Bahamian Gospel Rapper makes history in Canada

Bahamian Gospel Rapper makes history in Canada
Original story by Arthia Nixon

J.Chase (born Craig Gibson) is making history by becoming the first Eleutheran rapper to drop his very first album Send Me outside his native country. The album’s title is based on Isaiah 6:8. The artiste who began to get serious about the music he was writing at age 10 is now 23 and focused on delivering a positive message instead of making music just because of his raw talents. He says that he chose the genre he’s in because rap and hip hop is dominating the culture of today’s youth in a language they already understand.

Many youth today feel that the church is not relevant to the things going on in their lives. The Christian rappers featured on Gospel Elevations minister from a place of which today’s youth can relate. Christ rap is a awesome medium that God is using to reach the masses who wont got to church. It’s good that God is using J. Chase to help people here the gospel through his music.

“Well, J.Chase stands for Jesus Chaser,” he explains. “I chose the name because I wanted something that will remind me why I am doing what I do. A lot of people rap for the fame and all of a sudden they are chasing after girls, money, sex, fast cars and all kinds of things of the world. Me, I don’t do it for the rewards and awards that may come along with rapping. I’ve entered this knowing that I must do it for God’s honor and glory. I am chasing after Jesus because only what is done for Christ will last.”

J.Chase cites Jesus Christ as the main influencer to his music. However, he’s looked to artistes like Christian Massive, Manifest, Claytino Delaney, Natareo Johnson, Tatiana Tinker, J Squad, Prophetic Voices, lecrae, Tye Tribbett and Papa T musically.

Another person in J.Chase’s sphere of influence is his father Louie who died tragically shortly after he began to get into music. J.Chase, a former child tennis star, smiles when he recalls the way his father would act like the president of a fan club when it came to watching his sons accomplish something they set after.
“He knew I was a good writer,” he reflects. “One day I forget and left something I wrote on the computer desk. I think I had just printed it out. He picked it up while I was out and read it. When I got back he said he enjoyed reading it. Support from parents – especially fathers- is so important. It keeps you grounded and pushes you like never before. My brother Carlton and I were lucky to have such memories even if only for just a little over decade. Daddy liked to brag about his children to his friends. He was proud of us. I just regret the fact that he will never hear my album, watch my music videos, or hear my songs on the radio. He will never get to proudly tell his friends about his son. But then again, my mom Shirley is still a continuous encouragement helped me become the man that I am today. I make sure call her every chance I get. Her spark is what helped light the fire you see today.”
Overall, J.Chase has already won over fans by sharing some of his tracks on Facebook, YouTube and landing a spot on local radio weekly countdowns and Global Gospel Countdown. He has even got the attention of a Canadian manager for his album release in Toronto.

“J.Chase certainly brings something new to the mix with an awesome combination of passion, thought provoking lyrics and a rhythmic flow that sets him apart from many in the game,” says his publicist Arthia Nixon of the Ambassador Agency. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him since he was a baby and I think the experiences that he has faced in life are revealed through what is obviously, a very personal album. The fact that he has already generated a huge following and has sat at the top of the Bahamian charts for the past few weeks proves people are itching to get a dose of quality, positive rap music. Even when I lived in Canada, I have not recalled any Bahamian artistes releasing their very first song in that country. But Bahamians must be willing to accept that they cannot rely on The Bahamas as their only audience. J.Chase fits so well with our company because he understands that global is the way to go. All in all, I am so proud of him as a young Bahamian male setting a stunning example and using rap in a positive way. I’m even more proud of him for putting Eleuthera on the map in a new way.”

J. Chase is not a member of Gospel Elevations yet, and maybe one day he will. To hear and see how God is using other Christian Rappers around the world visit the free exposure site for Gospel Rappers, Holy Hip Hop Rappers, or Christian Rappers visit http://wwww.gospelelevations.net.