GLORY: 10 Rappers That Found Religion

It’s hard out here for a rapper. So hard and sinister, in fact, that many artists find themselves turning to religion shortly after their industry days are over, with some even stepping in the pulpit to spread the gospel themselves. Others see the writing on the wall, and head for the high road, even sooner. Many of those choose to use their mic skills to disperse the good word, becoming non-secular artists. 

The fact is, a number of rappers, for one reason or another, have chosen religion over the earthly prosperities they once coveted when they were in the world.

Here are 10 such artists that said, “Jesus (Allah, L. Ron Hubbard, et. al.) I’m rolling with you…”

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Photo: Various

No Malice – Christianity

After spitting coke raps for over a decade as one half of the Clipse, fans knew something was afoot in 2009 when Malice released the first of several vlogs basically denouncing his past. More uplifting Bible verse tinged videos followed, and it was soon clear that Gene had a higher calling. In February 2011, he released the well received book about his spiritual journey, Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind and Naked. He has since changed his name from Malice to (drum roll) No Malice and is currently working on his first solo project, Hear Ye Him.

Salt (Salt-N-Pepa) – Christianity

Sheryl “Salt” James fronted one of the most provocative female rap groups of the ‘80s and ‘90s. But after the trio officially disbanded in 2002, Cheryl decided to give her life back to the Lord and become a born again Christian. The group has since performed together on occasion with James no longer spitting the Hot secular rhymes she was once famous for. In 2007, Salt and Pepa starred in their own reality show on VH1. The show highlighted the duos attempts to remain close friends as their lives were clearly going in different directions.

Shyne – Judaism

Shyne was once one of the more promising MCs in rap before the infamous club shootout that set him back nine years after he was convicted for his involvement. Following his release from the bing, Shyne contemplated returning to the game, then said screw that and went back to his native Belize and converted to Judaism. He now goes by the name Moshe Levi Ben-David.

Loon – Islam

Continuing with the theme of, “I was on Bad Boy records now I need to be cleansed of my past earthly deeds,” comes, Loon aka Amir Junaid Muhadith. The former Puff Daddy protégé had Harlem shaking hits like “Down For Me” and prominent features on Diddy’s “I Need A Girl” Part 1 & 2 in the early 2000s. His career stalled out in 2007 and he converted to orthodox Islam in 2009. In late 2011, he was arrested in Brussels to face drug charges in the States for crimes he allegedly committed before he sought Allah.

Bushwick Bill – Christianity

Bushwick Bill was a purveyor of some of the most macabre musical content of the early ‘90s as part of the Houston rap group Getto Boys with songs like “Chuckie” and “Skitzo.” He even blammed himself in the eye during a suicidal rage in May 1991. In 2006, the minute MC became a born again Christian. After an arrest in 2009 for drug possession, he released the Christian rap album My Testimony of Redemption, in 2010.

Doug E. Fresh – Scientology

Fresh was one of the most uncanny Hip-Hop personalities of the 1980s. The loud talking, beat boxing quintessential Master of Ceremonies has been a practicing Scientologist since 2001 after being introduced to the controversial ideology by Hot 97 radio personality, Ms Jones. Fresh claims to be the first Hip-Hop artist to dabble in the religion founded in the late 1950s by Sci Fi author L. Ron Hubbard. Will Smith, eat your heart out.

Napoleon (The Outlawz) – Islam

Napoleon had marginal success as a member of the Tupac affiliated clique The Outlawz in the mid ‘90s. A few years after his exit from rap in 2005, he converted to Islam deeming “hip hop and Islam to be incompatible.” He now goes by the name Mutah Wassin Shabazz Beale.

Mase – Christianity

Mase went from Murder Mase as a member of the Harlem outfit Children of the Corn to just Mase when he linked up with Puff Daddy’s Bad Boy imprint. But after quitting rap (the first time), the Harlem rapper decided Pastor Betha was the best fit and became an ordained minister. After a five year hiatus from the game he returned to rap, only to go back to preaching, only to go back to rapping. Now he is rapping and preaching sermons, at the same dam time.

Rev Run – Christianity

As a member of the groundbreaking Hip-Hop trio Run D.M.C, Run was instrumental in bringing rap to the mainstream in the ‘80s. But by the time the ‘90s rolled around Run was burnt out and looking for a new path. In 1993, he became a born again Christian. That same year he turned in his Adidas for a pair of Stacy Adams and became an ordained minister. He later founded Zoe Ministries and continues to spread the gospel (and star in reality shows) to this day.

Play (Kid N Play) – Christianity

There may have been no less intimidating rap group in Hip-Hop history than Kid-N-Play. The Corona, Queens duo was all about having a good time. They even earned film success starring in four movies (House Party 1-3, Class Act) and had their own cartoon at one point. Following the decline of the group’s popularity in 1995, Christopher “Play” Martin decided play time was over and became a born-again Christian, focusing his efforts on ministry and Christian rap.