Sho Baraka is the newest Reach Records recording artist to drop an album. Turn My Life Up is easily one of the best Christian rap albums to come along in quite some time. Like the hypostatic union of Christ, both Scripture and cultural awareness seem to have preeminence in the flow of words that spring from Sho’s mouth.

Recently, Sho agreed to take the time to answer some questions for The Christian Manifesto.

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First, we’d like to thank you for taking the time to interview with us. We really enjoyed your album and are excited to hear what’s next from Reach Records.

Much obliged…I’m excited that you’re excited. We hope to continue to put out Biblically-sound and entertaining music.

That’s a great mandate to have. Especially in a world characterized by postmodernism and a lack of absolutes. Tell us a little about your past. How did you get started in Christian rap? Were you always a Christian rap artist?

I’ve always loved hip hop and rapping. By no means, did I desire nor seek out to be a Christian rapper. When I was in high school and college (before I became a Christian) I loved hip hop and sought to be a rap star. We would have concerts and shows across the state but the hopes of getting a deal were looking slim. Then things fell apart for my group and I, so I figured I would focus on school. Soon after, I began to go to a weekly bible study. About a year later I became a Christian and some of the guys from the college ministry knew I rapped, so they asked me to perform at a rally. But even after that I felt like Christian rap was not for me. I didn’t have much to say. Some years past and I grew in maturity and grace, then I felt like I was ready to use rap as a means to communicate God’s truths.

Well, you have definitely been blessed with rhyme skills that hold their own. But tell us, is ‘Sho Baraka’ a stage name or your given name? Does it mean anything in particular?

Sho Baraka is my real name. It’s not my full name, but it is my name. ‘Sho’ is part of my first name and ‘Baraka’ is my middle name. It means ‘blessing’ or ‘to bless.’ Baraka is a name that runs in my family. People think I took it from [Barack] Obama, since he’s gained some popularity.

Okay. That clears that up. It’s such a unique name, many people aren’t sure if it’s pulled from Scripture or something along those lines. It’s good to know that, despite your success, you’ve chosen to be yourself. Let’s transition, though. From its inception, Reach Records has been known for releasing albums that rival anything that’s in the general market, your own album Turn My Life Up included. How did you fist connect with Reach and how has that relationship grown?

Most of us were friends before there was a Reach. Lecrae, Tedashii and I were roommates and were a part of the same college ministry. So Reach was created out of our friendship after we were done with school. So the friendships and collaborations you see and hear are from a genuine brotherhood that music didn’t conceive. Since the music, our relationships have remained consistent, but because of cares of life it’s harder to remain deeply rooted in each other’s lives.

Reach isn’t just about albums, though. You all have released curriculum to coincide with particular projects along with a catechism to introduce new believers to particular tenets of the Christian faith. Why not just put albums out? Is there some sort of ministry philosophy you want people to know about?

We believe that all we do, we do as unto the Lord. Now, some people flesh that out differently. We believe ourselves] to be unapologetic about our presentation and content. If others want to just put out albums, then that is their preference and I personally wouldn’t consider myself more obedient than them. We use music as a catalyst for more life investing initiatives. Because, I know that years from now I will not be rapping, but I want to continue to equip and be equipped to serve him where ever I land.

Tell us a little about ReachLife Ministries.

It’s exactly that very thing I was just touching on. Once the music stops and people stop dancing to the music, what can they use or have that will spur them on to love the Lord and their brother? ReachLife is all about that. Creating curriculum, missions, training leaders and partnering with churches for the building up of the believers.

Your depth of Scriptural knowledge shines through on Turn My Life Up. The style is hard to pin down as your traverse so many of them with ease. The subject matter is pretty diverse, too—ranging from crying out for God to come for his children (‘Maranatha’) to calling for believers to slow their lives down and think on Christ (‘Slow It Down’). Is there an overarching theme you were trying to communicate as you put the album together?

I want the believer to live the abundant life, on earth as it is on heaven. So I hope that each song could get them to understand how to love God more and to love their brother/sister. Within the songs are some practical steps to do that. At least, I hope. Live loud for the Lord.

What have been some of the opportunities that have been presented by God as you’ve ministered to people through rap?

I’ve met great people. You get to travel to different states. I went to Indonesia on a mission’s trip and had the opportunity to perform for thousands of people. But I consistently get to build with individuals who impart so much truth to me that it’s ridiculous.

Sho, you’ve been so gracious in spending some time with us. Just one more question, though. If Jesus were to comment on the life of Sho Baraka, what would you want him to say about you?

Well done good and faithful servant……there is so much in that small sentence.

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