Jesusfreakhideout.com: Bir Witness Interview, Bir Witness 2025

Hip hop artist Bir Witness has had a big year already in 2025 and is gearing up for the release of a brand new studio album. Bir took some time to discuss his achievements this year and what fans can expect from his November release, 26.13...
This interview took place August 29, 2025.

JFH (John DiBiase): You mentioned that a legendary producer told you your sound reminded him of his early work. What do you think it was about your music that sparked that connection?

Bir Witness: I studied the professional winners. I'm a professional winner. Consistency is the key that unlocks the door. I'm honestly thinking about naming my next book "Professional Winner," because my sound is mixed to perfection. You can hear the 20+ years of experience in my work. The standard is high and his legacy inspired me to become better. His listen, and constructive critique was confirmation [that] with Jesus, the impossible is possible. You can hear my demos I submitted on "THE FORGOTTEN: A World That Forgot God Exist." It's amazing how most people thought that was an album. It was a demo tape I submitted to a legendary producer in LA before I boarded the plane at the airport, before we hopped in the 2025 Range Rover -- before we rented the house in Sherman Oaks by the undisclosed studio location.

JFH (John): The D.O.C. reportedly called your music "dope." How did it feel to get that kind of affirmation from such a respected figure in hip-hop history?

Bir Witness: First batch I sent, he said "cool," so I was determined to do better. Second go round, I sent 23 tracks and he called it "dope kinfolk." I consider him a friend, a big brother, and a believer of what I can accomplish in the music business. Check out his website: DocCares.org

JFH (John): A West Coast artist said you were "the anointed one." How do you interpret that spiritually - and how does your faith influence how you carry moments like that?

Bir Witness: I'm grateful for Bishop Lamont! He understands my mission. He really pushed me creatively. He is the reason I connected with The D.O.C. I honestly believe it's all about connecting the dots with raw, uncut truth, and I'm certain we align through a common goal: A true love for hip hop. A good human being. A true example of patience and his work ethic is worth every listen of the music he releases.

JFH (John): When you flew out to L.A., what was your mindset going into that trip, and how did those recent affirmations shape your expectations?

Bir Witness: If it's meant for me, God has a way of preparing me for what He has for me, so I wasn't assuming success in both meetings, but I was keeping the faith because of what I spoke on earlier before we even booked the flight tickets.

JFH (John): Can you tell us more about your studio session with engineer Steve Baughman? What did his feedback mean to you in that moment?

Bir Witness: I don't play music I'm not excited about, so I walked into his studio and handed him my TBN bestselling book, sat down and played him three of the songs from my demo sessions. He had some great words for me; he strongly believed in me and he has a GRAMMY for The Eminem Show, so I just received more confirmation I'm a professional winner.

JFH (John): Steve B then connected you with Focus, a five-time Grammy-winning producer. What stood out about that meeting, and what was it like to get his support?

Bir Witness: That was just a phone call after I played Steve B the demo sessions. Focus... and I spoke about my life, my music journey, my faith, and it reached close to three hours of continuous conversation. He honestly pointed me to God in every conversation since our meeting in March at an upscale restaurant I can't even pronounce. We traded Bible verses and showed each other respect and support while I was working in Massachusetts and he was working in LA. His support shaped the whole album on a growth and maturity level, an inspiration, and self confidence level. It was a confirmation that I'm on a professional winner level, because for me his involvement was success and I'm grateful he produced two songs off the album. He gave a lot of great advice for months, and I'm grateful it all worked out for the better. Last time we spoke, he told me "I'm happy you got the music done!"

JFH (John): Your upcoming album is titled 26.13 and releases on November 16. What's the significance of the title, and how did that date take on deeper meaning for you?

Bir Witness: Focus... asked me to name the album at the meeting. Funny story, I immediately said MAXIMUM VOLUME for the big sound I wanted to create and he immediately responded "No." LOL Like I said, he gave a lot of direction and advice. The title is a coded message. Focus... idea! Looking forward to seeing the response when the listeners fully grasp the concept. The release date was confirmed at the meeting also. Focus... is a great producer. He knows how to do brain surgery. LOL He's named "Focus..." for a reason. The Lord used him as a vessel to awaken something greater than I could have ever imagined. He was excited to be involved, and it wasn't easy to create something new after sending a finished album to The D.O.C. and hearing "sounds dope kinfolk," and not releasing it in entirety immediately afterwards or flying to LA after all the confirmation to catch the flight. I had to silence the noise of the world to create properly and work harder because this album is releasing on Focus... son's birthday, the same son who passed away from a car accident, so the expectations kept going up higher. I had to trust God in the process and listen to my heart no matter who was staying around for the end result, it's No More Lies Entertainment/CHRISTVZN. I am a professional winner. Winning is the only option.

JFH (John): What themes can listeners expect on 26.13, and how do you see this album setting itself apart in the gospel hip-hop world?

Bir Witness: I flew to Los Angeles to return to a new way of thinking. It's very east coast. It will remind the listener of how I started, hungry for success. It sounds like the Massachusetts Bir Witness from 20 years ago got what he worked hard for! I feel it represents what every CHH artist demands: Respect in the music industry at large. A lot of time and attention from so many legends and contributors to the biggest releases in hip hop.

JFH (John): How do you stay grounded when receiving recognition from major industry voices, especially while remaining true to your gospel convictions?

Bir Witness: I have a great following. S1 is following me on Instagram, that's incredible. He produced for Kanye and Eminem. This site posted an article about Bir Witness bringing a message of hope for gang culture and on a positive note Larry Hoover, the founder of the gang I joined 20 years ago, his son Lil Larry follows my Instagram, has supported my music, and has a copy of my book. I believe the testimony is getting bigger, and I plan on making a living telling my story of being a professional winner! God gets all the glory and praise! I stay grounded giving glory to God and staying grateful.

JFH (John): What's your prayer or hope for those who hear this new project?