Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins Celebrates Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction With New EP

Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins celebrates his Songwriters Hall of Fame induction with Darkchild Sessions, a live three-track EP recorded in Nashville. Released exclusively through Apple Music and his faith-based label Alienz Alive, the project reimagines some of Jerkins’ most iconic productions through the lens of a new generation of artists.

Jerkins, a towering figure in R&B and pop for over two decades, enlists Jon Keith, Hulvey, and nobigdyl. to reinterpret classics like Toni Braxton’s “He Wasn’t Man Enough,” Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine,” and Ray J’s “One Wish.” Each performance fuses nostalgia with lyrical reinvention, balancing reverence for the original tracks with bold, spiritually grounded storytelling.

Darkchild Sessions honors Jerkins’ legacy while casting forward a vision of faith-infused hip-hop and R&B. The live setting brings a raw emotional power, echoing the genre’s roots while embracing modern voices committed to substance and sincerity.

For Jerkins, this is more than a tribute—it’s a creative revival. “These songs shaped an era,” he says. “Now this new generation carries the torch with purpose. To celebrate this Hall of Fame moment through these voices, in partnership with Apple Music Nashville, is a full-circle blessing.”

The EP also reflects the mission behind Alienz Alive, the label Jerkins launched in June 2024. Built on faith, truth, and spiritual growth, Alienz Alive supports artists committed to transformation through their music.

The label fosters community while pushing sonic and cultural boundaries. With a roster that includes Jon Keith, GAWVI, IMRSQD, Alex Jean, and TJ Carroll, it positions itself as more than a label—it’s a movement of purpose-driven artistry.

Darkchild Sessions doesn’t just revisit past glories. It reframes them with heart, urgency, and a deep sense of calling. At a career milestone, Jerkins proves his influence remains not only relevant—but renewed.