Most Christian rappers report they haven’t quite been received with open
arms when it comes to the church. Maybe it’s because some sound too
street, speak too quickly, or have too many metaphors. But this isn’t the
case with New Jersey native, BrothaRemixx. With his emotionally charged
beats and easily understood lyrics, it is clear that BrothaRemixx presents
the pure, uncompromised Word of God. From his victory inspired anthem,
“I Will Not Lose”, to his worship inspired, “Love to Praise Your Name”, to
his thought provoking story, “Is This A Dream”, BrothaRemixx presents a
gospel rap that transcends age and defies expectations.
BrothaRemixx, also known as Teon Willis, was born and raised on the
Jersey shore, spending most of his time either at the beach or at church.
At the age of 9, he wrote and preached his first sermon with little to no
help from his parents. By the age of 12, he was serving as a pastor’s
aide, singing in the choir, and working with the church youth group. In all
of this, music played an important role in his life, although he wouldn’t
know how important until much later.
In 2002, Teon adopted the name BrothaRemixx and joined the gospel rap
group, Poetical Soul. It was here with fellow group members, Huntblazin
and Blessed Priest, that God began to stir up the gift that lie dormant
within him. And although the members got along amazingly well (and
remain great friends to this day), BrothaRemixx found himself on the road
to a solo project.
Released in 2007, BrothaRemixx’s debut album “Gospel.Rap.Music.” was
immediately an unexpected success. It received rave reviews and was
well received by pastors and church leaders, many of which attested to
NEVER having enjoyed rap music before. When asked why they enjoyed
the music so much, the most common response was about the clarity and
sincerity of the message. “I could understand what he was saying and
knew he was talking about Christ from the start!”
In addition to the music, BrothaRemixx is involved in other areas of
ministry as well. In October 2007, BrothaRemixx received his ministerial
license. He serves as the youth minister at his local church, Christ
Worship Center, and in August 2008, he began Stand Outreach
Ministries, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ on the streets of Asbury
Park, NJ.
BrothaRemixx is the 2008 McDonald’s Gospelfest winner for the Gospel
rap category, and has shared the stage with such artists as Donnie
McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, and Vickie Winans, but his music ministry has
only just begun. It’s not easy to have a sound that is well received by both
gospel and secular groups, but God has blessed BrothaRemixx to walk
that line and be a voice in this generation!