Hip-hop has an incredible built-in potential to be used as a vehicle to teach doctrine, herald the Gospel, and lead people in the worship and praise of the Creator of all things. A term for a new category of music and ministry, Christian hip-hop (CHH), was coined.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with hip-hop’s origin, it emerged during the 1970s in the Bronx borough of New York City. It is a mix of four foundational elements: rapping, graffiti, breakdancing, and DJ’ing. Clive Campbell, aka DJ Kool Herc, has been noted as one of the ancestors of hip-hop.
Over the past thirty years, CHH has witnessed many challenges, including the hostility of the hip-hop community. Yet it managed to survive its oxymoronic birth and reserved a place in the urban ministry landscape.
With far too many artists to mention, only a handful of media outlets are fueling this sensation; Holy Culture Radio (HCR) is one of them. It reflects the efforts of Vic Padilla, who founded the station in 2003. Some of the traits upon which HCR focuses include Faith, Arts, Vocation, and Education (FAVE). These four elements unify the audience to connect with popular culture, revive their faith, and gain success in their careers.
Holy Culture Radio is owned and operated by The Corelink Solution, a non-profit organization that operates with a “head and heart” mission. Founded by James Rosseau Sr., the organization mainly focuses on community revitalization through learning and cultural enrichment.
Rosseau is a transformational leader with a track record of extraordinary results. He held senior leadership roles at JP Morgan Chase as SVP of HR Service Delivery and other similar roles in the banking industry. In addition, his skills and expertise enabled him to serve as president of Affinity Solutions at Allstate insurance, where he partnered with businesses and regulators to drive innovation in the industry.
Holy Culture Radio is excited to expand its digital radio programming to a full-time edutainment channel (154) on SiriusXM Radio that plays faith-based rap and rhythmic music combined with empowering conversations. This expansion allows HCR to attract listeners of Gospel music, which is nearly 53 million people weekly (according to the Gospel Music Association). It also inspires African Americans, usually between the age of 13 to 34, purpose-seekers and urban progressives.
Since the expansion of HCR in collaboration with SiriusXM Channel 154 in April, Da Fixx Morning Radio Show has interviewed more than 100 artists or influencers, including 1KPSon, Pristavia, Brea Miles, Steve Malcolm, Lecrae, HeeSun Lee, Agape Music Group, Sammy Praise, Wande, Porsha Love, and many other.
Rosseau, in an interview, said, “I am ecstatic at how God has moved in just over four months, allowing us to leverage our extended platform to share the voices of more than 300 artists with millions. Further, I could not be more proud of the HCR Squad — from our hosts and DJs to the internal team, that is making it all happen!”
HCR includes a wide range of music mixes and talk shows hosted by reputable spiritual leaders and DJs. These include The Christ Revolution Music, The Underground Gospel Hip-Hop Show, Old School Sounds, K.I.N.G Talks, Church on the Block, and more.
From introducing upcoming artists to discussions about FAVE with legends in the industry, the show broadcasts four radio shows daily and ten on weekends only. It includes:
- The renowned DJ Wade-O is best known for his spinning skills and insightful interviews with pastors, artists, and leaders in the Christian hip-hop community.
- The Stellar-award and Kingdom Choice Award winner Da Fixx Morning Radio show, whose mission is to expose the culture to positive but relevant music that keeps Jesus Christ at the center of the message.
- I.N.G Talks with open discussions on life, creating an environment of effective communication and an atmosphere of compassion and understanding.
HCR believes in God’s unique plan and potential for each human being and the right to pursue it through systems that have been designed for their success. Their purpose is to empower individuals to reach their maximum potential, which made it their mission to help them recognize their unique talents, passions, gifts, and purpose.
HCR tends to drive the development and adoption of programs, policies, and practices to increase high school graduation and career success. The platform has 14 radio shows on its station. Some of them are award-winning shows as well – DJ Wade-O, Trackstarz, and Da Fixx Morning Radio Show top the list.
It is HCR’s ten-year goal to touch 50 million people annually. The station also aims to deliver relevant and engaging user experiences without compromising its purpose. HCR is available to listeners nationwide on the SiriusXM Channel 154 and the SXM App.