Widely considered one of the most talented and innovative holy hip hop artists in the UK, Jahaziel has been causing a stir on the music scene for almost a decade. His explosive and hard-hitting rhymes enable his message to impact a wide audience. Last year he won in the category of Best Gospel Act in the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards.

Jahaziel is a man on a mission, his lyrics speaking deep truths, resulting in him being a positive force. Recognising music as a powerful communicative tool, Jahaziel knows rap is a language many understand, and it especially strikes a chord with the younger generation. Driven by his love for God, mankind and music, Jahaziel has a heart for people, and specifically possesses a passion for the youth. With his own experiences of a life of crime, Jahaziel understands the minds of young people caught up in street culture and ghetto lifestyle. He is able to relate to the feelings of hopelessness they face, and comes to shine a light in darkness. For many years he has been involved in youth projects, leading workshops and initiatives in schools and prisons for young men who especially need reaching. Jahaziel feels a huge sense of responsibility towards them and desires to encourage and empower youth. Jahaziel features heavily on the live circuit, co-founding the London hip hop collective ZionNoiz. He made a guest appearance on Daniel Bedingfield’s platinum-selling and Grammy nominated album ‘Gotta Get Thru This’. Furthermore he has appeared on stage with gospel greats, including Kim Burrell and platinum-selling US Gospel artist Kirk Franklin, while having collaborated with UK artists Four Kornerz and Raymond & Co.

Jahaziel at da Vision

When I became a Christian I threw away my 50 Cent and Eminem CDs (nothing to do with G Craige Lewis, more to do with the content). Imagine my joy when I heard a rapper with uplifting lyrics who was not only making good music but talking about what was going on in my part of south London.

Defining his music as God-inspired, it includes a gospel message, yet also deals with real life issues of the human experience. He is influenced by reggae/dancehall due to a Jamaican bloodline and a familiarity with the culture, which is evident in his music. In addition, his upbringing in multi-cultural London has enabled him to bring a fresh approach to music. Unafraid to take risks, Jahaziel’s musical creativity has pushed parameters and generated a reputation as a pioneer. He is truly a unique and inspirational individual; an exciting artist who has captured the imagination of audiences and caught the attention of the music world. All these factors led to Jahaziel winning two Oasis awards in 2006; Best Male and Best Holy Hip Hop Artist. It proved to be a pivotal year as he also featured on ‘The New Sound of Gospel’ album, his first official release. Jahaziel’s first track ‘You Got Yours’ can be found on the compilation which features some of the very best in US and UK contemporary Gospel music. This proved Jahaziel as an instrumental part of the developing diverse sound of gospel music and created international exposure at a new level. Since then Jahaziel has been working relentlessly in the studio to complete his debut album ‘Ready To Live’.

Jahaziel at Ghetto Glory

Ready to Live: Jahaziel UK Christian hip hop comes of age with this debut album from south London's Jahaziel Elliott. Standout tracks include the anti-gun 'In My Neighborhood', lyrical smoothy 'Trust', and lively 'Jesus'. Guest artists include Ryan Carty, and Daniel Bedingfield features on an unlisted bonus track. This album has been a long time coming, but it was well worth the wait. Through a process of experience and development, Jahaziel has been on a personal and musical journey which has caused him to produce world-class material. Showcasing his advanced lyricism, the incredible ‘Ready To Live’ will break moulds and set new standards in the gospel genre, the worldwide hip hop scene and music as a whole. UK

Got something to say? Please share your comments.

Name: Email address: Comments: Privacy Policy

You may have heard of a controversial series of DVDs called The Truth Behind Hip Hop. These are produced by G Craige Lewis of EX Ministries, and are proving to be remarkably popular with young people. However, many take issue with Lewis's claims. The Truth Behind Hip Hop Exposed

Is it possible to have holy hip hop? According to G Craige Lewis of The Truth Behind Hip Hop the answer is no. He claims that hip-hop is not music, but a religion. However, many take a different view, believing that the church can use rap music to reach out to young people. Holy Hip Hop

Not everyone agrees with what G Craige Lewis says in The Truth Behind Hip Hop DVDs. Holy hip hoppers Hazakim felt the need to respond with a controversial rap called The Truth Behind Craige. You can read what motivated their response here. Hip Hop Strikes Back

Gun violence seems to follow the rapper 50 Cent, who has himself been shot nine times, and always wears a bulletproof vest. Now it's claimed that 'Fiddy' makes a profit out of the misery of parents who are burying their children. Is 50 Cent Bulletproof?: Rap Music and Violence