J Molley switches from hip-hop to gospel after surviving attacks, prison threats and suicide

South African rapper and reality TV star J Molley has made a life-altering decision to embrace Christianity, following a harrowing week that left him homeless, injured, and robbed of valuables worth millions.

The musician, known for his raw lyrics and turbulent past, now says he is walking away from secular music, drugs, and his former lifestyle to fully dedicate himself to his faith. He has also said he would now make gospel music.

In a candid post on X, J Molley, real name Jesse Mollett, shared the shocking details of his ordeal, revealing that he spent four days on the streets in the rain after being stabbed and abandoned in a town nine hours away from home in Joburg.

He also disclosed that he was brutally beaten by unofficial drug gangs and came dangerously close to facing a six-year prison sentence.

“I have endured a week from hell… I was brutally beaten by unofficial drug gangs who prey on addicts in the streets. This week has been one of the most devastating of my life, leading me to turn back to Christ fully. No more secular music, no more drugs, no more associating with the wrong people,” he wrote.

Molley, who has been open about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, acknowledged that this traumatic experience had deeply shaken him.

However, he expressed gratitude for surviving what he described as multiple attempts on his life and overcoming severe legal battles.

"It is a miracle that I have survived numerous attempts on my life and the years of struggling with suicidal thoughts since I was nine. The many severe prison charges I have overcome are all a result of the undeserved grace and mercy the Lord has shown me," he said.

The "Love & Hip Hop: South Africa" star further announced that he would be stepping away from secular music entirely. Instead, he is now focusing on gospel and is currently working on a new album.

"I am not making gospel music for profit, but to use my gift to serve," he stated.

Last year, he revealed that he had attempted suicide 20 times, with eight of those attempts occurring in 2024 alone.

In June, he publicly declared that he had given his life to Jesus, adopting the name Yishai as a symbol of his renewal.

Now, as he embarks on this new chapter, Molley says he will be attending Christian gatherings, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and counselling sessions to aid his healing process.

He has also promised to release a YouTube testimony video detailing his experiences and newfound faith.

He ended his statement by apologising to those he may have hurt during his struggles and urged his followers to support him with prayers as he transitions into this new phase of his life.

"As the level increases, so do the attacks, and the battle is relentless. Although I have lost nearly everything, now that my barn has burned down, I can finally see the moon.

Thank you for listening, and expect much more in the near future. All praise to the Most High YHWH and my personal saviour, Christ the King."

J Molley’s transformation marks a significant shift in his career, but only time will tell if this is truly a new beginning or another chapter in his ongoing journey of self-discovery.

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