It’s been two years since the Christian rap community has heard from JayMay. Those who follow this gospel rapper, know that prior to this new release, his last project was a feature on the Holy Hip Hop Volume 5 and the praise worthy album release “We Live Praise”. JayMay is “switching lanes’ as he returns from a two year hiatus heating up the speakers with “The Winter Classics EP”.
JayMayis 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://www.gospelelevations.net.
The Winter Classics is a six song recording that captivates energy and passion that demand the attention of listeners. With a variety of topics that include dealing with talkative people on “Switch Lanes” to maintaining values and morals on “Family Guy” the diversity compels you to stay engaged as the songs flow with consistency.
For you D-Maub supporters, then you wanna cop this project. JayMay gets assistance from One Route Entertainment’s lyricist D-Maub on “P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happen)”, along with Detroit’s on Snapp, they make this collaboration a multiplex treat for listening ears.
This EP will help reintroduce JayMay to the bulging Christian Rap community and give a preview to his upcoming 3rd studio album “For His Glory” currently scheduled for fall debut. JayMay’s background plays a vital role in the creation of his music. He was born and raised on Detroit’s Westside graduating from Henry Ford High School. He joined the Army in 1994 and has been stationed in five different locations including a deployment to Iraq.
Music is just a small portion of his life; he is still serving in U.S. Army currently stationed in Michigan as a recruiter, and he serves in his local church and the community. He aims to not only reach those around him with the Gospel but also teach them. JayMay is a graduate of Colorado Christian University and has earned certification in Biblical Studies.
He has shared the stage with some of music’s well known artist such as Canton Jones, tobyMac, Da T.R.U.T.H., Jeremy Camp, Lecrae, KJ-52, Tripp Lee, Tedashii, K-Drama, Kurtis Blow, BB-Jay, S.O.C.O.M., Da Clay and many more. He’s ministered and performed at numerous events across the globe from the United States, Italy, Germany and Iraq. For booking and more information visit www.jaymayonline.com The EP will be available at doubleswordrecords.com, jaymayonline.com, iTunes, Rhapsody and all other online locations.
At Gospel Elevations we believe that everyone who ministers through gospel rap should be given a chance to share what God is doing through them. We offer free exposure to artist from around the world. If you know of any events in your area we Christian rappers are ministering please let us know.
Miami's Truth Cafe Give Gospel Rappers Exposure
Often, Minister Chris Everett had heard some of his young Christian friends lament over the fact that, aside from church, there was no place for them to fellowship or showcase their Christian talents.
``I prayed,'' he said, ``about how God's people can stay focused and not compromise their salvation, like going to secular nightclubs. Then, the idea came to me to start the Truth Cafe.''
Everett describes the Truth Cafe as a place ``. . . where only Christian music is being played and pauses every now and then for entertainers to sing, do poetry or gospel rap, then this is the place to be.''
The cafe opened Aug. 28, and every second and fourth Saturday of the month, Christians, young and old, are invited to the cafe at 16400 NW 15th Ave. in Miami Gardens, for live gospel entertainment, socializing, business networking, ``delicious food'' and fellowship, he said.
``So far, it's been going quite well. We've had some big names to come in such as the recording gospel group King and Willing, another gospel group.''
Admission into the Truth Café is $10 per person and doors open at 8 p.m. If you want to share your Christian talent, contact Everett at 786-262-3181.
At Gospel Elevations we believe that everyone who ministers through gospel rap should be given a chance to share what God is doing through them. We offer free exposure to artist from around the world. If you know of any events in your area we Christian rappers are ministering please let us know.
``I prayed,'' he said, ``about how God's people can stay focused and not compromise their salvation, like going to secular nightclubs. Then, the idea came to me to start the Truth Cafe.''
Everett describes the Truth Cafe as a place ``. . . where only Christian music is being played and pauses every now and then for entertainers to sing, do poetry or gospel rap, then this is the place to be.''
The cafe opened Aug. 28, and every second and fourth Saturday of the month, Christians, young and old, are invited to the cafe at 16400 NW 15th Ave. in Miami Gardens, for live gospel entertainment, socializing, business networking, ``delicious food'' and fellowship, he said.
``So far, it's been going quite well. We've had some big names to come in such as the recording gospel group King and Willing, another gospel group.''
