Disciples of Christ (hip-hop group)

History

The core of the group consisted of Ben Reges (born Alton Hood) and Absalom (Kelvin Harvey), who were attending Oberlin College on football scholarships, along with their friend Prophet (Michael Brown). Hood later described their pre-conversion lifestyle as one of partying and involvement with the occult, which he said led to drug addictions. He credited a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit with delivering him and Harvey from those addictions.

After converting to Christianity, the duo began performing raps and beat-boxing at parties. A year later they met Michael Brown at a church in Canton, Ohio, after moving to the Northeast Ohio area. Former rock band drummer Matt Stevens became the final member, joining the group while they were recording a demo. The demo was noticed by Star Song Records, which included the group on a 1990 sampler.

Their debut studio album, So How Ya Livin'?, was released in 1991. That same year, Alton Hood, Jr. made a guest rap appearance on labelmate Whitecross's album In the Kingdom, rapping on the song 'Holy War'. In 1993, the group released Pullin' No Punches and collaborated with Bride on a cover of Argent's 'God Gave Rock and Roll to You'. The single 'Innocent Love' was also released that year.