I love singing devotional songs, in whatever language.
When we first started, I didn't know there was Christian rock or Christian music. I just thought we were a rock band that stuck to our convictions... Like every other hardcore band out there sang or screamed what they thought, we did the same thing.
When people ask me what I call myself, I am not going to say 'Christian rapper,' because what they think of when they hear Christian rap is something very different from what I do.
The industry is starting to be more open to what we do. I just don't want us to be boxed in whatever people assume Christian rap should be. We're dudes who love hip hop, and we love Jesus, and that's going to be apparent in our music.
In fact, I wouldn't really call this a Gospel album, I call it more an inspirational album.
Lizz Wright, we call her lovingly 'Amazing Grace.' She has a folk and gospel kind of approach to the music, and she writes beautiful lyrics and songs. She's like this balm that is really full and very rich and deep.
I've done gospel songs on every album.
I don't like calling it Christian rap. Titles are so limiting. It's hip-hop. I'm a rapper.
There are two thing you need for a jolly good hymn.The first is a set of words that expresses the mood or sentiment of the worshipper.The second-and perhaps even more important- is a good tune..with a simple popular melody.
The great folk hymns are a perfect marriage of text and tune. There are those that have nice messages and some with good music, but it is such a bonus when they are both wonderful.
I don't make Christian rap, but I am a Christian rapper.
My entrance to music was singing gospel in church, and to hear that gospel language in a hip-hop song was cool.
Someone like a Bob Marley - he was singing Scripture.
My grandfather once ventured upon publishing a volume of hymns. I never heard anyone speak in their favour or argue that they ought to have been sung in the congregation. In that volume, he promised a second if the first should prove acceptable. We forgive him the first collection because he did not inflict another.
Blind Willie Johnson is a pretty big vocal influence. He can be very harsh, like gargly, gruff vocals, but also just slip into some very delicate, vulnerable soft stuff. I like that combination.
I'm not so much into the beats. I'm more into the spiritual side of the music.
If someone announces me as a 'Christian rapper,' there's still an 'Eh, no thanks.' But perceptions are starting to change.
P.O.D. kind of built that brand name. We came out and have been open about our faith. We've always been a positive band in a world that's pretty crazy and wild.
Ironically, we live in times that are awash in authentic sacred music.