Admission into the Truth Café is $10 per person and doors open at 8 p.m. If you want to share your Christian talent, contact Everett at 786-262-3181.
At Gospel Elevations we believe that everyone who ministers through gospel rap should be given a chance to share what God is doing through them. We offer free exposure to artist from around the world. If you know of any events in your area we Christian rappers are ministering please let us know.
Chirstian Rapper Ministers at Harlem’s Apollo Theater
Chirstian Rapper Ministers at Harlem’s Apollo Theater
Original story by: N. Langhorne of Tidewater News
Capron Virginia native, Donyelle Whitehead, isn’t your traditional gospel artist. Under his stage name, D’Ciple Da Lieutenant, he hopes to spread the word of God, through an unlikely genre— rap.
His quest to minister in a non-traditional manner landed him a trip to the Apollo Theater in Harlem, N.Y., last month to perform his song “One” at a Gospel Amateur Night.
“It was an experience that I think every artist needs to have,” Whitehead said. “Apollo is a tough crowd.”
While it was overall a good experience, Whitehead’s Apollo performance wasn’t easy.
“When I first got out there, they didn’t accept me,” he said. Some people were immediately thrown off when he was introduced as a gospel rapper.
“They booed for the first couple of minutes,” Whitehead said. “But after that, they were into it and they gave me a standing ovation and everything.”
At Gospel Elevations we believe that everyone who ministers through Christian rap should be given a chance to share what God is doing through them. We offer free exposure to artist from around the world.
Whitehead, 35, said that he has been rapping since he was a young teen. He had plans to make it big as a rapper, but four years ago he made a decision that changed his plans.
“I gave my life to Christ in 2005,” he said. “I was in the secular world and God touched my heart.”
At the time, Whitehead considered giving up rapping.After being pushed by friends he decided to continue to pursue a rap career, but instead of glorifying street culture, he would glorify the Lord.
“It was kind of hard at first,” he said. “I had to do a lot of fasting and a lot of praying, but then God just started blessing me with songs.”
Whitehead, a 1994 graduate of Southampton High School, is now working with Petersburg-based Zech. 8 Productions, under the direction of husband-and-wife management team, Timothy and Terri Flowers.
Zech. 8 Productions, named after the eighth chapter of the book of Zechariah in the Bible, manages all types of gospel artists, including rappers, singers, poets and dancers. In fact, Whitehead’s wife, Tabitha, is a poet with Zech. 8 Productions.
“We’re like a month in, and God has blessed us with 10 groups,” Terri Flowers said.
Terri Flowers and Whitehead were classmates at Southampton High and ran into each other a few years ago and reconnected over their desire to minister to youth.
“We are living a generation now where kids are the young people aren’t afraid of anything,” Terri Flowers said. “They don’t care about anything. They could party all night with the devil and it won’t bother them.”
She said that artists like Whitehead could help draw young people to the ministry, because the conventional church atmosphere often turns them off. Timothy Flowers added that many churches focus too much on older people and don’t dedicate enough time to the youth.
“We’re trying to touch the youth,” Terri Flowers said. “We’re losing them by the handful.”
Contemporary gospel artists like Whitehead aren’t without critics, but Terri Flowers doesn’t think that the criticism is well-deserved.
“We need to use any tool that we can as long as it’s accepted by God,” she said. “God gave these young people a gift to rap…it’s still ministry.” Whitehead now lives in Hopewell with his wife and children, but still has family in Capron, including his mother, Joan Whitehead.
He hopes to release a CD by early next year.
“But we never know, God may move quicker than that,” he said. Whitehead is ready to inspire young people to serve God.
“Look at what happened when they took prayer out of the schools,” he said, referencing the rise of violence in schools–in particular the recent beating death of an honor student outside of a Chicago high school. “This is the right time for this.”
Whitehead and other Zech. 8 Productions artists are available for church or other events. Timothy and Terri Flowers can be reached for bookings at (804) 605-9963 or (804) 605-9962.
The music video for “One” can be viewed on www.youtube.com.
D’Ciple Da Lieutenant 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://www.gospelelevations.net.
