MINI-STAR, BORN Vernell Butler is an up and coming gospel rapper. Vernell is a Chicago native born to Irma and Billy H. Lewis, May 10, 1981. Mini-Star was born on the south side of Chicago, but his mother moved west just before he turned 10 years old, about '89. Life on the west side was nothing less than challenging for Mini-Star to say the least. He got mixed in with the wrong crowed coming up a
nd fell short of the glory of God. At the age of 16 he knew he was called by God to minister, hence the name MINI-STAR. However, from the age of 16 to 29 Vernell ran from his calling trying to find his own way. He found himself everywhere from jail to the military. Finding his way was difficult for the soon to be star especially without a proper guide to lead. Upon exiting the service Vernell began to spiral backward at a rapid rate. His own love and care for his own life began to decline shortly thereafter. He gave up on his life and found himself serving a three year prison sentence. Prison turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Vernell knew that God wanted his attention and he began to take heed to the voice of God while incarcerated. Vernell read, prayed, and worked out a daily basis; God was dealing with his mind, body, and soul. Once released on December 16, 2008 life was hard. Re-entry into society was taking a toll on the young writer and he started to rely on his old ways, but God had a plan. Vernell prayed and God prepared a place for him at Le Cordon Bleu, Chicago where he trained in culinary arts. Mini-star has an associate’s degree and is a certified chef. Along with writing and performing his music, preaching is one of his biggest passions. He plans to receive his bachelor’s in church and organizational management in the fall of 2012. He really has a heart for God and a love for the people. His roots in hip hop lead him to become a gospel rap artist. He feels that the youth needs to hear God's message so he is bringing it in a language that they can understand.
