WIFE OF BISHOP PAUL MORTON RELEASES 'MY BETTER HALF'-Dallas Gospel Connection

CD Review

“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.”

Psalm 33:1

Holy Hip-Hop Artist G.T.K on the Rise
Interviewed By Zameshia Williams

Holy hip-hop artist GTK, which stands for Grow The Kingdom, is on the rise. GTK is spreading the word of God through hip-hop. His new album titled Decreased is strictly focused on giving credit where credit is due. GTK has a zeal for pumping up God’s kingdom, and has no problem expressing that through his music. GTK not only uses his lyrics to bring people to God, but to also grow God’s kingdom.

In a recent interview GTK discusses his new album and how his career is growing through God's will.

DGC: What does G.T.K stand for?

GTK: G.T.K stands for Grow The Kingdom. It’s a God given name. I wanted something that would pretty much symbolize my purpose in the hip-hop ministry. That’s pretty much my purpose, and the definition of my calling, to grow the kingdom through music.

DGC: I know you are still new in the rap game but what made you decide to start rapping?

GTK: Well, I always used to rhyme in high school. You know you and your friends get around a lunchroom table and some one does a beat while you spit rhymes. It’s always been something I used to do, but I never really took it seriously back then, so I kind of backed away from it when I went to college down at UNT. One day I was at work after I left UNT, and I began to write a letter to God. Writing was always my communication piece. I began to vent, and of course it was a rhyme. His response was for me to use hip-hop to bring others to him just as that letter brought me to him. That was May 2006, and it’s been a good ride so far. It’s more than just spitting and having a CD, people get to view my relationship with God through the music.

DGC: Many rappers rap about the gospel and call themselves gospel rappers, why do you consider yourself a hip-hop artist?

GTK: I consider my music holy hip-hop or gospel rap because of my influence. When you hear gangster rap, it’s because their influence is the gangster lifestyle. I automatically say holy hip-hop because I don’t want anybody to mistake it as me not giving God the glory.

DGC: Tell me more about your latest album Decreased, how did you come up with that name?

GTK: I did a mix tape before, which was pretty much my introduction to the game, but I wanted something that would set the tone for continuing albums or my career in hip-hop. Decreased… I read John 3:30 before, which is where it comes from. He must increase, I must decrease and I wanted something that would set the tone for my ministry. If anyone wants to know who I am, they automatically know this is a guy who decreases himself. It’s all about putting God in the forefront.

DGC: What do you hope people will walk away with after listening to your album?

GTK: I hope they will walk away with number one, knowing that Christ is king. Second would be to open up the holy hip-hop arena. I want people to start gaining a new respect for holy hip-hop.

DGC: Do you write your own rhymes?

GTK: Yes, I say that hesitantly. I do write them, but I can’t write unless God says so. You would be totally wack without God.

DGC: What testimony do you have for others who are having trouble transitioning into the word of God?

GTK: To be open. To try God in the sense of allowing God to move. Don’t play a deal or no deal game with God. Trust God and listen for God speaking through other people. Get into a church home. Pray, because you definitely need communication with God.

DGC: Other then what we have already discussed, is there anything else you would like to share at this time?

GTK: Buy the album. Definitely support the local artist, especially in the holy hip-hop arena. Open up your church doors to holy hip-hop. Shout out to my promotion team Zoricua Promotions.