Monday, April 16, 2012

The Top Ten Greatest Christian Hip-Hop Artists Ever

This is my list based on industry impact combined with each artists level of talent. Enjoy!

1. Lecrae (@Lecrae)

   There is not a Christian rapper on the planet that has impacted the Hip-Hop industry at the level Lecrae has. He has gotten recognition from no malice (formerly known as malice from the Clipse), Lupe Fiasco, Static Selektah and much more.  He is performing at the same events as artist like the Wu-Tang clan and Odd Future. He sells hundreds of thousands of records and charts for weeks upon weeks. Lecrae has been nominated for a Grammy and has won many Christian music awards. His flow, lyrics and production is way above average. He is the most well-known Christian rapper with above average talent in the world and that’s why he is the number one rapper on this list. 


2. T-Bone (@BoneySoprano)

   T-Bone is one of the pioneers of Christian Hip-Hop. He has been rocking the mic since the early 90’s. He has been nominated for a Grammy three times and has won many Christian music awards.  He has collaborated with secular Hip-Hop artist like KRS-ONE, Mack 10 and Chino XL. His lyrical ability is undeniable. He has been interviewed by Jay-Z and has appeared on MTV several times. You might have seen him in The Fighting Temptations with Cuba Gooding JR. and Beyoncé. T-Bone has taken the message of the cross to the masses. 




3. Da T.R.U.T.H (@truthonduty)

   Da T.R.U.T.H is one of the top selling Christian rap artists. He has won a Stellar Award and has been nominated for a Grammy award. He has toured alongside artist like Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary. Da T.R.U.T.H has a sick flow! You might have seen him on the 24th Annual Stellar Awards, MTV’s My Super Sweet 16, BET’s Lift Every Voice, TBN, Daystar and Gospel Music Channel. Da T.R.U.T.H is a Hip-Hop legend.


4. The Ambassador (ambassador 215)

   The Ambassador is a founding member of the legendary Gospel Hip-Hop group Cross Movement. He dropped a Hip-Hop classic with his debut album Christology: In Laymen’s Terms. As a member of Cross Movement he was nominated for a Stellar and Grammy for the Cross Movement album History: Our Place in His Story. The Ambassador is one of the best artists lyrically. 



 5. Rhema Soul (@rhemasoul)
   
   Rhema Soul may not boast the same amount of accolades as Lecrae, Da T.R.U.T.H, KJ-52 or Grits but they have the talent to match Christian Hip-Hop acts like that and probably advance past them. They have appeared on secular television network Fuse TV for their video “Steez” and they have performed at one of the premier musical events Rock the Universe alongside artist like Grits, Relient K, David Crowder Band, and Switchfoot.  They are an all-star combination of Butta P, K-Nuff and Juan Love. Their new album “Red” is amazing.



6.  Trip Lee (@triplee116)


   Trip Lee is the most successful artist on reach records after Lecrae. He is easily a household name for Christian Hip-Hop fans and he is only 24 years old. Three of his albums have charted on industry charts. His latest album the “The Good Life” debuted at #2 overall on i-tunes passing Nicki Minaj. Trip Lee has high quality production and makes hit songs. 




7.  Grits (@OfficialGrits)

   Grits is a Christian Hip-Hop success. Their hit single Ooh Aah has appeared on MTV and the soundtrack to The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift and Big Momma’s House 2. They have sold hundreds of thousands of records and have won a Dove award, definitely one of the most noteworthy Christian rap groups.  


8.Braille (@braillehiphop)

   Braille reaches a secular audience better than most. He is all over college radio and tours a lot. He has performed alongside artists like James Brown and De La Soul. He is part of the lyrical heavy hitter crew “Humble Beast”. One of the most respected faith based Hip-Hop artist ever. 


    9. Sho Baraka (@AmIshoBaraka)

         He is one of the most well-known artists.He has toured with the 116 clique. He left Reach Records and started one of the hottest new Hip-Hop crews “The High Society Collective” which includes Jamm, JR, Suzy Rock and Swoope. He is also a member of Hello Revolution. Sho Baraka is killing it! 


    10. Shai Linne (@ShaiLinne)

       One of the most humble rappers in the music industry, since he won’t say it I will “Sha Linne is one of the greatest lyricist ever.”  I don’t think anyone takes theological content and expresses it at a higher lyrical level. I love this dude. He has collaborated with Flame, Trip Lee and more. 






Honorable Mention:
Flame
KJ-52
Andy Mineo
Rey King
Gospel Gangstaz
Pro
Cross Movement
Social Club
















1 comment:

  1. uggh. I guess history doesn't count. Sup the Chemist should be on the list no question, without him Christian hip-hop wouldn't be where it is today. Also LPG. The Earthworm album is one of the best Christian hip-hop records assembled. But I apologize though, that may be too underground hip-hop for you

    ReplyDelete