I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to spend a glorious Sunday than listening to Derek Minor’s music and partaking in Pasta Alla Vodka with Manchego Breadcrumbs. (Recipe below).

I recently had a chance to chat with Derek and learn more about his dedication to his craft and musicianship which is also matched by a strong commitment to positive community impact and progression. This balance of artistic passion and social responsibility sets him apart in the music industry, showcasing his influence beyond just his musical contributions. It’s a testament to how artists can use their platform and talents to foster positive change and uplift communities.

Minor’s music transcends various faiths, offering something that resonates with a wide audience by offering positivity, encouragement, and uplifting one another. His ability to create music that moves people regardless of their religious beliefs and universal appeal is paramount. I don’t consider myself religious or Christian but found myself appreciating every word, message, beat, and sound he creates. Derek’s music reaches and impacts a diverse group of listeners, uniting them through the power of his artistry.

Derek Minor, a Christian rapper, has a rich musical background that has been deeply influenced by his upbringing in the black church choir and his father’s jazz fusion guitar playing. His music reflects a fusion of these influences. Growing up in the South, he was inspired by various artists and genres, including Slum Village, Three 6 Mafia, and the Atlanta, Georgia music scene. Minor appreciates hard drums and mixed melodic sounds, and he draws inspiration from great storytellers like Fred Hammond, J Dilla, Kanye West, DMX, and Jay-Z. He admires Kanye West’s ability to fuse records and is also influenced by T.I.’s elevated trap music and Young Jeezy as well. Derek Minor’s music is a blend of these diverse influences, creating a unique sound that reflects his personal journey and musical taste.

Derek’s musical tastes are eclectic and exploratory, reflecting his openness to diverse genres and artists. He’s currently enjoying the unique sounds of Yame, a French musician known for a distinctive blend of gospel and opera. He is also drawn to crossover jazz, appreciating artists like Nostalgia 17, 1k Fuse, and Ezekiel, particularly for their horn arrangements. Derek’s approach to music is about pushing boundaries within the Christian rap genre, seeking authenticity and depth often found in non-Christian music. He strives to create impactful music that doesn’t compromise on quality, exemplified in his recent single “Bands” with Canon, where they blend trap drums with Latin jazz influences.

Derek’s musical journey is characterized by a willingness to experiment and a desire to create art that resonates deeply and broadly, and yet he extends his impact beyond music through Vigilante United. This initiative was built by Derek on the idea that anyone contributing positively to their community can be a hero, regardless of their social media influence or follower count. Through Vigilante United, Derek seeks to empower individuals to recognize and embrace their own potential for greatness, encouraging them to see themselves as agents of positive change in their communities. Derek’s commitment to using his platform to inspire and uplift others doesn’t just stop there.

Derek Minor’s initiative, “We.Own.Now”, focuses on closing the racial wealth gap by promoting Black ownership. It emphasizes uplifting stories that showcase Black ownership as a lifestyle. Derek believes that artists, as influencers, should leverage their influence for positive community change. He collaborates with other influencers to advocate for change in Washington, D.C., engaging with the Senate and the House of Representatives to foster change. His effort continues to demonstrate his commitment to focusing on meaningful issues and giving back to the community. Especially in today’s world, influencers have such an important impact on young people’s perception and their views of the future. Derek reminds us of the powerful role that influencers can play in society and the potential they have to drive meaningful progress.

So what’s next for Derek Minor? He shared his hopes to continue growing a movement focused on inspiring people to live authentically and think beyond themselves. In a world where many are in survival mode, his message is about community well-being and loving one’s neighbor.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30 – 31)

He aims to expand this movement over the next five years, involving more influencers and community impact. Derek is dedicated to educating people about having conversations reaching out to state representatives and advocating for community improvement. His ongoing mission is to encourage people to see the good within themselves and foster positive change in their communities. As Derek would say, we are only as healthy as the most unhealthy people in our community.

Check out all things Derek Minor here! 

When it comes to food, Derek Minor’s approach to food mirrors his openness in music – he’s willing to try almost anything at least once. His favorite foods are deeply tied to nostalgia and personal experiences.  Chicken fried rice, for instance, brings back childhood memories with his father while visiting him and watching old Kung Fu movies with bad voiceovers; while fried fish reminds him of old church fish fries and his love of a fried whiting fish sandwich piled high with mustard and onion. Derek also appreciates a good steak with a nicely marbled ribeye with fries or mashed potatoes. As for snacks and drinks, he enjoys high-quality root beer, and ginger beer and is particular about his coffee, favoring a rich espresso. Healthier choices include trail mix with craisins and dark chocolate. For desserts, Derek loves plain New York cheesecake with strawberry compote, Jeni’s Ice Creams in Brambleberry Crisp, and Brown Butter Almond Brittle flavors. He does not eat any pork or shellfish but maintains a culinary taste reflecting appreciation for a wide range of flavors and experiences.

For this recipe, I decided to do my research on all things Pasta Alla Vodka and decided to kick it up a notch with a roasted breadcrumb topping paired with fresh oregano and Manchego cheese. This dish is savory, comforting, and flavorful making it a proper nod when listening to Derek Minor.

Pasta Alla Vodka with Manchego Breadcrumbs

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons EVOO
• 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Manchego cheese
• 1 pound thick spaghetti or pasta of choice
• 1 (13 ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained
• 1 shallot, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flake
• 28 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup vodka (I used Tito’s Handmade Vodka)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons grass-fed salted butter
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

 

1.  Heat a small skillet over medium heat. (you will need a high-sided skillet because when frying the breadcrumbs may pop up). Add 2 tablespoons EVOO, panko crumbs, and 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves.
2. Cook the panko crumbs stirring frequently until they are toasted for about 5 minutes.
3.  Add the Manchego cheese and cook another 2 minutes, until fried. Prepare for your kitchen to smell heavenly starting at this point.
4. Season the panko crumbs with salt and pepper to taste and then set aside.
5.  Add the drained, roasted red peppers to a food processor. Then puree until they are smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6.  Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it based on the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta but save 1 cup of pasta water just in case for later.
7. Place a large over high heat along with 4 tablespoons EVOO. Add the shallot, garlic, 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano leaves, and red pepper flakes to taste. Some like their vodka sauce spicer than others so judge the amount of red pepper flakes based on how spicy you would like the dish.
8. Cook for about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the crushed tomatoes, and cook for another 2 minutes.
9. Add the roasted red pepper puree, vodka, heavy cream, and butter to your sauce.
10. Allow the sauce to simmer for 15 minutes to thicken a bit but also if too thick, use the saved pasta water to loosen your sauce if you prefer.
11. Add the pasta and parsley, tossing until well combined.
12. Serve and enjoy!