Sean Slaughter

GC: Whose music ministers to you? Who are some of your favorite musicians—any genre?

SS: I love (hip-hop) Corey Red & Precise, Petidee, Shabach , (gospel) Fred Hammond, Israel and some contemporary Christian music such as Michael W. Smith .

GC: Your lyrics are powerful and incredibly blunt without being offensive. Still, they are edifying. Have you been the subject of criticism because you address subjects like hustling and strip clubs?

SS: Not really. People want reality in music; especially when videos pass off fake as being real and authentic. People want music to reach right where they are and at the same time elevate them.

GC: Tell me about Sean Slaughter, the minister of the gospel. What vision has God given you? Discuss your mission field.

SS: Our motto is "Music that Impacts." But, it just doesn't stop at music. My wife (Kim) and I are the youth leaders at our church; sing on the praise team; and run the sound. We make an impact there. My wife speaks to young women and just finished writing a book called "Rags to Riches.” Impact. We own a commercial studio and recording label to help young ministries get on their feet. And, of course the music ministry which includes concerts, block parties, detention centers, foster homes, etc. That's more impact. We want to leave a dent in every responsibility Christ has given us!

GC: You, at one time, lived a duality: a toe in the world while doing side gigs in music ministry. What defining event occurred to change your direction?

SS: I never really lived two lives. In ‘97 I started traveling with my father running his sound. I was very much doing my thing in the world and let everyone know I was doing it no matter where I was… I was still doing my secular rap and getting pretty successful at it. But, in '99 I got into a beef with a dude I was doing music with and got scared for my life because we all had guns. And out of that fear, I ran to God and have been ridin' ever since.

GC: Many holy hip hop artists don't share your type of testimony; you actually experienced and know street life. Does this make you more authentic? Is this a challenge in any way?