Looking to groove to the sounds of rap and hip-hop, but want lyrics that align with your faith? Here are 10 gospel artists you should know who are taking the rap/hip-hop world by storm!
1K Phew
Born and raised in the ATL, 1K Phew is a gospel artist on the rise. In 2022, he won the Stellar Award for Best Rap Hip-Hop Gospel Album of the Year with Lecrae for the groundbreaking album NO CHURCH IN A WHILE (Reach Records). 1K Phew gets his name from being 1000% real, no matter what. His music is known for telling the story of being overcoming challenges in life and letting his light shine.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1kphew/
2. Lecrae
Lecrae is no stranger to the gospel world. He is the president, co-owner and co-founder of the independent record label, Reach Records. He's won 2 Grammy Awards. Lecrae became the first hip hop artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album for his album Gravity at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards.
Website: https://lecrae.com/
3. Pastor Mike Jr.
Stellar Award winner for Artist of the Year for two consecutive years, Pastor Mike Jr. is taking the gospel world by storm. Most of his songs are uplifting with an urban flare. He's able to seamlessly create songs that transition between traditional gospel to rap and hip-hop. His rap song Blessed was one of the most played song on gospel radio. Pastor Mike Jr. is a gifted, eclectic artist who's able to appeal to a broad audience, including the younger generation.
Website: https://pastormikejr.com/home
4. Amethyst
This Nashville native is carving out a unique space as a female gospel hip-hop artist. In 2022, Amethyst along with Mali Music won the Stellar Award for the catchy hip-hop song "Redeemed." This worship leader at Holy Temple Cathedral COGIC in Harvey, IL is also some smart cookie. She also attended the "ivy league of the Midwest," Northwestern University.
Website: http://instagram.com/amethystsings/
5. Tye Tribbett
Fresh off of the Reunion Tour, Tye Tribbett has been at the forefront of the intersection of gospel and hip-hop music. He's been nominated for 10 Grammy Awards, winning 2. His song "Get Up" blazed gospel charts for weeks. In 2023, he won the Stellar Award for Producer of the Year for his album ALL THINGS NEW (Motown Gospel). He even created a dance playlist from the songs on the album. If you're a fan of rap and hip-hop music, you don't want to miss out on the vocal talents of Tye Tribbett.
Website: https://tyetribbett.com/
6. Bizzle
This Texas Christian rapper is the founder of the record label God Over Money Records. He released his first album, TOUGH LOVE & PARABLES, in 2011. In 2013, Bizzle won Kingdom Choice Awards for Rap Single of The Year, Hip Hop Album of The Year, and Music Video of The Year. In 2022, his album SOUL THERAPY was nominated for Best Rap Hip-Hop Gospel Album of the Year at the37th Annual Stellar Awards.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizzle/
7. Aaron Cole
This 24-year old Christian rap/hip-hop artist is making is mark on the gospel world. At the age of 16, Aaron Cole was inducted into Rapzilla's Freshman Class. Essence Magazine noted him as one of 16 gospel artists to watch.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamaaroncole/
8. Jevon Dewand ft. Trap Starz
After their electrifying performance at the 38th Annual Stellar Awards of their song "Change 'No Cap'," Jevon Dewand featuring Trap Starz has been one to watch. With mega-producer Jazze Pha behind them, they're a gospel rap group to watch out for.
Instagram: instagram.com/jevondewand
9. Derek Minor
Founding member of the hip-hop group R.M.G., Derek Minor has released six studio albums. His album EMPIRE debuted at #1 on the Top Christian chart. His single "Change the World" featuring Hollyn from his subsequent album reached #1 on Billboard's Hot AC/CHR chart.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thederekminor/
10. Tedashii
Tedashii is a Christian hip hop artist and member of the hip-hop troupe, 116 Clique. In 2013 Tedashii's one-year-old son died. His fourth album, BELOW PARADISE, is based off of his spiritual struggle after his son's passing.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tedashii
In addition to these 10 artists, don't forget these hip-hop classics!
Mali Music- "Tell The World" with Lecrae
Mary Mary- "Something Bigger"
Kierra Sheard- Repin' My God ft. Canton Jones
Kirk Franklin- "Stomp"
...among others