Original story by: N. Langhorne of Tidewater News
Capron Virginia native, Donyelle Whitehead, isn’t your traditional gospel artist. Under his stage name, D’Ciple Da Lieutenant, he hopes to spread the word of God, through an unlikely genre— rap.
His quest to minister in a non-traditional manner landed him a trip to the Apollo Theater in Harlem, N.Y., last month to perform his song “One” at a Gospel Amateur Night.
“It was an experience that I think every artist needs to have,” Whitehead said. “Apollo is a tough crowd.”
While it was overall a good experience, Whitehead’s Apollo performance wasn’t easy.
“When I first got out there, they didn’t accept me,” he said. Some people were immediately thrown off when he was introduced as a gospel rapper.
“They booed for the first couple of minutes,” Whitehead said. “But after that, they were into it and they gave me a standing ovation and everything.”
At Gospel Elevations we believe that everyone who ministers through Christian rap should be given a chance to share what God is doing through them. We offer free exposure to artist from around the world.
Whitehead, 35, said that he has been rapping since he was a young teen. He had plans to make it big as a rapper, but four years ago he made a decision that changed his plans.
“I gave my life to Christ in 2005,” he said. “I was in the secular world and God touched my heart.”
At the time, Whitehead considered giving up rapping.After being pushed by friends he decided to continue to pursue a rap career, but instead of glorifying street culture, he would glorify the Lord.
“It was kind of hard at first,” he said. “I had to do a lot of fasting and a lot of praying, but then God just started blessing me with songs.”
Whitehead, a 1994 graduate of Southampton High School, is now working with Petersburg-based Zech. 8 Productions, under the direction of husband-and-wife management team, Timothy and Terri Flowers.
Zech. 8 Productions, named after the eighth chapter of the book of Zechariah in the Bible, manages all types of gospel artists, including rappers, singers, poets and dancers. In fact, Whitehead’s wife, Tabitha, is a poet with Zech. 8 Productions.
“We’re like a month in, and God has blessed us with 10 groups,” Terri Flowers said.
Terri Flowers and Whitehead were classmates at Southampton High and ran into each other a few years ago and reconnected over their desire to minister to youth.
“We are living a generation now where kids are the young people aren’t afraid of anything,” Terri Flowers said. “They don’t care about anything. They could party all night with the devil and it won’t bother them.”
She said that artists like Whitehead could help draw young people to the ministry, because the conventional church atmosphere often turns them off. Timothy Flowers added that many churches focus too much on older people and don’t dedicate enough time to the youth.
“We’re trying to touch the youth,” Terri Flowers said. “We’re losing them by the handful.”
Contemporary gospel artists like Whitehead aren’t without critics, but Terri Flowers doesn’t think that the criticism is well-deserved.
“We need to use any tool that we can as long as it’s accepted by God,” she said. “God gave these young people a gift to rap…it’s still ministry.” Whitehead now lives in Hopewell with his wife and children, but still has family in Capron, including his mother, Joan Whitehead.
He hopes to release a CD by early next year.
“But we never know, God may move quicker than that,” he said. Whitehead is ready to inspire young people to serve God.
“Look at what happened when they took prayer out of the schools,” he said, referencing the rise of violence in schools–in particular the recent beating death of an honor student outside of a Chicago high school. “This is the right time for this.”
Whitehead and other Zech. 8 Productions artists are available for church or other events. Timothy and Terri Flowers can be reached for bookings at (804) 605-9963 or (804) 605-9962.
The music video for “One” can be viewed on www.youtube.com.
D’Ciple Da Lieutenant 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://www.gospelelevations.net.
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.
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.
Christian Rapper Gives Up AK-47 for the Mic
Emmanuel Jal was eight when his family were told he was being taken to school in Ethiopia – instead he was tortured, beaten and starved by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army.. Emmanuel witnessed the brutal slaughter of thousands of Sudanese civilians
After Jal was trained to use a machete and an AK-47 assault rifle he was plunged into a sea of violence in which 1.9 million people died. Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. Christ came that we would have life more abundant. Christ came into Emmanuel’s life and now he’s tell all he can about the abundant life found in Christ Jesus.
Jal is now a successful rapper and practicing Christian says he misses the violence because he became immersed in it.He said: “You have seen so much suffering, and then you find yourself in a peaceful place – part of you almost misses it.
