meet jermaine
Jermaine Abdual is a rapper, self-taught chef, author, and cultural tastemaker—serving up soul through storytelling.
His work lives at the intersection of adult contemporary hip-hop, Black heritage cooking, and faith-rooted creative expression. Whether he’s crafting honest, reflective bars over live instrumentation or dishing out slow-cooked wisdom through food, Jermaine brings a raw, grounded voice to every table he sits at.
He is the creator and host of Sidekicks & Stoolz, a podcast and blog that explores identity, perseverance, and purpose through the lens of faith and storytelling. As the author of Turtles Win Rabbit Races—a memoir-meets-cookbook—Jermaine fuses his life story with cultural commentary and heritage recipes.
Jermaine is also the founder of Spirit & Soul Catering + Community, a social enterprise that nourishes both body and spirit. Rooted in Black heritage cooking and a commitment to community healing, Spirit & Soul creates catering experiences and community-centered gatherings that uplift and connect. It’s more than a food service—it’s a movement of nourishment and restoration.
Through music, food, and faith, Jermaine Abdual isn’t just building a brand—he’s cultivating a culture. A place for rhythm and restoration. For real stories, real meals, and real people.
Faith. Storytelling. Purpose.
The Unexpected Path
I felt compelled to create an environment that’s dedicated to providing the resources I once lacked and fostering the relationships I longed for.
In 2005, a life-altering health scare became the catalyst for discovering my hidden gifts. During rehabilitation, I began cooking for my wife, Kathy. What started as a simple act of love transformed into a passion that would later become one of my primary tools for building community and serving others. Through cooking, I reconnected with cherished memories of my grandmothers' kitchens, where food was more than sustenance – it was a gateway to heritage, wisdom, and connection.
A Season of Transformation
After serving twelve years as a youth pastor, God led me through a profound season of change. The pandemic became a time of questioning, growth, and ultimately, revelation. What seemed like a crisis of faith evolved into a deeper understanding of God's plan. Through hosting backyard gatherings that combined meals, authentic conversation, and prayer, I discovered a new way to create sanctuary and community.
Purpose Revealed
my mission spans multiple platforms, each designed to help others discover their identity and purpose in God's plan to heal, inspire, and empower:
As a chef, I create spaces where food becomes a bridge to deeper connections
Through Sidekicks & Stoolz, I facilitate conversations about purpose and identity
My memoir, "Turtles Win Rabbit Races," shares how God transforms challenges into stepping stones
Speaking engagements allow me to inspire others to embrace their unique journey
The Heart of My Calling
My journey has taught me that our greatest struggles often become our greatest source of wisdom to share with others. Whether I'm in the kitchen, behind a microphone, or sharing a story, my purpose remains clear: helping others transform their challenges into strength, discover their authentic selves, and step boldly into their unique potential.
