10 Most Influential Artists in CHH (Personal Opinion)

Lecrae Concert in Tulsa, OK

Christian Hip Hop (CHH) and all of its other variants (Gospel Rap, Christian Rap, Faith Rap, etc) have made a very unique impression in the world of hip hop and even music in general. I never thought some of the CHH artists I've heard during the early 2000s would've blown up to be some of the most respected lyricists in the game. For those of you who aren't too familiar with the sub-genre, it started back in the '80s but you can find even deeper roots with a group called The Jubailaires and their song "Noah" where it definitely sounds like rap is being used before rap was even a thing. Mind you, that group was active from the 1940s to the '50s! Even though this is the case, the Jubailares will not be on this list as "rap" wasn't a thing until the late 70's when it began to become a genre in its own right. CHH has many artists and groups that could've made this list 50 influential artists or even 100 but I don't feel like writing that much. So I did my very best to make this list as eclectic as possible. Hopefully, you'll learn a little something and if you're the type who kinda shrugged off or snubbed CHH, you may give a little more credit to these men and women.

10. Heesun Lee (Staten Island, NY)

When it comes to female rappers, they're a dime a dozen. You have Lauren Hill, Missy Elliot to Cardi B and Nicki Minaj. That group gets even further marginalized when it comes to Asian rappers, let alone female Asian rappers. Even further when it comes to female Asian rappers who declare Jesus as King. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Heesun Lee is indeed a rarity in the culture of CHH. Her mic skills could honestly put to shame to some of today's MC's (both male and female). Her album Stereotypes was her breakthrough album as it threw her name in billboard Gospel charts. A busy mother and wife, Heesun steadily pushed out 2 more projects Beauty For Ashes in 2016 and most recently Flying Cars this year. Heesun is most definitely an inspiration to many young ladies but even more so to ladies in the Asian community who desire to express their faith.

09. The 4 Horseman 
Loso (Tampa, FL) Street Hymns (Dallas, TX) Th3 Saga (Queens, NY) A. Ward (Kansas City, MO)

The next entry is a group of 4 brothers absolutely killing the battle rap scene. When you think battle rap it's more than likely you think of clubs or bars where the lines being thrown heavily involve sexual innuendos, gun violence, and profanity that would make Gordon Ramsey blush. So it's surprising to know that some of the hottest rising MC's in the sport of battle rap are truly unashamed believers. Arguably the most prominent of the 4 is Loso who has taken on some of the biggest names in battle rap including B.Dot & DNA. However, his fellow horsemen are no small potatoes as Th3 Saga who created the stable has several classics under his belt including a battle in which a rapper named Tink the Demon actually threw up before the battle even started (was this a spiritual reaction to facing Saga or drinking too much we don't know.) Street Hymns is a proud nerd whose insane rhyme schemes have kept him in the conversation. In one case his opponent never arrived at the battle which is a big no-no in battle rap. A.Ward is a passionate MC who is also climbing the ranks. According to a list created by The Source A. Ward was one of the top battlers of 2018 (1 spot above Loso). Needless to say, the brothers are making themselves known in a community where it is least expected. They're different and they're shining they're light.

08. KJ-52 (Tampa, FL)

KJ-52 is a veteran in the realm of CHH. Releasing his first solo project in 2000, the man is almost 2 decades into his musical career. KJ (real name Jonah Sorrentino) is more than a rapper. He also has taken a Pastoral role as a teacher in his home church. He is also (and more recently) become an author and has released a book "What Happened Was" chronicling his journey. KJ also has some notoriety to his name as in 2002 he released a song entitled "Dear Slim" where he's reaching out to rap icon Eminem. The song caught the attention of so many it got featured on MTV's Total Request Live. Oddly many translated this as a diss track towards the future "rap god" and fans sent hateful letters and even death threats to KJ. KJ-52 would constantly be teased as the Christian version of Eminem which is an unfortunate stigma still pinned to many white rappers. KJ believes however Eminem did respond to the track 9 years later in his song "Be Careful What You Wish For." As polarizing as KJ may have been at the time, similar to Shady, KJ continues to push forward has since amassed 12 albums, collabed with some CHH's top such as Lecrae, Derek Minor, This'l, TobyMac, KB and countless others. At 43 years old it seems KJ still has a lot more bars in him and he seems to only get better with age. 

