FLAME was born and raised in inner city St. Louis. Today, he is a well-versed leader in the Christian hip-hop scene with a growing list of accolades, including a GRAMMY® nomination and multiple Dove and Stellar Award nominations. He has released 8 albums to date including Captured (2010), The 6th (2012), Royal Flush (2013), and Forward (2015) under his own imprint.

In addition to touring, writing, recording and co-producing his own projects, FLAME founded and helms Clear Sight Music, a burgeoning record label raising the bar in Christian hip-hop and beyond. He also has a degree in biblical counseling from Louisville’s Southern Seminary, viewing rich biblical knowledge as essential to his ministry. “I love the Bible. I love theology. I love Jesus and that light bulb moment when people get excited about Him. I love taking the knowledge from the Bible and connecting the dots with how these things apply to our everyday lives and our deep-seated personal issues.” His first book, All In, which released earlier this year, is a biblically-based guide for living out a Christian worldview in every facet of life.

FLAME’s highly anticipated eighth studio recording, Forward showcases a variety of hip-hop styles from bass heavy to contemplative tracks, highlights of Forward include “Move Forward,” 1st Freedom,” “Know the Times,” “Made Me Do” and “We Gon’ Reign.” The collection also features appearances by Dove-nominated Gospel artist Melinda Watts on “Let It Shine,” and label mate Mike REAL on “Had Me Flexin'.’”

“The album focuses on the issues we face in America as well as globally, and how we need to move forward by engaging the culture with the Gospel,” says FLAME. “I had so much on my heart I wanted to communicate through this project. I wanted songs that would provide listeners with hope and encouragement to move forward in the midst of challenges—to remind them that, in Christ, we are all given the power to press on.”

In all his efforts, whether onstage, in school or operating a record label, FLAME is bridging the gap between the sacred and the secular. While his music is unashamedly Christian, he hopes it might also affect seekers as well. “I just want to encourage the Christian and the non-Christian who may be interested in peeking over the fence of Christianity that in this faith—in this worldview—you can have true freedom.”