“When you’re from a war-torn country, violence is addictive – and it is fun too.
“Otherwise how can you explain why boxing and wrestling or rugby and American football are so popular? Men dominating men for entertainment is nothing new.’
Jal also says that he witnessed his auntie being raped and learned later that his mother Angelina had been killed – but couldn’t grieve for them because he would be savagely beaten for showing weakness.
He said: “Even the gentlest, calmest of animals can become violent if you attack its family. “I wanted to kill as many Arabs and Muslims as I could. “When a child’s mind is developing, it’s influenced by everything it sees and hears. “Now I know the truth, that the war was nothing to do with religion, just oil, and people in power wanting to manipulate the poor.”
He escaped the army at age 13, but was imprisoned in a desert jail, until a British aid worker rescued him. Jal says he is still haunted by the past but that his music allow him to focus, and love of cartoons helps him to relax.
‘The past is not gone, but I have laid down guns and machetes forever – music and lyrics are my weapons now.’ Now that Jal is not being used by Satan he is yielding his body as an instrument for God.
Jal has released three rap albums to date and has been the focus of a documentary on child soldiers, War Child, which won the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival Audience Choice Award.
He also performed and the Live 8 concert in 2005 and lists the happiest moment in his career ‘the happiest moment of my career’ as when he performed at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebrations last year.
But Jal reckons his transition to rap music comes naturally to someone from his country. He said: “Music is a painkiller for me. If I spend more than a week without music, I can feel myself getting irritable quickly, and maybe my language will start to change.
Emmanuel Jal 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.
After Jal was trained to use a machete and an AK-47 assault rifle he was plunged into a sea of violence in which 1.9 million people died. Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. Christ came that we would have life more abundant. Christ came into Emmanuel’s life and now he’s tell all he can about the abundant life found in Christ Jesus.
Jal is now a successful rapper and practicing Christian says he misses the violence because he became immersed in it.He said: “You have seen so much suffering, and then you find yourself in a peaceful place – part of you almost misses it.
“When you’re from a war-torn country, violence is addictive – and it is fun too.
“Otherwise how can you explain why boxing and wrestling or rugby and American football are so popular? Men dominating men for entertainment is nothing new.’
Jal also says that he witnessed his auntie being raped and learned later that his mother Angelina had been killed – but couldn’t grieve for them because he would be savagely beaten for showing weakness.
He said: “Even the gentlest, calmest of animals can become violent if you attack its family. “I wanted to kill as many Arabs and Muslims as I could. “When a child’s mind is developing, it’s influenced by everything it sees and hears. “Now I know the truth, that the war was nothing to do with religion, just oil, and people in power wanting to manipulate the poor.”
He escaped the army at age 13, but was imprisoned in a desert jail, until a British aid worker rescued him. Jal says he is still haunted by the past but that his music allow him to focus, and love of cartoons helps him to relax.
‘The past is not gone, but I have laid down guns and machetes forever – music and lyrics are my weapons now.’ Now that Jal is not being used by Satan he is yielding his body as an instrument for God.
Jal has released three rap albums to date and has been the focus of a documentary on child soldiers, War Child, which won the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival Audience Choice Award.
He also performed and the Live 8 concert in 2005 and lists the happiest moment in his career ‘the happiest moment of my career’ as when he performed at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebrations last year.
But Jal reckons his transition to rap music comes naturally to someone from his country. He said: “Music is a painkiller for me. If I spend more than a week without music, I can feel myself getting irritable quickly, and maybe my language will start to change.
Emmanuel Jal 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.
Rappers Switch to Positive Tune With Gospel Rap
Rappers switch to positive tune with Gospel Rap
For some people who enter the Christian rap music arena, their agenda is to make music. Ministry is not a priority. God has to deal with their heart. Christian Rapper, David McKissic knew he had to make a choice.
Before he and the other members of the Christian hip-hop group Spit Unity devoted themselves to making Christian music, he says, they were serving two masters. In 2005. McKissic was a member of Triple G, a Christian group that combines mimicry and hip-hop dance.
He also was a member of a secular dance group, and McKissic says, even as he performed with Triple G, he was being drawn into the street life. It’s hard to live for Christ when you’re heavily involved in secular activities.
