Music Minute: Holy Culture Radio

  With its mix of hip-hop superstars like Lecrae, Trip Lee and A.I. The Anomaly, plus inspirational talk shows that speak to the African American experience, Holy Culture Radio has generated an audience of more than 5 million listeners since its April debut on SiriusXM Radio — a testament to the power and reach of faith-based rap. James Rosseau is the founder of the nonprofit that operates Holy Culture Radio, and I had a chance to interview him to learn more.

Can you share a little bit about why Holy Culture Radio was started?

Vic Padilla began Holy Culture Radio back in 2003 out of his desire to see the Gospel message communicated through Hip Hop music given its cultural relevance.

What sets it apart from other Christian listening channels available?

There are a few things:

• It is the only national available on Satellite Radio and thus nationally available for over 68 Million listeners.
• We have 14 Christian Hip Hop Music & Talk shows (4 daily and 10 on the weekend) that provide discussions about current and topical issues and music. We have not seen any other channels with this depth or breadth of programming targeted to reach those immersed within the Hip Hop culture.

Why is it important to be able to have faith-oriented options for music listening?

Practically and scientifically, people will place their faith in something - - either themselves, gangs, the street, etc., etc. We believe in Jesus and the message within the Gospel and that people, particularly the youth, need to hear that option.

What's your favorite part about being involved with Holy Culture Radio?

That it allows us to time together a holistic message for everyone, but particularly our black and brown youth of Faith, Arts, Vocation, and Education. Our youth need the opportunity to get grounded in who they are and whose they are, along with understanding their gifts and talents, how that might translate to a career (vocation) and how they matriculate through life (education). Our programming on Holy Culture Radio attempts to do that without tipping our hat to them that we are doing that :).