Alan C. Duncan

Rap lyrics do not typically strike a cord universally, but how about vignettes about God’s saving grace, salvation and forgiveness?

These themes are present in Alan C.Duncan’s music.

As a Christian rap artist, Duncan, a 2000 North Royalton High School graduate, says his songs have the ability to connect with a range of listeners.

His sophomore album, “Fresh Air,” will be digitally released on iTunes Feb. 26.

“What I try to do with the music is have someone in mind who maybe doesn’t already believe in Jesus Christ,” Duncan said. “That’s who I think about when I write my music. I am giving a Christian message in my music. I am very up front about Christ being the only means of salvation. I just try to say it in a way so I’m almost preaching to myself.”

Always an athlete at both North Royalton High School and Malone College, Duncan said no one was aware of his private, poetic writings. Towards the end of high school, he created a piece that was roughly seven minutes long. He shared it with close friends and family.

His father, the Rev. Rick Duncan of Cuyahoga Valley Church at Wallings Road and Interstate 77 in Broadview Heights, asked his son to perform the rap at a parish event. It would be the first time strangers would hear his religious ditties.

It caught the attention of Sellers Johnson, an inner-city Christian rap artist with the stage name “God’s Child.” He asked Duncan to perform and record a song in his suburban studio. The experience led Duncan to study Bible and theology at Malone College and continue to write and record tracks.

Armed with a laptop and recording software, Duncan would sit in his dorm room and create the tracks that eventually would appear on his first album, “Fisherman,” released in 2004 on iTunes.

Although the Christian rap industry is still somewhat underground, Duncan said labels are beginning to gain recognition.

“When a Christian releases an album, there is a distinction,” he said. “I wish the term wasn’t a turn-off to a lot of people. Everyone can gain something from this music.”

After “Fisherman” hit the airwaves, Duncan immediately began work on his second album, “Fresh Air,” which aims to sound different than any other music people currently hear.

The album features the voice of Duncan’s wife, Joanna, whom he met at a church function, and his mother-in-law playing the flute. There are also hints of piano, guitar, live acoustic bass and a child’s toy organ from the 1950s.

“The music out there now isn’t fresh,” Duncan said. “The lyrics are getting old. It isn’t encouraging. If anything, it is doing more damage.”

To create the album, Duncan researched hip hop history and fact checked the Scriptures.

“I try to be as Scripturally accurate as possible,” Duncan said. “I cross check my references with others and try to say things in a way that will resonate with people.”

Duncan gets much of his creative motivation from knowing that his songs have an impact on others. Through his ministry, Duncan has performed for audiences in West Africa, Alabama and a host of clubs. He also connects weekly by mail to an incarcerated man and his fellow inmates.

Above all, Duncan is confident he has found his calling.

“My father has been very supportive,” Duncan said. “It probably isn’t the easiest things in the world for a person in his 50s, but he recognizes my work as a vehicle and a tool that can reach people in a way that he can’t.”

-Sara Macho

- Sun Star Courier

FILE UNDER: Melodic rap with a Christian message

LATEST RELEASE: "Fresh Air" album

SOUND BITE: "We do everything in-house," says Duncan of Duncan Clan Productions, a multitalented family affair that handles not only music, but videos, photography and graphic design, too. "We're trying to remove some hip-hop stereotypes and get back to the essence of a good beat and a rhyme that has something of value to say." - The Plain Dealer

FILE UNDER: Melodic rap with a Christian message

LATEST RELEASE: "Fresh Air" album

SOUND BITE: "We do everything in-house," says Duncan of Duncan Clan Productions, a multitalented family affair that handles not only music, but videos, photography and graphic design, too. "We're trying to remove some hip-hop stereotypes and get back to the essence of a good beat and a rhyme that has something of value to say." - The Plain Dealer

I love how free indie artists can be with their lyrics, beats, style and overall sound. Alan C. definitely has creative freedom and isn’t ashamed or afraid to rap about the hope of Christ and the love of God. Having such attributes makes each song authentic; not sugar coated, and not watered down. In a stuffy room known as hip-hop, Duncan uses his craft to bring a breath of 'FRESH AIR' to the industry – mainstream and underground (read more by following the link). - DaSouth.com

Alan C. Duncan, his two brothers, Ryan and Evan, and pal Tom Sawyer are the talents behind Duncan Clan Productions. And no, they're not a bagpipe act. The four came together to turn out Alan's gospel-rap videos, and later grew into a "Christ-centered production group." Today, the well-dressed men make music videos, documentaries and concert films. Though hard at work on a new album -- Alan rhymes, Evan is beat producer and video editor, Ryan creates cover art and other visuals, and Tom plays the drums -- they dropped into the Plain Dealer studios. Before they were done, they'd shared their sartorial philosophies, given an impromptu performance (go to cleveland.com/fashion-flash to see it) and schooled us on the burgeoning Christian hip-hop industry. (read more by following the link). - The Plain Dealer