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Charles Smith and Julian Jackson admit that when they were younger, Jesus couldn't have been further from their minds.

Smith did some things that could have gotten him locked up — or worse — while Jackson said he liked partying at clubs and the girls.

But now Smith, 23, of Suitland and Jackson, 25, of District Heights — the hip-hop duo Alive Not Dead — specialize in inspirational music praising Jesus.

Since forming in 2006, the two mostly performed at youth retreats, revivals and church-related events around the area, but this spring they will release their first CD, "D.E.A.D."

Although they don't specifically know what D.E.A.D. will stand for, they have come up with possibilities, such as "Directions that Effectively Abolish Darkness" and "Day Enters After Darkness."

Delivered in the same style and cadence as those by more mainstream rappers such as T.I., Eminem or Drake, the songs carry an altogether different message — the need for unity with Christ.

"To me, with this album, it sets the foundation for them," said Raimon Jackson of Hypnotic Music Producers, the White Plains, Maryland-based company producing the disc.

The pair hit another landmark earlier this month with the release of "Respect," a mix tape produced by Hypnotic that includes "I Pray," a song that pairs them with singer Raheem DeVaughn, who grew up in Beltsville and developed a national reputation with singles such as "Woman" and "Bulletproof."

"They speak directly to the issues that young people are dealing with today," said LeVar Jones, former youth pastor of Suitland's Galilee Baptist Church, who frequently called upon the duo to perform both in Suitland and in Baltimore. "They draw and pull the young people out. You can't stay in your seat when A.N.D. performs."

Benjamin Dashiell, 24, of Forestville said the duo typically gets standing ovations for performing.

"Their performances are very energetic and powerful," he said. "They have a way with their words and their lyrics."

Smith, whose stage name is "Cross," and Jackson, who goes by "3Jay," met while students at Suitland High School.

Jackson initially turned his new talent to secular pursuits, rapping about cars, girls and money, but after being attacked and waking up in a hospital, he wrote a song, "Can't Nobody Love Me Like You Do."

"I was talking about how, literally, God made me see I had another chance," he said.

Smith was 10 when he lost his father and joined a gang and came to Christ in 2005 after a conversation with Raimon Jackson (no relation to Julian Jackson), who mentored the duo while a substitute teacher at Suitland.

Smith and Julian Jackson said the group's name is not so startling when seen from a Christian perspective.

"It kind of puts a statement on what we're trying to bring, what we're trying to talk about, which is the power of Christ, and how He is alive not dead," Smith said.

They also said that "dead" in the Christian sense means someone who has not found Christ.

The CD also features "Transform," a song which talks about changing to a more spiritual life, and "The Anthem," a dance song that emphasizes that people can have a good time while celebrating Christ.

"There's no party like a Jesus Christ party," said Smith.