Exclusive: Rodney Jerkins Talks New Prodigy Jon Keith, Working with Brandy Again, Beyonce, Michael Jackson, & More

Published: Thursday 17th Jul 2025 by Malik Davis

Rodney Jerkins is back in the studio, this time teaming up with his newest prodigy, Jon Keith. The dynamic duo sat down exclusively with That Grape Juice to talk all things music and purpose.

The mega-producer behind hits for legends like Michael Jackson, Beyonce, and Whitney Houston,  and that’s just scratching the surface, is now charting a new path. Darkchild, as known to millions, is diving headfirst into the Christian music space with his label, Alienz Alive, and at the forefront of this movement is his rising star artist.

During our EXCLUSIVE sit-down, Rodney couldn’t hold back his admiration for Jon Keith and his new project, ‘Grow Wings,’ calling it a work that has touched him deeply.

Speaking with TGJ’s Malik Davis, the hitmaker also opened up about his illustrious career, working with MJ, being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, potentially reuniting with Brandy, and much more.

Watch the full interview above and check out highlights below:

Rodney shared:

“This project means so much to me.

What Jon has created, you couldn’t ask for a better project. I’ve received so many texts saying the album is no skips.”

Jon, meanwhile, embraces the unique space he occupies as a faith-forward artist.

“I am a Christian artist, and also I don’t care at all.

I’m a Christian, everything because I’m being authentically myself.”

His ultimate mission is clear:

“I wanted to make music to help people fall apart so God can make them new.”

Looking ahead, Jon is dreaming big when it comes to potential collaborations.

“Someone I wanted to work with for a while is SZA and H.E.R., Justin Bieber,  these are giants, but I know nothing is impossible with God.”

Rodney agreed, adding,

“All things are possible with Christ, and we know those artists he named are listening to his album because they have it.”

Rodney reflected on his career, recently capped by his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

“I’ve done everything I set off to do in my career. I’ve achieved the goals I put on my whiteboard when I was ten years old.”

He lit up talking about Brandy and Monica’s latest tour  moves:

“It’s a blessing, for one, that they named the tour after the song. It’s cool to know I’ve done something that was a staple in this whole thing, and I’m sure they’ll do phenomenal.”

Asked if he’d ever work with Brandy again, Rodney didn’t hesitate.

“100 percent. I would hope that what I’m doing now, even in this space, the Christian genre, some of the artists I worked with will bring some of their talents over here and hopefully make a full change.”

As for Beyoncé’s rumored next chapter? Rodney has his theories.

“I can see her potentially going rock music that hasn’t been mainstream in a while, so I think she’d probably love to take that challenge on.”

But his ultimate wish is more spiritual:

“I would love for her to give her life to Christ and do an album with us. Then again, you never know, Beyoncé might turn around and make a hip-hop album. You know, she is married to Jay-Z.”

After years in the industry, it still looks like Rodney is just getting started and has no plans to stop!

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Listen to Jon Keith’s ‘Grow Wings’….

Your thoughts?

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  1. Bubba July 17, 2025

    “I would love for her to give her life to Christ”

    That was a weird comment. And really arrogant. Religious nuts always think “theirs” is the end all, be all.

  2. The Real Ms. Ling Ling July 17, 2025

    Donald Trump is part of the Swamp now.

    Who agrees?

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