Photo by Genie Poggemiller
Rap Group Crusades in Inner-City By Becky Griggs
"Rapping in the church or on the street, television, and has opened for such well-known artists N o matter h o w you hear it, Christ is King." as White Heart, Steve Camp, D.C. Talk, and Wayne This is the evangelistic message of Transformation Watson. Crusade. The group consists of Liberty students Daryl "The most exciting thing about being a part of the Fitzgerald and Chris Williamson, and former Liberty group is that w e get national exposure and publicity student Andre Sims and his wife Kathy. without seeking it," Chris said. "God found us and has The group started in January 1988. "We saw a need promoted our ministry without us having to manipufor evangelism in the inner-city," Chris said. "We've late people in any way." Transformation Crusade's goal is to make an imadded to that the need for good Christian music." The lyrics of their songs emphasize two main pact on the rap music industry. "Some people say that things. "They are evangelistic and discipleship ori- they never liked rap music until they heard us," Chris ented," Chris said. " W e are trying to reach as many said. These crusaders have been very busy, and it doesn't unsaved people as possible. W e are giving Christians look like things are going to change much. Chris was good music to listen to and at the same time feeding married in December and graduates from seminary in their souls." The group travels almost every weekend all over May. Daryl graduated with his B.A. degree in Decemthe United States. "It is hard to get into public schools ber and was married in April. Their third album because of our Christian lyrics," Chris said. " W e set upshould be out in M a y 1992, and the group will be in in places like drug traffic streets, jails, and amusementNashville in June. In the future, Andre and Chris want to pastor parks." Their biggest audience is teenagers ages 13-17, but churches. Daryl wants to work in marriage and all age groups enjoy their music. "We would like to see family counseling. Kathy is interested in fashion (Christian) rap become as large and effective as secular merchandising. They may all have their own individual plans, but rap," Chris said. "We want to have as much of an for now they are anticipating their part in the growth impact on kids as other groups." of Christian rap music. The group has made appearances on live cable 187
