Jackie Hill Perry’s creative career has been nothing short of expansive. Spoken word poet, author, Bible teacher and podcast host — she seemed to have all the creative outlets anyone could handle. But last year, Perry surprised her fans by announcing a return to music, signing with Reach Records after a six-year hiatus.
For some, the move felt unexpected. Her last album, Crescendo, dropped in 2018, before she shifted her focus to writing and teaching. But for Perry, stepping back into the studio isn’t just a nostalgic return; it’s an intentional step into a new season of creativity and ministry.
“It’s not about proving anything,” Perry says. “It’s about creating music that reflects where I am now — wife, mom, disciple — and telling stories that matter.”
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The Breakaway
To understand Perry’s return to music, you have to go back to 2018, the year she released Crescendo. At the time, music was a core part of her identity. But as her star was rising, she felt called in a different direction.
“I really felt like the Lord wanted me to step away from music for the sake of my family and to steward the other gifts He’d given me,” she explains. “Just because you can do many things doesn’t mean you should do everything.”
The decision wasn’t easy. Music was more than a passion; it was part of how she understood herself. But Perry knew she couldn’t do it all. Around the same time, her debut book, Gay Girl, Good God, became a bestseller. Speaking invitations followed, along with opportunities to teach and write more.
“I had to pick what was most fruitful,” she says.
For Perry, that meant focusing on teaching and ministry. Over the next few years, she wrote books, published Bible studies and traveled the country sharing her testimony. Yet, even as she thrived in those roles, music never completely left her mind.
“I thought music would never be an option again,” she says. “But when I paused book writing last year, I realized there was margin for music again.”
The Return
Perry’s return to music began with a remix of the song “Stalo.” A casual request on social media led to her reconnecting with Reach Records. Soon after, Ace Harris, Reach’s head of A&R, approached her at church, and the partnership began to take shape.
“Ace and I served in children’s church together,” she says. “That trust mattered. I didn’t want to just partner with anyone — I wanted to work with people I trusted.”
The decision felt divinely aligned. During her podcast tour, Perry officially announced her signing with Reach Records in New York City, alongside label head Lecrae.
“New York just has this energy,” she says. “And Lecrae being there made it feel like the perfect moment.”
For Perry, this return isn’t just about dropping new tracks. It’s about reconnecting with her musical roots. Raised in St. Louis, she grew up listening to Southern rap legends like Yo Gotti, 8Ball & MJG, and Three 6 Mafia. Her new music will reflect those influences.
“My earlier albums leaned more hip-hop, but this time, I want to explore a Southern countryness,” she says. “It’s the music I grew up loving, and I want to bring that into my sound now.”
Balancing Music and Life
Perry’s life today looks vastly different than it did in 2018. She’s a wife, mother of four, preacher and now, once again, a rapper. Balancing these roles requires careful intentionality.
“I’ve always been team ‘do too much,’” she jokes. “But I’m serious about structuring my time so my priorities — family and faith — don’t get lost.”
For Perry, prayer guides her decisions. “I don’t move until I believe God is leading me,” she says. “That’s how I know I’m pursuing things for the right reasons.”
She admits that balance is a constant challenge, but it’s one she embraces. “When I stepped away from music, it was about faithfulness. Coming back now, it’s about ensuring I’m doing it with the right heart.”
Looking Ahead
Perry’s 8-song EP, Practice, reflects her current life stage. The title is a nod to her journey of rediscovery in music and her daily practice of faith.
“Writing is like a muscle,” she says. “I want my music to be cinematic—stories people can experience, not just hear.”
Her first single, “First Draft,” explored themes of redemption and personal growth. It’s a raw, honest reflection of where she is now. For Perry, this chapter isn’t about proving herself as a rapper—it’s about using music to build meaningful connections.
“Music is ministry,” she says. “I want to help people think deeply about what it means to be human and to follow Christ.”
Jackie Hill Perry’s return isn’t just a comeback—it’s an evolution. And if her past work is any indication, this next chapter will be both impactful and unexpected.
