Christian hip hop (CHH) has grown from a niche genre into a powerful cultural force, reaching audiences well beyond church walls and into the mainstream. This expansion offers a unique opportunity for Today’s Christian Entertainment (TCE) to highlight CHH, inspiring readers with its message of hope and redemption. My journey within CHH, from working alongside some of its pioneering voices to witnessing its cultural impact, equips me to contribute meaningfully to TCE’s vision for CHH content. Together, we can bring CHH to the forefront, inspiring readers and showcasing the immense talent and message of this movement.
My Start in CHH: Partnering with a Pioneer
In 2012, I began my journey in CHH as the Rhythmic Promotions Manager at Shamrock Media Group, where I had the privilege of working alongside the late, great Chris Chicago, a pioneer in CHH. Together, we championed Grammy-winning and independent artists alike, promoting their work to radio stations and DJs worldwide. This role allowed me to professionally promote CHH to Christian radio, secure airplay for multiple artists, and build relationships with programmers who became advocates for the genre. Several of the singles we promoted, including many from Reach Records, went on to chart in the Top 20 of Billboard’s Christian radio charts, showing CHH’s resonance in the broader Christian community.
In this role, I saw the impact that CHH was having on listeners, especially young people looking for a relatable, faith-centered sound. Being able to connect CHH artists with audiences opened my eyes to the genre’s potential to uplift and engage people from all walks of life. This experience solidified my commitment to CHH as a viable, positive alternative that speaks truth without sacrificing musical depth or energy.
Elevating CHH Through Jam The Hype
My work with Chris Chicago continued when I became Managing Editor for Jam The Hype, a platform he created to amplify CHH voices. As Managing Editor, I oversaw a team dedicated to producing fresh content, including album reviews, artist interviews, and CHH news. We provided a platform where both established and emerging voices could thrive, creating a community where CHH enthusiasts could find the latest updates and insights on the genre. Jam The Hype averaged 60,000 monthly visitors, underscoring the growing interest in CHH and the potential to reach audiences with faith-inspired content.
My experience at Jam The Hype furthered my understanding of how CHH connects with listeners. Working with Grammy-winning artists and rising talents alike underscored the importance of building a platform that champions diversity within the genre and reflects its real-world impact. My time as Managing Editor helped me see that CHH is more than music—it’s a ministry that addresses everyday struggles, providing a message of resilience and hope.
CHH’s Journey: From dc Talk to Lecrae and NF
Christian hip hop didn’t immediately enter the mainstream but emerged from a grassroots movement, with early pioneers like Michael Peace and SFC paving the way in the late 1980s. A turning point came in the 1990s when dc Talk blended rap elements into their rock-infused sound. Albums like Free at Last introduced a new approach to CHH, creating space for Christian themes to be explored within hip hop. dc Talk’s success helped lay the foundation for artists like tobyMac, who continued to bridge the gap between hip hop, pop, and rock with his solo career.
Today, the reach of CHH has grown significantly, with artists like Lecrae breaking barriers by winning Grammy Awards for albums such as Gravity and achieving mainstream success with Anomaly. Lecrae’s journey showed that CHH could thrive on both Christian and secular platforms, inspiring a new generation of artists to push the genre’s boundaries. Similarly, NF has brought CHH to a mainstream audience with chart-topping albums like The Search and Perception, proving that the genre can connect deeply with audiences outside the traditional Christian sphere.
Why Christian Hip Hop Matters to TCE and the Next Generation
Christian hip hop speaks powerfully to today’s generation, providing a positive alternative to the often-negative messages in mainstream hip hop. Young listeners are drawn to CHH because it addresses real-life challenges while staying grounded in faith, offering hope and a path forward. For TCE, expanding our coverage to include CHH allows us to reach an audience that might feel disconnected from other Christian music genres, giving them a sound and message that resonates on a personal level.
Bringing CHH to TCE is about more than just expanding our genre lineup—it’s about connecting with people where they are and showing them a faith-centered perspective. CHH doesn’t sugarcoat reality; it speaks truth while offering hope, making it a vital addition to TCE’s content lineup.
Building TCE’s CHH Content for the Future
My vision for CHH at TCE is to go beyond traditional album reviews and artist spotlights, creating a space where the genre’s transformative stories can shine. I’m excited to bring in-depth interviews, features, and reviews that highlight CHH’s diversity, talent, and impact. By featuring established names and rising stars alike, we can show our readers that CHH has something unique to offer, addressing the struggles of today while pointing toward hope.
With thoughtful curation, TCE can become a trusted platform for those interested in CHH, bringing stories of resilience, creativity, and faith. Engaging with artists and influencers in CHH will help TCE reach new audiences and deepen our connection with readers, positioning us as a resource for those eager to explore this genre.
A New Era for TCE and Christian Hip Hop
As TCE embraces Christian hip hop, we’re not only expanding our content but also joining a movement that transforms lives through music. My experiences with Shamrock Media Group, Jam The Hype, and my work with pioneers like Chris Chicago have prepared me to help bring this genre to TCE’s audience in an authentic, meaningful way.
Christian hip hop is more than just a genre—it’s a call to hope and transformation. By showcasing its artists, messages, and impact, TCE can help listeners find music that resonates with their faith, offering a message that speaks to the heart and invites them to be part of something bigger. This new chapter for TCE is about reaching people through music that uplifts and encourages, and I’m honored to bring Christian hip hop to the forefront in a way that truly celebrates its power to change lives.