07. Danny "D-Boy" Rodriguez (Dallas, TX)

It's more than likely that if you're a current fan of CHH you may not have ever heard of D-Boy. During CHH's infancy, there weren't a lot of people out there doing it. Danny Rodriguez was signed to Frontline Records, a label centered on faith-based modern rock, pop and hip hop. D-Boy often used to the term "street poet" as opposed to rapper. He's also regarded as one of the first in the sub-genre to utilize sampling in his records. The reason Danny makes this list, however, is a more saddening one. Danny is regarded as Christian Hip Hops first martyr. Rodriguez was shot in his apartment in 1990. No official cause for the shooting has ever been released. According to his mother, the reasons varied from mistaken identity to attempted robbery but no one really knows. It's without hesitation we'd say Danny left believing in the God he earnestly rapped about. As far as commercial success Danny's album "Lyrical Strength of One Street Poet" landed number 35 on Billboards CCM charts but received little radio play as at the time, Christian radio wasn't ready for the "raw" rap sound of Danny. His story is a reminder that we should always try to live for Christ and if it happens, to be ready to ultimately die for him. "Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." Matthew 10:39.

                                                                             06. Beautiful Eulogy (Portland, OR)         

(from left to right) Courtland Urbano, Odd Thomas, & Braille)

When you think of rap you probably wouldn't think of 3 white dudes from Portland, Oregon. Beautiful Eulogy, however, brings an incredibly clean cut kind of rap to the table. Longtime rap veteran Braille and Odd Thomas joined forces with producer Courtland Urbano (former known a DJ Xperiment) to create a truly unique sounding group. They have been called Experimental Hip Hop, Hipster Hip Hop and even Coffee House Hip Hop. One thing is certain, they bring their love for the Messiah and proper theology to the forefront of their music. Their not aiming for billboard accolades, awards or earning spots in our top 10 lists but rather to see souls not only won for the Messiah but souls to fall in love with him. The trio is a part of the Humble Beast roster a non-profit record label who gives their music away freely (although to purchase is an option and donating is as well). They have expanded their label to more than music. Humble Beast also deals with art, books and has even begun (albeit a short-lived) coffee distribution. Needless to say, Beautiful Eulogy is, in my opinion regardless of its 501 status is a CHH powerhouse. Both Braille and Odd Thomas have been regarded as some of the best rappers in the history of the sub-genre based on skill alone. 

05. Jackie Hill Perry (St. Louis, MO)

Spoken word artist, MC, Speaker, Author, and Instagram Comedienne (I'm not kidding) Jackie Hill Perry is an amazing walking example of God's grace. Her poetry will draw you in like a deer who didn't know it was thirsty to a lake. You'll want to hear more. Subject matter ranging from Marijuana to Homosexuality, Jackie brings a confidence to the mic and that the holy spirit only amplifies when conviction comes to the listener. Jackie Hill is well known for being an ex-lesbian who became a God fearing woman who abandoned her desires to seek God. This echoes the heart of Jeremiah 17:9 (read it). In 2014 Jackie released her first rap album entitled "The Art of Joy" to the #6 spot on the Itunes Rap/Hip Hop chart. This will be a good time to let you know Jackie is signed to Humble Beast records. Yeah, if you read the entry above than you know that's the non-profit record label that gives music out for free. That should tell you loads about her influence and the support of her fans. Jackie is also a part of the largest spoken word tour in the world "Poets in Autumn" where she along with several other spoken word artists travel around the country performing their poetry. As mentioned, Jackie left her lesbianism and the details of her story can be found in her book "Gay Girl Good God" which can be purchased here. Jackie released her sophomore project last year "Crescendo" which also sat pretty in the charts. Jackie is married to fellow spoken word artist Preston Perry and has two daughters Eden and Autumn. 

04. The Cross Movement (Philadelphia, PA)

The Cross Movement (From left to right): Ambassador, Earthquake,
Phanatik, Cruz Cordero, John Wells  (Tonic),  T.R.U.-L.I.F.E.)

Arguably one of the pillars of CHH is philadelphia's own Cross Movement. This group and label started in 1996 and their first album in 97'. For a lot of today's MC's the Cross Movement was either heavily influential or gave a them a lauching pad. Veterans such as Lecrae, Da' T.R.U.T.H. and FLAME all had their start with Cross Movement. Andy Mineo has stated during his early on career that Ambassador was his favorite rapper. It's almost accurate to say without these gentleman offering their ministry, studio time, help and platform that we may have never seen a blow up in CHH the way we have now. In 2009 founding member Juan "Enoch" James passed away due to a heart attack at the young age of 35. Enoch has been honored by many in the CHH community including battle rapper Street Hymns. The influence of the movement cannot be denied. They went on several solo ventures notably Ambassador who's earned several nominations throughout. In 2016 the group was awarded the Legacy Lifetime Award for their contributions to the community, sub-genre and their service to the Messiah. The Cross Movement made it clear however, it's never about the awards or accolades but rather fulfilling their purpose in Christ and reflecting that love to others. And that is truly a legacy worth keeping alive.

