lot of time reading Scripture together and that has really helped us,” Tedashii said. “One of the key passages that we have been clinging to throughout this journey has been Galatians 2:20: ‘I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.’ Without a relationship with Christ life would be hopeless. But the promises found in God’s Word give us the assurance of eternity.
“I really want to encourage people to embrace the awareness that needs to be there when it comes to the reality of the world we live in. It’s evident when I leave home and go to other major cities. When you go downtown and see the homelessness. When you see the storms that hit each town. When you hear stories about a child who lost their parents and are now living with their elderly grandparents. Those situations convict me to pray for them and find ways to help. I really want to help bring awareness to people about these situations and remind them of the opportunities to show Christ’s love during these times of struggle.”
God’s unfailing love
At his concerts Tedashii shares about God’s faithfulness and unfailing love during life’s darkest moments.
“Lately my music has been reaching people who are also suffering and they have thanked us for sharing our story,” Tedashii said. “There have been a lot of people who have said what I’ve been able to communicate has been very encouraging. I wrestle with that honestly. I still feel so weak right now and the fact that anyone is taking anything away and being reminded to press on is an encouragement to me.
“This was never a ministry that I would have expected but God has been faithful to give opportunities to draw people closer to Him. By sharing my story and struggles I hope people will realize that we are not promised tomorrow. I hope people are motivated to think about where they will spend eternity and make sure they are living for what matters most.”
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