DOUG E. FRESH TALKS SCIENTOLOGY: Rapper is the first hip hop star to publicly embrace religion.

       "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."

       Scientology has had its share of critics throughout the years. Founded in 1953 by L. Ron Hubbard, it teaches that people are immortal spiritual beings (thetans) through a life force/source known as theta - and all humans are capable of realizing a nearly godlike state through Scientology practices.

       "Scientology is not a white religion. It is not just for white people," Fresh told Essence. "Scientology is not written with disrespect toward God. It doesn't worship something that is evil. It is scientific, mathematical, and spiritual. The black community has to check it out and see what's there. I'm not saying it's for everyone, but you have to take a look. You may be amazed at what you get."