Rolling Loud, known for its explosive hip-hop events, took an unexpected turn at its 10th-anniversary festival with a groundbreaking Christian rap set.
DJ Five Venoms, along with iconic producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and his Alienz Alive label, orchestrated a unique showcase called “Chosen Journey.” This set, which featured talented artists like Caleb Gordon, Hulvey, and nobigdyl., marked a new chapter in bridging faith with mainstream hip-hop.
Darkchild, known for his impactful musical productions, emphasized that this project was led by divine inspiration. “This project has been guided by God’s hand,” he stated, setting the tone for a set that left a lasting impression on the Miami audience.
Alienz Alive, devoted to elevating artists through faith-driven music, partnered with Atlanta’s Trendsetter Sense for this venture. The partnership blossomed after Bryan Michael-Cox introduced Darkchild and Sense, and DJ Five Venoms quickly joined forces to bring it to life.
The collaboration didn’t stop there. DJ Five Venoms’ manager, Troy Gunn, teamed up with Sense’s Chosen Journey brand to launch the first-ever Christian hip-hop set at Rolling Loud. The festival greenlit the idea, and the result was mesmerizing.
This historic performance became a highlight of the day, coinciding with other memorable acts like JT’s emotional performance and Kodak Black’s quirky stage antics. Amid such names, Christian hip-hop created ripples of its own.
Playboi Carti, who was the 10th-anniversary headliner, added more spice to the festival by teasing his upcoming album, working alongside Ye throughout 2024. But it was Alienz Alive’s faithful presence that brought a fresh perspective to this renowned musical gathering.
Incorporating faith into the pulsating environment of Rolling Loud, the Christian rap set was not only a first but a sign of more inclusive futures where diverse voices find a platform in mainstream music.
