A. Doulos

Anthony Nelson grew up in Oakland, California. He got into hip-hop as a teenager and his career took off (locally) when he hooked up with Too Short's group, the Dangerous Crew. Then called Ant Diddley Dog, he was a part of a duo called Bad-N-Fluenz, and they were promising prodigies in the secular West Coast rap world. Back then, in the mid-to-late 90s, Oakland's gangsta rap scene was thriving as an underground hotbed. The likes of Too Short, Bad-N-Fluenz, Tha Luniz (famous for the "I Got Five On It" song) and ThreeXKrazy highlighted Oakland's hardcore rap scene, which put the Bay Area on the map long before the Hyphy Movement.
But the tragic death of his partner and friend, Rappin Ron, changed everything for Nelson. Most important, it initiated a journey that led him to the safe bosom of Jesus. He is now Ant Diddley Doulos (which means "a servant") and he's using his talent as a rapper for the cause of Christ.
His influences then were Rappin' Ron, Too Short, E-40, Ant Banks, 2Pac, Dr. Dre and Snoop. His influence now is Jesus, and the children of God who proudly proclaim Christ's name.
Nelson is lyrically superior because of his Spirit-guided wisdom and seemingly endless well of creativity. He is unique in the Holy Hip Hop arena because his experience and success from his career in gangsta rap, because of which he has a refreshing command and understanding of his skills, and an efficient work ethic. He has worked with and learned from some legends in West Coast hip-hop, and his polish is evidenced in his music.
His professional background, his amazing story of transformation, his unbridled and unwavering dedication to the Word of God, his perspective as a loving husband and father, his work in ministry and in the pulpit - it all comes together to make a powerful spokes man for the Savior.