Official Bio

After seeing someone get off stage, leaving behind hundreds of people shouting and railing in support while giving God praise, the last thing that would come to most people's minds is "There goes a shy young man." Well, such is the case for D'Arthana "Ordinary/Mr. Amen" Burrell, one of the least likely persons to become a reggae artist since his strong Christian surroundings prevented him from encountering dancehall music until attending a birthday party in his early teens.
His musical career was birthed by both a frustration with the absence of talent in majority of the artists on the radio and the presence of talent in another artist who was also a teenager; Assassin. However, his secular career was short-lived as he re-dedicated his life to the Lord seven months after migrating to Florida in 2003. It was then, the content of his lyrics changed.
Based on the fact that he resides in the states, Mr. Amen's music stands out from his peers in the gospel reggae industry. His major musical influences come from rappers as well as dancehall artists! A few of these artists are Jay-Z, Ludacris, Lil Wayne, Tedashi, Da Truth, Trip Lee, Lecrae, Assassin, St. Matthew, Dj Nicholas, D.A.Jay and Lypher of (S.O.P.) These artists have all had a positive impact on what his music is today. And the fact that his potent delivery of thought provoking lyrics are matched by the presence of the word of God, makes him one of the most distinguished, undiscovered talents in the business.
Matched by his talent, is his humility as he recognizes that what he has was given to him by God and hence all the glory belongs to Him. Mr. Amen has shared stages with Papa San, Dj Nicholas, Monty G, Carlene Davis, Koen Duncan, Dunamis, Nehilet Blackman, Isaac Blackman, Kristine Alicia, Wingy Danejah, Stitchie, St Matthew, Wayne Stoddart, Debbi Verbz, Ryan Mark, Chevelle Franklin, Sherwin Gardner, and Prodigal Son to name a few. Ordinary is also the recipient of MegaJam's Best Gospel Artist Residing Overseas Award for 2007.

Exclusive Interview with GospelReggae.com

GR: Tell me, how did your name come about? Any obstacles with it--funny mispronunciations, etc…?

Ordinary: Well, at the time I came up with the name "Ordinary," I was not a Christian. There's a bit of irony involved, as I knew my music wasn't ordinary. However, after I got saved I realized and understood that any and every vessel is ordinary until it is used by our extra-ordinary God. Mr. Amen came about because I used to scream "Amen" on every track. A funny mispronunciation is "Original"

GR: What has been the greatest mistake that you have made in ministry and learned from? How have you used this experience to change the way you approach ministry?

Ordinary: In ignorance, I attempted to perform an entire album's worth of songs (all three verses) at my 2nd or 3rd live performance (embarrassing)! I've learned to be cognizant of my fellow ministers and to flow with the order of the program.

GR: What is the wickedest riddim that you never rode upon?

Ordinary: Chiney-K

GR: Read any good books lately?

Ordinary: The good book. :)

GR: What Bible character do you most identify yourself with?
Ordinary: Samson

GR: What career goal did you abandon for music?

Ordinary: None, it's always been music.

GR: What's the most embarrassing job that you have ever had?

Ordinary: A paper boy.........at age 24.

GR: Name one thing that fans do not know about you.

Ordinary: I have a sweet tooth. (I like to make cookie sandwiches out of Subway's white chip macadamia and oatmeal raisin cookies. And have 3 sandwiches)

GR: What is the best audience that you have ever played in front of?

Ordinary: Antigua.

GR: Do you prefer being in the studio or on the road?

Ordinary: This is a tough one. What's the next question?

GR: Why do you do music? What is your primary goal?

Ordinary: It's what I do best, I was made for it, besides pleasing God, it is my purpose. My primary goal is to use it as a vehicle to transport God's important message.

GR: Are you working on any future projects/releases that we should look out for?

Ordinary: Always, O.P.P. Mix tape 2 and my upcoming album "This is Mr. Amen"


GR: Could you please give a message to the reggae fans that are reading this and would
like to know more about your faith and who Jesus is to you?

Ordinary: To me, Jesus is that perfect significant other who is actually in love with me! Like real "I'd die for you" type of love. In fact, His love existed for me before I even knew of, cared about, or loved Him. He understands me, bails me out, provides for me, protects me, is patient with me, (as I am not without my flaws) forgives me, is faithful to me even when I flirt, is always looking out for my best interest and has picked out a mansion for me after I retire. And he did all this before the wedding. :)

Ministry

To make God famous through my music. To make you see things from His perspective.–Ordinary

Discography

1.More than an Ordinary servant Vol.1 Oct 2005
2. More than an Ordinary servant Vol.2 May 2006
3. More than an Ordinary servant Vol.3 singles Mar 2007
4. The Verbal Journal (Vol.3) Dec 2007.
5. The O.P.P Mix tape Dec 2008
6. The World Converters Dec 2008

		Ordinary Used Volume 1				Ordinary O.P.P. MIXTAPE II
		Ordinary My Year				Ordinary More Than An Ordinary Servant
		Ordinary O.P.P. Mixtape				Ordinary The Verbal Journal

Concerts

There are currently no upcoming events listed.

Contact / Booking:

D’Arthana Burrell, (954) 560-1703, thisismramen@gmail.com

Official EMail:

thisismramen@gmail.com

Official Website:

www.myspace.com/mramen

Photos