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Faith and religion have always been deeply personal subjects for rapper Prezzo, and in a candid interview on the podcast Every Other Time With Eric, he opened up about his journey and current stance on religion. Prezzo revealed that he no longer adheres to any organized religion, stating simply, “I am not a Christian, I am not a Buddhist, I am not a Muslim.”
Prezzo’s exploration of faith has been marked by a series of complex and sometimes troubling experiences. Reflecting on his childhood, he shared a particularly confusing encounter with Islam. “I believe in God, but I don’t believe in religion,” he explained, indicating that his spiritual journey has led him to a place of skepticism regarding religious institutions and practices.
As a child, Prezzo attended a madrasa, as his father had enrolled him there. He recalled that the experience was intimidating and unwelcoming. “The maalim used to be harsh with me, and I was scared to speak up,” he said, describing a formative period in his life that left him feeling unsettled about religious teachings.
Prezzo’s spiritual journey did not end with Islam; it also included a phase of Christian faith, introduced by his mother. However, his experience with Christianity further compounded his doubts. “I used to hear my mom’s friends talking about their new cars and showing off at church. It made me question whether they were there to pray or just to flaunt their status,” he observed, noting that what he perceived as superficial behaviors among churchgoers contributed to his disillusionment with organized religion.
His quest for spiritual fulfillment also led him to convert from Christianity to Islam at one point. “I embraced Islam but wasn’t guided properly,” Prezzo confessed. During this period, he was given the name Jaheim, a choice that later proved to be controversial. Prezzo admitted that he initially chose the name because of its association with a popular US singer. However, he was later shocked to learn that the name Jaheim actually means “hellfire.” The revelation came as a disappointment, particularly when others reacted negatively upon hearing the name. “When people met me and heard my name, Jaheim, their facial expressions changed. They asked who gave me that name, and I told them it was from someone who introduced me to Islam. The reactions were telling,” he recounted.
Prezzo also touched on the rarity of conversion between major religions, noting that it is uncommon for Muslims to convert to Christianity. “It’s rare to hear about a Muslim converting to Christianity because, in Islam, converting someone to Islam is seen as a blessing. But it’s uncommon for the reverse to happen,” he pointed out, illustrating the difficulties and cultural implications associated with religious conversion.
Ultimately, Prezzo’s journey has led him to a personal conclusion about faith. “I realized it’s just me and my God. I was born alone, and I will die alone. I’m not going to follow the crowd. That’s why I decided to step away from organized religion,” he said with a shrug. Prezzo’s reflections reveal a deep personal quest for spiritual understanding, one that has led him to prioritize a personal connection with God over adherence to any specific religious doctrine.
