The latest installment of the “I AM DEF JAM” series details East Harlem’s own Dave East as he gears up for his first release on Def Jam since signing in late 2016.

Dave chronicles how and why he decided to embrace Islam and his Muslim faith, religion’s current role in his life, living in Harlem, and how he channeled the same focus and energy that got him two Division I basketball scholarships into a budding music career.

Watch the full interview below and get ready for a Dave East-filled 2017.