Like Winans, Pace, and Clark, the name McFadden is synonymous with gospel music, and DJ, Ty, Rondell and Carlee prove to be fruit of that same tree.
As a second generation quartet entering the music world, behind Darrell McFadden & the Disciples (DMD), these four young men have not only followed in the footsteps of their father/uncle, they have also created a new reason for present, and future, generations to follow them.
Keeping their namesake, McFadden proudly carries the torch DMD bestowed, yet they hope to light a different path. Adding a young, fresh, and hip “swagger” to the traditional, and rather conservative, quartet scene, McFadden proves that being an all- male gospel group doesn’t mean accepting the same age-old stance in delivering God’s timeless message.
Born and raised in the “Boogie Down” Bronx (NY), McFadden grew up in the church, and on the road, and at a very early age, became passionate about two things: music and Christ. Yet, where they came from, the streets weren’t too eager to hear hymns over hip-hop, and they knew in order to live their passion, and effectively reach their peers, they would have to change their approach to get others to change their mindset. Thus, they developed a very urban, smooth and soulful sound.
While many heard their talents, and tried to persuade them down the R&B road, McFadden maintained that God had been too good for them not to dedicate their lives, and gifts, back to Him; a decision many their age aren’t bold enough to make.
Yet, even they claim, though gospel music is like second nature, their sinful nature was a beast they had to learn to tame. Knowing wide is the gate, and broad is the road that leads to destruction, still somehow they found themselves on that same path many times, and suddenly, after the passing of their grandfather, a man they immensely admired, it became clear it was time to stop playing and start praying. They had to make a decision: drugs and girls, or dreams and goals. And to get back on course, they turned to the only consistency in their lives: their gift of song. Thereby, their message became their ministry, and the ultimate motivation to continue living for God.
After joining the Sky City family, McFadden realized it was their season to carry their message to the masses. Opening for DMD, the Canton Spirituals, Mighty Clouds of Joy, and Kierra Sheard, they are most certainly well on their way. Their hit-single, Born Again, tells their very real, gripping, and powerful story. Moreover, their newest project, set to release this Summer (2013), addresses the obstacles they’ve faced: dealing with bad & broken relationships; having children out of wedlock; peer-pressure; living a double life; and transitioning from a boy to a man.
In every song, McFadden hopes to emphasize that the essence of Christianity, or this spiritual journey, is not just knowing who you are, or whose you are, but rather getting to know who God is for yourself. They urge young adults not to be ‘co-signed’ Christians, riding on the coattails of their parents’, or grandparents’, faith. And as living proof of what God can do, they pronounce:
“Don’t worry about your past! God isn’t focused on your yesterday...because He already sees your tomorrow.”