Get to know Manuel

John Manuel Vazquez II

AKA “Manuel “

Born on October 24. 1996, at 10 hours old satan tried to take his life but God had plans for this child. John grew up loving music, singing in the back of the car imitating the singers on the radio. As he grew teachers from school would tell his parents that he would come to class singing. As a child he took piano lessons and later violin playing them both well. A graduate from Boardman High School and from M.C.C.T.C for Graphic Design and Multimedia with high honors. 6 years ago his path in life was about to change, he received some tickets to a concert, from his sister, to hear a Christian Rap Artist by the name Lecrae. He decided then and there that, that would be his ministry; he saw a need to bring young people back to the churches and back to God and if it took rapping to spread God’s word then he wanted to be the one to plant that seed. His Pastor, Rafael Cruz Jr. started an outreach organization 20 years ago called “The Jericho Project “which go to the streets to spread the message of Jesus. For the past 7 years or so John has participated, as well as other Christian artist, in bringing church to those who may not go to church.

Throughout the summer once a week or more the Jericho Project would bring live music, popcorn, hot dogs and snow cones to other churches, the Salvation Army and to the housing developments in Youngstown and at times to other cities. As he got better in his craft He started recording other Christian artist music, putting them on cd’s and John would pass them out for free to the young and even to the mature (older) people.

The outreach has grown in the past few years with Pastor Yanno from Metro Assembly and Pastor Rojas from Spanish Evangelical joining and has grown to be a strong street ministry. So much so that it had caught the eyes and ears of the City of Youngstown.

The Mayor has gotten involved with the help of Pastor Guy Burney from “Community Initiative to Reduce Crime”, the Chief of Police and the Board of Education. It has evolved to become “Now Youngstown”. John’s experience in helping the community with Covelli book bag giveaway as well as clothing and food drives every year has humbled him.

John has a close relationship with “Teen Challenge” a Christian Housing Organization for men that, helps men of all ages with their addictions of all sorts.

The vast majority of these men John’s age and through his music he ministers to them. John knows without his Lord and Savior none of this is possible, so gives Jesus all the glory and honor. The men there admire and respect John for his accomplishments and it shows that you can do anything through Christ.

4 years ago “Manuel” was born and it has taken him to another level, pursuing a music career. He records, produced his music and has recorded, mixed and mastered other artist cd’s.

God open doors that no man can shut, John had the opportunity to open up for Ron Kenoly, a famous Christian singer and song writer at Touch Heaven an experience he will never forget. Through donations when he performs at concerts and churches, he has been able to pass his recorded cd’s at the outreaches to rid them off the bad rap music and replace it with Christian rap and music. His favorite scripture is 1Timothy 4:12 –Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Recording

Velit egestas dui id ornare arcu. Nibh sit amet commodo nulla facilisi nullam vehicula. Arcu dictum varius duis at.

mixing

Velit egestas dui id ornare arcu. Nibh sit amet commodo nulla facilisi nullam vehicula. Arcu dictum varius duis at.

mastering

Velit egestas dui id ornare arcu. Nibh sit amet commodo nulla facilisi nullam vehicula. Arcu dictum varius duis at.

Official Manuel

My mission with my music is to reach my generation with music that has a positive influence and bring the church with me for the people who might not go to church. I record, mix, produce my own music as well as other artists. My ministry is to have my music replace the music others already listen to that influences destruction, hate, greed, and violence. I am here to have my music build up our community not to destroy it.