Gospel Gangstaz
Christian hip hop group with former gang affiliations.
The Christian hip hop group Gospel Gangstaz comes from the Greater Los Angeles Area. Its West Coast members, including Mr. Solo, Chille' Baby, DJ Dove, and Tik Tokk, were once part of the Crips and Bloods gangs.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- South Central, Los Angeles
- Genre
- Hip hop, Christian hip hop
- Years active
- 1994–present
- Current members
- Chille' Baby
- Past members
- Mr. Solo
- DJ Dove
- Tik Tokk
Facts from the source article.
History
The Gospel Gangstaz blend musical talent with a Christian lifestyle, a theme reflected in their songs. Founder Mr. Solo turned to Christianity after surviving a gang-related shooting. Their first album, Gang Affiliated, dropped in 1994, followed by Do or Die in winter 1995. The group’s third release, I Can See Clearly Now (1999), was their debut on the major label B-Rite and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Gospel Album.
Later projects include All Mixed UP (2000), The Exodus (2002), The Flood (2006), and the video documentary/soundtrack Street Disciples (2011). In July 2006, former member Tik Tokk was arrested on murder charges. The group’s ministry has long focused on sharing Christ’s love with people from violent or drug-affected backgrounds. Chille' Baby described Tik Tokk’s arrest as a major shock.
Mr. Solo and Chille' Baby had not worked with Tik Tokk since 2003, having given him their blessing when he left the group more than a year and a half earlier. Mr. Solo stated they were moving forward with their God-given vision, adding that their hearts remained with Tik Tokk and the victims’ families. The Gospel Gangstaz have collaborated with gospel artists Kirk Franklin, A-1 Swift, CMC’s, and Mary Mary. Mr. Solo passed away on May 23, 2020.
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