At the turn of the century, Christian Rap had taken considerable steps in size and sound since the ’90s and ’80s. During 2000, many of Christian Rap’s greatest emcees were on the mic making their stamp on the genre and their legacy. Here are 10 albums that turn 20 years old in 2020!
The Cross Movement – Human Emergency
The hospital-themed album by the OG record label, Phanatik, Ambassador, Tonic, EarthQuake, and Enoch lead Cross Movement’s third album. This is considered by some to be their best one, so definitely check it out!
Notable Tracks: “Know Me (Huh, What?),” “Live Aqua,” and “The Light (The Blazin One)”
J-Roc – Last Days: Perilous Times
This album blends together 2000s rap and R&B. If you love this style of Hip-Hop then you must check out this album.
Notable Tracks: “Soldier’s Cry,” “Retaliation Is A Must,” and “Obey My Calling”
Japhia Life – Pages of Life: Chapter One
This is the Christian Rap veteran’s first album. Japhia is introspective about his life and the life around him on the West Coast.
Notable Tracks: “Precious Memories,” “Fortunate,” and “Let None Die”
John Reuben – Are We There Yet?
This is the first studio album John Reuben released with Gotee Records. This kicked off his eight album career. Are We There Yet? also contains one of his most iconic songs, “Do Not.” At the very least, check that song out!
Notable Records: “Do Not,” “Him Her He She,” and “Gather In”
KJ-52 – 7th Avenue
While most first studio albums for artists are their benchmark for greatness, KJ-52’s 7th Avenue was released to little fanfare even though “bar wise,” it’a one of his best. The album had selling numbers that were way under projections and the KJ’s label dropped him shortly after this album, but his career would take off with his next release. He’s come a long way from this album!
Notable Tracks: “123,” “The Hardway,” and “We Roc The Mic”
True 2 Society – All Up In Yo Face
This is the rap duo’s last album together. This album is another Christian Rap album influenced heavily by R&B. If you look at the album cover, you can see that this album features many artists active in the genre at the time.
Notable Tracks: “All In Yo Face,” “Around the World,” and “Touch”
Gospel Gangstaz – All Mixed Up
No one can talk about Christian Rap without mentioning Gospel Gangstaz. Mr. Solo, Chille Baby, DJ Dove, and Tik Tokk, who are former gang members, came into Christian Rap and quickly became a top dog. RIP Mr. Solo.
Notable Tracks: “Do or Die,” “Mobbin’ (Gang Affiliated),” and “Gospel Gangsta Journey”
Soup The Chemist – Dust
Soup is considered by some to be the greatest Christian Rapper. It’s pretty easy to tell by listening to Dust. He has a plethora of unique cadences throughout the album while he crafts a story in each song.
Notable Tracks: “Language of Imagination,” “As The Sun Rises,” and “Fresh Coast”
Lil’ Raskull – The Day After
Lil’ Raskull was stating who the greatest is way before DJ Khaled. This is Lil’s Raskull’s last album with the Legendary record label Grapetree Records. While he is still creating and performing, this album showcases the early veteran.
Notable Tracks: “On Trial,” “Have You Any Love?,” and “Few Are Chosen”
Mr. Real – A Chosen One
While Mr. Real is not one of the more prominent figures in the genre, he is definitely worth a mention on this list! This album, in my opinion, has the most unique sounding beats out of the other nine albums. Mr. Real had his own sound!
Notable Tracks: “Walkin’ Dead,” “Things Ain’t What They Seem To Be,” and “World Wide”