Being involved in a worldly lifestyle, McKissic says that he also saw many of his friends fall victim to the dangers of the streets. “A lot of the guys who have been caught up in some of the stuff that’s happened, we knew them,” he says.
By 2006, McKissic says, he realized he couldn’t continue to perform with Triple G unless he stopped getting in trouble. He had to change his life, and cutting his ties to the secular dance group had to be a part of that change.
Two years later, Spit Unity will release its first CD on its own record label with a release party at New Horizons Outreach Ministries, a local church. The CD included music by Spit Unity and two singers the group has signed to the label.
Some people might wonder why McKissic felt the need to change his tune, but fellow Spit Unity member Devon Middleton provides the answer. “When I was listening to secular music, it kind of influenced me to look at and talk to girls in the way the music was presented on the record,” Middleton says.
McKissic says he watched members of other Christian groups performing at a church event and drinking alcohol at a night club later in the week. Seeing those kinds of incidents prompted David to question the performers’ sincerity. He also started to evaluate and change his own life. He switched his artistic focus to gospel hip-hop, and he dedicated his life to Christ.
When you rap for Jesus, David learned that people hold you to a different standard David says he did not want their ministry to be affected. Starting the group Spit Unity and the record label of the same name, McKissic says, are part of that change.
“A lot of the music that is out now is negative,” he says, “so we thought that we wanted to put out music that had a positive message.” The Spit Unity label consists of the hip-hop group, which includes McKissic, Middleton, Andrue Farmer and Tyrome Payne, and two solo singers, William Briggs and Leanna Potts.
The group has ministered with other gospel hip-hop artist B-Phraze, the group G.O.P. and Cincinnati based K-Drama. McKissic says he believes his life shows how music can provide the soundtrack for the good and bad decisions that young people make.
Spit Unity are not members of Gospel Elevations yet, and maybe one day they 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.
For some people who enter the Christian rap music arena, their agenda is to make music. Ministry is not a priority. God has to deal with their heart. Christian Rapper, David McKissic knew he had to make a choice.
Before he and the other members of the Christian hip-hop group Spit Unity devoted themselves to making Christian music, he says, they were serving two masters. In 2005. McKissic was a member of Triple G, a Christian group that combines mimicry and hip-hop dance.
He also was a member of a secular dance group, and McKissic says, even as he performed with Triple G, he was being drawn into the street life. It’s hard to live for Christ when you’re heavily involved in secular activities.
Being involved in a worldly lifestyle, McKissic says that he also saw many of his friends fall victim to the dangers of the streets. “A lot of the guys who have been caught up in some of the stuff that’s happened, we knew them,” he says.
By 2006, McKissic says, he realized he couldn’t continue to perform with Triple G unless he stopped getting in trouble. He had to change his life, and cutting his ties to the secular dance group had to be a part of that change.
Two years later, Spit Unity will release its first CD on its own record label with a release party at New Horizons Outreach Ministries, a local church. The CD included music by Spit Unity and two singers the group has signed to the label.
Some people might wonder why McKissic felt the need to change his tune, but fellow Spit Unity member Devon Middleton provides the answer. “When I was listening to secular music, it kind of influenced me to look at and talk to girls in the way the music was presented on the record,” Middleton says.
McKissic says he watched members of other Christian groups performing at a church event and drinking alcohol at a night club later in the week. Seeing those kinds of incidents prompted David to question the performers’ sincerity. He also started to evaluate and change his own life. He switched his artistic focus to gospel hip-hop, and he dedicated his life to Christ.
When you rap for Jesus, David learned that people hold you to a different standard David says he did not want their ministry to be affected. Starting the group Spit Unity and the record label of the same name, McKissic says, are part of that change.
“A lot of the music that is out now is negative,” he says, “so we thought that we wanted to put out music that had a positive message.” The Spit Unity label consists of the hip-hop group, which includes McKissic, Middleton, Andrue Farmer and Tyrome Payne, and two solo singers, William Briggs and Leanna Potts.
The group has ministered with other gospel hip-hop artist B-Phraze, the group G.O.P. and Cincinnati based K-Drama. McKissic says he believes his life shows how music can provide the soundtrack for the good and bad decisions that young people make.
