Christian rap phenomenon

Christian rap has become an increasingly powerful force, with its albums reaching the top of the Billboard charts and more and more mainstream hip-hop stars embracing it. One of the most talked-about Christian rappers of the modern age is Chud’e. Born in Brooklyn and based in New Jersey Heights, Chud’e released his debut album Chilltown in December 2019. The well-received record included singles such as the title track and Day and Night. It has now been streamed over half a million times and been given exposure by a range of well-known publications and websites.

A fusion of genres

The music of Chud’e blends genres including gospel, pop and R&B. It comes just a few years after the rapper first discovered Christian hip-hop following a period living in Nigeria, the country his parents are from. Chud’e was estranged from his father for several years after he walked out when he ten, leaving him with no positive male role model at home. He also lost contact with his half-brother and several friends, causing him to engage in negative behaviour. He also failed sixth grade. The time spent in Nigeria was seen as a huge turning point for Chud’e, who met up with his father again whilst he was in the country. His father – once a minor criminal – was now working as a pastor, and Chud’e started a new relationship with Jesus, gaining a richer understanding of his culture and heritage at the same time.

A blossoming relationship with God

Chilltown explores the rapper’s relationship with God over several seasons of his life and takes its name from the area he grew up in. The single Day and Night talks about how he trusts Jesus to guide him through the “obstacles, difficulties and doubts” of life. Although some Christians disapprove of rap, Christian hip-hop has actually been around for almost as long as the main genre itself and has even delivered #1 Billboard Hot 100 albums. Chud’e has discussed the initial disapproval towards the launch of his rap career in his lyrics.

New music on the way

Chud’e has recently been working with a series of independent artists, with new music expected shortly. Publications and websites that have supported Chud’e include Christian music magazine CCM, chhtsnetwork and CHH Source. He has been interviewed by Cross Rhythm Radio and been featured on CHH’s YouTube Channel.

A “booming voice”

The artist hopes that Christians and non-believers will find his music appealing and will use it to find “hope through chaos”. Noted for his “clever punchlines” and “booming voice”, he wishes to “point people to Christ” via his music and lyrics. A major aim is to ensure even non-believers can find at least one track that speaks to them directly.

Swift progression

Major influences on Chud’e include leading Christian rappers Bizzle and Lecrae, who went to #1 on the mainstream album charts with his 2014 offering Anomaly. Chud’e began working on his own material not long after he first heard Christian rap, and it wasn’t long before he started to win support from a surprising source – UK-based internet radio network xRhythms. He is no stranger to collaborations, having worked with Melanie Williams, Echo Guzman and Anodyne Virtue on Chilltown.

Support and inspiration

As Chud’e is not a full-time musician as yet, he also spends time working as a Youth Development Specialist in New York. One of his biggest aims is to help and inspire young people facing similar challenges to those he overcame in his teenage years whilst being the positive role model he never had. The rapper expects to be “pointed in the right direction” by the Lord, and hopes to support and inspire others whether as a musician or in a different capacity. It seems Chud’e has a bright future ahead of him in and out of music.

More about Christian rap

It’s said that the first-ever full-length Christian rap album was released by Stephen Wiley back in 1985. Other terms for the genre include ‘holy hip-hop’. Leading figures from the Christian rap world include Shai Linne, Soup the Chemist, Trip Lee, Hollyn and Flame. Even in the commercial rap arena, it’s not uncommon for hip-hop icons to talk about their faith in their lyrics. Kanye West reached the Christian rap charts for the first time with his Jesus Is King project, following it up just months later with the Jesus Is Born from his gospel group the Sunday Service Choir. Over in the UK, there have been several successful attempts to blend grime beats with Christian rap. Christian rap also has its own awards ceremonies, and these include the Stellar Awards and GMA Dove Awards.

How to find out more about Chud’e

Chud’e’s work can be streamed on platforms such as Spotify, YouTube and Soundcloud, and he has social media accounts on Twitter and Instagram.

Kenneth

Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].