Columns & Editorials

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Christian rapper’s 'So You Think You Can Dance' stint only beginning of career

Dezzy Yates is an up-and-coming artist in more ways than one. He’s a rapper with a growing dance career.

D-Maub plans to end rap career in pursuit of outreach ministries

“One Route Entertainment probably won’t be around in the next couple of years,” D-Maub told Rapzilla. “It is difficult to say. I can’t say that I see myself being a part of it as much as I used to be. I just see it coming to an end pretty soon. I mean, I can’t rap forever.”

Expectations of 16-year-old Kaleb Mitchell are sky high after debut

As 16-year-old Kaleb Mitchell dropped his first solo project, Soliloquy, on July 10, there was little doubt in his colleagues’ mind that he has a bright future.

How rapper King David reacted when he recognized his absentee father among homeless while ministering

Christian hip-hop artist King David was feeding the homeless and preaching about Jesus when he suddenly spotted a familiar face in the crowd.

Christian hip-hop legend Pettidee reveals plans for new album

In 2016, Pettidee will release his 10th studio album.

Teen rapper KayLa Starks’s sacrifice for music pays off

Eighteen-year-old rapper KayLa Starks earned quite a few fans when she dropped her project To Be Honest this spring.

How God used Christian hip hop to change Michael and Karlon's lives

My American/English name is Michael Roach, but my Korean name is 정성수 (in Romanization, that's "Jung Sung Soo"), and for the longest time, I had always been searching for my identity.

Ex-stoner Jarry Manna’s music is earning high praise

At 22 years old, Tulsa, Oklahoma-based rapper Jarry Manna feels “super old.”

Meet KB and Natalie Lauren’s protégé: Joseph Solomon

Some might know Joseph Solomon from his YouTube channel chaseGodtv, discussing relevant topics through the lens of the gospel, or as a poet featured at Passion 4 Christ Movement’s annual “Rhetoric” spoken-word event last year, but now he’s pursuing another avenue of expression.

Why ‘Fresh Prince’ guest star HOPP spurned Def Jam and reality TV show

It was shooting night for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The cast and crew were not quite ready, so Will Smith took the show’s child guest actor to his personal dressing room. Hours later, after playing video games with the celebrated celebrity, HOPP was finally ready for his ultimate acting debut.

Why Christon Gray declined major mainstream labels for Kirk Franklin’s Fo Yo Soul

Christon Gray had options.

Four record labels courted the versatile artist after his departure from Collision Records, according to his management, Tom Drawer. Three of those labels were mainstream.

17-year-old Adrian Stresow gives 'hope for the future'

In April, 16-year-old rapper Adrian Stresow released his second mixtape, Senioritis.

SkyBlew: From foster child to one of Christian hip-hop's coolest nerds

SkyBlew can easily be spotted in a crowd, sporting a gray-faced, blue-haired friend with a story of his own on his head. It’s become his staple; so much that if he doesn’t wear it, people ask “where’s your hat?” he said.

Tragic Hero: How his own worst enemy grew to be his best ally

Tragic Hero understands the difficulties of life like the back of his hand.

How God used Christian hip hop to change Andy's life

It was the summer of 2008, and I was endeavoring on a new life — a life that was completely different from what I had known for the 13 years preceding — a life of sobriety.

5 Greatest Athletes in Christian Hip Hop

No two occupations may envy each other more.

“Athletes wanna be rappers, rappers wanna be athletes,” Lil Wayne once told ESPN.

Fedel: What artists can learn from the least likely full-time Christian rapper

Fedel has never charted on Billboard, yet he released his third retail album as a full-time Christian rapper last month, Flaw.

Female producer RavO has Grammy-winning potential, Gemstones says

Thousands of people try to attract the attention of rappers every day on social media. Rarely do they get a response, let alone an opportunity to work on an artist’s debut album. But that’s exactly what happened to RavO.

How God used Christian hip hop to change Sean and Asa's lives

To someone who is shy, the internet is gold.

Spec: ‘Vacancy’ would’ve been finished sooner if artists didn’t keep buying my hits

California-based rapper/producer Spec released his first retail album, Vacancy, on May 19, which is later than he expected to drop it.

Christian hip-hop artists from quarreling African countries unite to release ‘We Are One Africa’ EP

In response to fatal, xenophobic violence in South Africa this spring, 21 Christian hip-hop artists from 10 African countries have released an EP titled We Are One Africa to inspire unity between feuding nations.

How God used Christian hip hop to change Kia's life

Why am I being taught that God's love is all I need to comfort me, but at the hand of my own father, I was crying myself to sleep?

After parting with Lupe Fiasco, six-year wait for debut LP worth it for Gemstones

On May 5, Gemstones released his debut album a decade in the making. Not only did his fans have to wait four long months since the original release date was pushed back, but the artist formerly known as Gemini left an entire fan base hanging when he walked away from the mainstream industry years ago.

Two planned suicides shaped Joey Jewish's new album 'American Dream'

Joey Jewish is still fairly new to Christian hip hop. He testifies to be seriously pursuing rap for about 2-3 years now. Out of these few years, one moment has significantly stood out among all others.

Former lesbian Jackie Hill-Perry responds to Bruce Jenner’s sex change

Jackie Hill-Perry’s story of transformation is different than Caitlyn Jenner’s, but the Christian hip-hop/spoken-word artist identifies with the feelings that led Bruce to undergo gender transition.

J. Han: Becoming a leader when you don’t belong

Maryland-based rapper J. Han made time to chat about his debut album last month as he attended the White House Summit on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).

Apple to change music game again?

Apple Inc. is expected to announce the launch of a revamped music service next week, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Drew Allen seeks authenticity over vanity in 'Jenesis'

Drew Allen is an Oakland, Calif. native with a background infused with music being “raised in the studio,” he said.

How God used Christian hip hop to change Anthony, David and Kevin's lives

My name is Anthony. When I was younger, I didn't grow up in a house that practiced any sort of religion.

Will Gotee Records Get Back into Hip Hop with John Reuben?

Former Gotee Rapper John Reuben is Back, This Time He’s In Charge

Today, it was announced that the newly-formed Zealot Networks has acquired the Nashville-based Gotee Records — founded by TobyMac, Todd Collins and Joey Elwood — which recently just celebrated a second decade of operation.