Meet Stephen King of Baton Rouge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen King.

Hi Stephen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey into gospel rap started early in life. I was born in Champaign, Illinois, and raised in a Christian home where music and faith were always present. My father played conga drums in the church band, and my mother encouraged my love for music by enrolling me in the community gospel choir and school band. By the time I was around ten years old, I had already started rapping and writing music that blended contemporary Christian themes with hip-hop.

Growing up, my family moved to Danville, Illinois and later to Battle Creek, Michigan. During those years, I developed my musical abilities by learning instruments like the trumpet, French horn, drums, and piano. Music became a big part of how I expressed my faith and creativity.

While attending Alcorn State University, I continued developing my craft and even won multiple campus talent shows. One of the highlights during that time was being selected to perform during the BET College Tour. That experience helped me realize that people connected with my style—mixing Midwest lyricism with a Southern flow while keeping the message centered on Christ.

After graduating from Alcorn State with a degree in Biological Science in 2014, I moved to Louisiana to pursue a Master’s Degree in Public Health at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. Being in New Orleans exposed me to a rich artistic culture, and other artists encouraged me to start releasing my music on digital platforms. As I began performing across Louisiana, I discovered that my music could inspire and uplift audiences through a message of faith, hope, and spiritual growth.

A major turning point came in 2018 when I participated in the first New Orleans Christian rap cypher. That opportunity opened doors for me to perform on Dee-1’s Slingshot David Tour at the House of Blues. Since then, my music has been featured on platforms like Rapzilla and highlighted by outlets such as OffBeat Magazine, TrackStarz, Power504 Radio, Holy Culture, Gravey Urban Magazine, JesusWired.com, Praise Fest on the Bayou, RepJesus.com, Campus Culture Shift Tour, Dillon Chase’s Joyful Loser Tour, and the Journal of Gospel Music.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to perform at events like the House of Blues Gospel Brunch, Praise Fest on the Bayou, the Campus Culture Shift Tour, Freedom Fest, 225 Fest, RAW New Orleans at Republic NOLA, Presence Fest, Ignite Fest, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. I’ve released two albums, No Secrets and Prince of Peace, along with an EP and multiple singles that have reached listeners across the country. Both of my albums received NOLA Gospel Awards for Album/CD of the Year, and I’ve also received nominations from several national gospel music organizations.

Today, I’m based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where I continue to create faith-driven music while also serving in my community. In addition to being an artist, I work in public health and serve as an outreach minister, using both my career and my music to uplift people and share a message of hope. My mission through gospel rap is simple: to glorify God, encourage people in their faith, and help build others up through the truth and peace found in Christ.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road as a gospel rap artist. Like many artists, there have been challenges along the way. One of the biggest struggles came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most events and concerts were cancelled, which meant fewer opportunities to perform, connect with audiences, and share my music in person. Live events are a big part of promoting gospel rap, so losing those platforms made it much harder to get the message out.

On top of that, promoting music during that time was difficult because everything shifted online. Without the usual shows, church events, and community gatherings, I had to find new ways to reach people and keep the momentum going.

Another challenge has been navigating the stigma that still surrounds gospel rap and Christian hip-hop. At times, there can be misconceptions about the genre—both inside and outside of the church. Some people question whether rap can truly serve as a ministry, while others overlook the depth and positive message of faith-based hip-hop. Part of my journey has been helping break those barriers and showing that gospel rap can be a powerful way to share truth, hope, and encouragement.

Despite these challenges, the experience has strengthened my faith and commitment to the mission. It has pushed me to be more creative in how I promote my music, connect with listeners, and continue using my platform to spread God’s message.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a gospel recording artist and public health professional whose work is centered around inspiring people through faith, music, and service. Through my lyrics, my mission is to serve, promote, and edify the peace of God’s truth while building people up in the Spirit. My music focuses on transforming the moral foundation of faith into a powerful message of hope that uplifts and encourages listeners across the nation.

I specialize in gospel music that blends inspirational storytelling with energetic performances that connect deeply with audiences. Over the years, I’ve been blessed to release two full-length albums, one EP, and multiple singles available on all major digital platforms, including Apple Music, iTunes, iHeartRadio, Google Play, YouTube, Pandora, Deezer, and TIDAL. My commitment to creating God-led music has earned NOLA Gospel Awards for Album/CD of the Year for both of my first two albums, No Secrets and Prince of Peace. I have also received multiple nominations from the Rhythm of Gospel Music Awards, IRAA Awards, WVIU Music Awards, and the Golden Triangle Music Awards. I am also the founder of 4TK (For The King) Music—a movement and creative network that supports faith-based artists through industry partnerships and performance opportunities.

What I’m most proud of is using my gifts to impact people beyond entertainment. While performing across Louisiana, I discovered my ability to magnetize crowds with infectious energy and an inspiring message that encourages people to hold on to faith during life’s challenges.

In addition to music, I serve as a public health professional with experience in health systems management, health policy, community engagement, health disparities, and strategies that improve health equity. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Alcorn State University in 2014 and later pursued a Master’s Degree in Public Health from LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. During that time, I was inspired by the city’s rich artistic culture and encouraged by fellow artists to pursue releasing my music on digital platforms.

What sets me apart is my ability to merge ministry, music, and public service. I served with the Louisiana Department of Health and the Office of Public Health, where I became one of the youngest Black statewide supervisors. I am also active in my community as an outreach minister and work with faith-based organizations that support college students, underserved communities, and individuals experiencing homelessness. I am also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the American Public Health Association.

Whether through music, ministry, or public health service, my goal is to uplift people, strengthen faith, and inspire hope in every space I enter.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like most about Atlanta is the culture and the energy of the city. It’s a place full of creativity, especially when it comes to music. There are so many talented artists and opportunities to connect, perform, and be inspired. Every time I’m in Atlanta, I feel the love and a strong sense of welcome. I also appreciate how strong the community can be, especially through churches and events that bring people together.

What I like least is probably the traffic and how busy the city can get at times. It can be challenging getting around, especially when you’re trying to make it to events, studios, or meetings on time. But overall, Atlanta is still a great city with many opportunities and a powerful music scene.

Pricing:

• Obey YHWH T-shirts Merch is $22
• Cds are $15 (OverFlow, Prince of Peace, and No Secrets
• Local performance: $250, Song feature: $200
• Out-of-town performance: $500 + travel
• Hosting / speaking + performance: $400

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/stephen.king.4tk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephen.king.4tk/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SKINGospelRap/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-t-king-mph-758658a4/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stephenking3181
• Yelp: https://linktr.ee/stephen.king.4tk
• soundcloud: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2sFGZeMpU2CZOdn7K8q45R
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/stephen-king/1336151764