‘Hip-hop gospel deserves recognition’

In an interview, Courtney Antipas -popularly known as Ill Ceey – said people who discourage the genre in church are hampering the growth of hip-hop gospel in the country .
“Hip-hop gospel is still growing although at a slower pace than the secular hip-hop.
“However, small groups like the ‘Christhood’ and ‘Mudiwahood’ from Chitungwiza have come up with brilliant albums that are clear testimony of how talented Zim artistes are,” the 27-year-old rapper said.
Ill Ceey blamed the misconception on American hip-hop artistes whose lifestyles are different from their hip-hop gospel counterparts. “People have a tendency of comparing hip-hop gospel artistes with the hip-hop artistes who focus on fame, bling and the worldly riches, which is not what we focus on.
“Personally, my project is about preaching the word of the Lord to the people especially the youths who are more familiar with the style of singing and not bragging about my personal riches,” said Ill Ceey.
Ill Ceey began his career in 2002 at the age of 17 before giving it a break in 2009 when he released “Legacy”, an album about self-consciousness.
He then resumed his music career in 2011, when he shared the stage with US-based artiste Lacray. In December last year, he performed alongside another US hip-hop gospel artiste, Kirk Franklin, with a live band.
“I have gained experience considering the two performances I have had with established artistes in the world and I am on the verge of releasing an album entitled ‘Legacy – My Testimony’,” he said.
The eight-track album is expected on the market on February 14.