In an interview with Essence magazine, veteran rapper Doug E. Fresh confirms that he is indeed a Scientologist, and has been a member of the controversial faith for the past eight years.

“I am the first hip-hop artist to do it,” he told the publication, adding that he was introduced to Scientology by his ex-girlfriend, Hot 97 radio personality Miss Jones.

“Isaac Hayes was a former co-worker of Miss Jones and he told her about it. I went with her to one of the classes,” he said. “Miss Jones stopped going but I continued. I found it fascinating.

“It changed how I thought. I’ve learned how to look at things and not judge them but respect them and use it in a way that people understand that I respect them, show them love and respect their reality.”