Divine Covering and Anointed Ministries, Ohio University student organizations, will host two free events on Saturday in Seigfred Hall 519 with the intention of introducing the campus community to Christian rap music.
The first event will be a Christian rap forum at 2 p.m. that will be co-hosted by Caleb Foster of Reign Enterprizes and WDRJ 1440 AM radio in Detroit; recording artist and OHIO student Jean Pierre Johnson; and Christian rapper Kandance Evans. The forum will introduce the theme of the event, "Rebirth, Renew, Refresh" as well as address the question – Is there misogyny in Christian rap music?
"This forum will allow guests to prepare for what they will see later at the Christian rap concert," said Kiersten Smith, historian for student groups Divine Covering and Anointed Ministries. "Christian rap first came about in 1985 when youth minister and recording artist Stephen Wiley, created a rap titled 'Bible Break,' which he used to educate children about the different books of the Bible. Now with nationally known artists such as Trip Lee, Da Truth, Mr. Del and Lecrae, the genre is reaching out to younger generations and letting them know that there is a different way to praise."
The second event is a gospel concert at 7 p.m. The concert will feature artists Kandace Evans, D MAUB, and R.I.M.E, whose name stands for Righteous Individual making it in (to heaven). R.I.M.E chose this name because he focuses his music on his drive and determination.
"I try to reach peoples hearts through music, music is what brings people together … you should always want to go spiritually higher than where you currently are," said R.I.M.E.
The concert also will feature Grammy-nominated Detroit Christian rap group Only1Way, DJ Sam Ricks and Defender of the Art.
Members of Only1Way said Christian rap is a different experience and urges the public to come with an open mind and a readiness to experience something new.
The Divine Covering event planning committee said it hopes the events infuse the community and campus together. The group said it also wants people to know that it is cool to be a Christian and that you can still represent Christ in your own way.
For more information about this event, search Divine Covering on Facebook.