03. T-Bone (San Francisco, CA)

Since 1993 T-Bone has been dropping lyrics for the glory of God but has been active since 89'. T-Bone's story is saturated in gang violence with the on going war between Crypts and Bloods. After seeing his friend get shot and killed "over a color" he began to redirect his life towards Christ. T-Bone trail blazed through CHH and even made crossover appeal. T-Bone collaborated with mainstream artists such as Mack-10, KRS One and Chino XL. T-Bone hosted several music video based shows on GMC, TBN & JC-TV. He also would see himself sharing the big screen with Cuba Gooding Jr. and "the queen" Beyonce in the film "The Fighting Temptations." T-Bone also appeared in the 2013 film "I'm in Love with a Church Girl" along with rap veteran Ja Rule. T-Bone has now since become a singer in the pop genre, specifically Latin Gospel Pop.  However, T-Bone released his final hip hop album "Broken English" after 10 years. T-Bone when interviewing other rappers who cited to listen to his work would "challenge" them to recite the lyrics to Lyrical Assassin, a classic track of his. Although at times some of his songs came across as braggadocious there's no denying T-Bone is grateful for where the Lord has taken and continues to take him. T-Bone has shown that a person who adhere's to the faith can certainly become successful without compromise and that there's more to life than what the world is offering. 

02. Pastor Stephen Wiley (Muskogee, OK)

Stephen Wiley is most likely the reason any of these people are here. Stephen Wiley was a Jazz drummer and local DJ. He is also regarded as the 1st artist to ever record a full Christian rap album. In 1985 he released his cassette "Bible Break." The song of the same title would reach number 14 in 86' on Christian radio. Stephen released 5 more projects before laying down the mic. Stephen founded and Pastors Praise Center Family Church in his home town. He is also the Assistant Vice President, Director of Christian Ministries and Assistant Professor of Religion, at Bacone College where he teaches full-time. T-Bone has acknowledged the work of Wiley in his song "Our History." Social Club Misfits (when they were simply known as Social Club) also gave a nod to Stephen Wiley in the their song "Art Vandelay" from their free project "Summer of George." Stephen Wiley is also in the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. We believe Stephen is certainly in line for a Legacy award or some sort of recognition from today's CHH community. Thank you Pastor Wiley!

01. Lecrae (Houston, TX)

Arguably one of the most polarizing figures in the sub-genre. However you look at Lecrae one thing's for certain, the man is truly influential in the genre. Where to start? As mentioned Lecrae started with the Cross Movement and his first few big hits were songs like "Prayin' For You" and of course "Jesus Muzik" with Trip Lee. Lecrae wouldn't explode until a little further down the road when his 3rd studio album "Rebel" came out in 2008. It was Lecrae's first album to hit the billboard 200 charts (at #60). Thanks to his song "Don't Waste Your Life" Lecrae could no longer go unnoticed. He was making noise. His next album "Rehab" catapulted him to #17 on the Billboard and the song that truly earned Lecrae a spot on larger stages was his song "Background." On a personal note, Lecrae has made reading the scriptures relevant for me. He made it "cool" to get into the word. As I did so, I realized it wasn't "cool" but rather necessary for my growth and I will always be grateful for that.  Fast forward to his Church Clothes mixtape release and now mainstream hip hop is on notice. His 2012 album "Gravity" seen stellar production, art direction and collaboration with mainstream artist Big K.R.I.T. It seems Lecrae began to echo the success of T-Bone but to a much larger scale (No disrespect to T-Bone). Today Lecrae  has a total of 12 projects. His music has been featured in reality shows, films and even Disney. But Lecrae is more than music. He's taken countless trips to the 3rd world countries and brought hope to those in need along with getting his hands dirty. He's persistently pushing against injustices (especially those of race), he's written pieces regarding the culture, he's challenged men (especially men of color) to be present and better fathers to their children. Lecrae may be polarizing to some but at the end the Lord sees his heart. If you don't like him, fine but pray for him. Lecrae is the co-owner of reach records who hosts a roster of talented artists (Trip Lee, Tedashii, Andy Mineo, Gawvi, KB, 1k Phew, and WHATUPRG), he's a New York Times best selling author, he's a leader and has helped redefine the sub-genre.  Lecrae has reached over to a place that few aspiring CHH artists may never see. That shouldn't make us jealous or spiteful but rather celebratory as someone is shining a lot in the dark space we cannot get too.