In the past four years, hip-hop artist KJ-52 has broken down many of the barriers that have existed between traditional urban music and Christian consumers. What started as a Florida-based street ministry has grown to include magazine covers, successful radio singles, movie soundtracks and national touring. KJ-52 has also had an amazing impact on culture due to the uncompromising "Dear Slim" which challenges mainstream rapper Eminem's negative outlook on the world. KJ's mission has remained pure, and consumers are responding to his authenticity.
KJ-52's critically-acclaimed national debut, produced by former Gotee Brother Todd Collins, was nominated for a Dove Award for Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year. New fans will want to complete their KJ-52 collections with the re-release of 7th Avenue which includes five previously unreleased tracks, KJ's version of dc talk's "The Hardway" plus guest appearances by GRITS, Knowdaverbs, Amani, Cross Movement and others.
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Introduction To Quality Rap| Posted January 30, 2008
Christian hip-hop has come a long way. In th early 90's, all we were seeing was GrapeTree Records spit out "gangsta-turned-thug for Jesus" recordings one after another. The quality was poor, the lyrics were raw and most people could not relate with the message that was being said. But things dramatically changed with this release, and new hip-hop artist KJ-52 has emerged on this high wave of new talent streaming into the Christian marketplace. KJ shines as a storyteller, dramatically telling the story of Christ through phrases like "the greatest M.C." His lyrics are amazingly deep, and if do not sit down with the liner notes in front of you and follow along while KJ talks his way through his music, you are cheating yourself. The words are his message, and they are straight up evangelical. One of my favorites is his "conversation" with a nonbeliver as he explains why "I Do What I Do." "First of all I do this for God's revealing / Second to give the crowd something to be feeling / Third to make sure every word is heat seeking / If you're down with all three throw your hands to the ceiling." Uh huh, I'm down!
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