T-Bone
Bone-a-Fide
Flicker Records

T-Bone, without a doubt, belongs at the top of the list of gospel hip-hop rappers. With his 7th studio release, Bone-a-Fide, he is also headed for the top of the secular list as well. T-Bone has already earned the respect of secular rappers through his previous collaborations, which continues on Bone-a-Fide, with collaborations with street rappers Mack 10 and Chino XL.

Raised as PK (preacher’s kid), T-Bone had first-hand knowledge of God, but his early life did not reflect a person with a strong relationship with God. In contrast, T-Bone actually grew up in the gang sub-culture, including drug deals and moments of near death. It wasn’t until the death of a friend in a drive-by shooting, that T-Bone felt a change of heart. From that point on, T-Bone began to change his focus from gangsta to gospel.

Now, 7 albums later, T-Bone is a bon-a-fide success and his light continues to shine in a typically dark genre. This time around he chooses to keep the focus on his lyrical ability and the message is more universal. The first song “12 Years Ago” is a summary of styles and influences from “old-school” hip-hop that T-Bone has emulated through out his personal career. “You Can’t Win” shows his incredible talent of mixing rhyme and gospel in a subtle but obvious manner. “Let That Thang Go” is a smooth rap with an R&B flavor, that lyrically talks about people who think they are at the top of their game, with money and success, but ultimately, their spirit is empty.

Troy Vest, Vice President and General Manger of Flicker Records, gave an honest, non-pr assessment when he said this about T-Bone, “He is one of the best and I think even in mainstream hip-hop circles, people would look at him as one of the best rappers out there. You know especially when it comes to the tongue twisting stuff. Nobody rivals him.” In regards to the album, Vest believes that Bone-a-Fide is the best “legitimate” hip-hop record coming from a Christian artist.

Although I know very little about the genre, I have to echo Vest’s words. There is simply no questioning T-Bone’s credibility as a rap artist. I don’t think there will ever be a huge break-out in the mainstream Christian market place for hip-hop, as there was for modern worship, but artists like T-Bone keep hip-hop alive, and in our faces.

- Ken W.