Spit Unity are not members of Gospel Elevations yet, and maybe one day they 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.
Christian Hip Hop Changing Lives in Britain
One of Britain’s leading urban gospel producers, Victizzle, recently launched his debut album In My World, at The Ocean in Hackney, east London, alongside fellow artist Tunday. Nearly 2,000 people attended his album launch.
Victizzle feels that this album is his heart and soul, and its main aim really is to display his life and at the same time keep it as real, so that those who aren't Christian can relate. It’s called In My World because Christians get called hypocrites a lot, because of the 'holy' front that a lot of Believers put on. Victizzle wanted to make sure not hide his scars and present his imperfections in order to show people that as Christians we go through the same life's issues as any other human does, but with Christ it is all worth it!
Victizzle was quite strategic in creating this project. His songs touch on issues such as gangs, crime, and relationships, and don't seem very spiritual on first listening. He did it this way because non-Christians don’t understand spiritual. But the fact is scriptures are all over this album and are the core of it. Victizzle shows the Christian rap can be relevant and confront the hard and tough issues of life. The Gospel of Christ is able to bring change to a dying world. The Christian Hip Hop artist on Gospel Elevations know by experience the power of relating to the lost.
The things of God have always been a part of his life since he was a child. He was always forced to go to church as a child by his mother. However he really didn’t have a real relationship with Christ. But when he turned 15 Victizzle visited Kingsway International Christian Centre youth service and saw many young people praising God and keeping it real. That inspired him to get to know God for himself. At the tender age of 16, he decided to get involved in Kingdom living and make music to help people through life.
Victizzle started in gospel music as a teenager by joining the British group G-Force and produced half their album, which went on to win a MOBO [Music of Black Origin award] in 2007. Since then he has worked with many British artists, including Guvna B, Bibles Bibles Crew, Faith Child, and Tunday.
His music, Gospel Rap is impacting the lives of young people. His music is not just entertainment, it’s also ministry. Over the years he’s seen young kids come out of their negative and limited mindset and push to do great things
It’s Victizzle’s faith which helps him get through struggles and it helps him to help others get through the same struggles. Victizzle’s faith enables him to push into reaching the potential God has put into himself and is using it to impact many in a positive way. Victizzle loves God so much! He wished that he had met him earlier.
Victizzle 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.
Victizzle feels that this album is his heart and soul, and its main aim really is to display his life and at the same time keep it as real, so that those who aren't Christian can relate. It’s called In My World because Christians get called hypocrites a lot, because of the 'holy' front that a lot of Believers put on. Victizzle wanted to make sure not hide his scars and present his imperfections in order to show people that as Christians we go through the same life's issues as any other human does, but with Christ it is all worth it!
Victizzle was quite strategic in creating this project. His songs touch on issues such as gangs, crime, and relationships, and don't seem very spiritual on first listening. He did it this way because non-Christians don’t understand spiritual. But the fact is scriptures are all over this album and are the core of it. Victizzle shows the Christian rap can be relevant and confront the hard and tough issues of life. The Gospel of Christ is able to bring change to a dying world. The Christian Hip Hop artist on Gospel Elevations know by experience the power of relating to the lost.
The things of God have always been a part of his life since he was a child. He was always forced to go to church as a child by his mother. However he really didn’t have a real relationship with Christ. But when he turned 15 Victizzle visited Kingsway International Christian Centre youth service and saw many young people praising God and keeping it real. That inspired him to get to know God for himself. At the tender age of 16, he decided to get involved in Kingdom living and make music to help people through life.
Victizzle started in gospel music as a teenager by joining the British group G-Force and produced half their album, which went on to win a MOBO [Music of Black Origin award] in 2007. Since then he has worked with many British artists, including Guvna B, Bibles Bibles Crew, Faith Child, and Tunday.
His music, Gospel Rap is impacting the lives of young people. His music is not just entertainment, it’s also ministry. Over the years he’s seen young kids come out of their negative and limited mindset and push to do great things
It’s Victizzle’s faith which helps him get through struggles and it helps him to help others get through the same struggles. Victizzle’s faith enables him to push into reaching the potential God has put into himself and is using it to impact many in a positive way. Victizzle loves God so much! He wished that he had met him earlier.
Victizzle 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.
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