D.King

There is a new movement in music that is sweeping the nation right now, and Dequan "D. King" King is leading the way in Gainesville.

King, 28, is using holy hip-hop as a way to bring more lost souls to the kingdom of God.

"We are not reaching who we need to by only concentrating on who is already in the church," said King, a member of Spirit of Faith Christian Center in Gainesville. "I am not compromising my message, but I do want to appeal to those outside of the church, too."

King, who is from Archer, is a member of the label-like group, Kamp of David, which consists of several solo artists who unite to help each other with projects and performances.

And King will be performing at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Female Protective Society Temple at 12610 NW 39th Ave. Admission is $5.

King began gospel rapping as a child with his brother. His musical talents are a family affair.

"I sing, and they would always try to out do me in my truck," said Wilfred Baker, King's father, a contractor who lives in northwest Gainesville. "He always wanted to show and prove that he was better."

King began rapping in the church shortly after.

"I started rapping in the church, so gospel rap was really what I always did," King said. "At that time though, it was more like singing in the choir as a kid. You do it because it's what you are taught to do, but your heart isn't in it. At first, I wasn't doing it out of a love for God. I was just doing it because I liked to do it."

King stayed with gospel rap throughout his teenage years, and was a member of several Christian rap groups during his time at Buchholz High School. He only ventured out of gospel rap on a few occasions to participate in freestyle battles.

Despite all of this, it was not until 2003 when King officially dedicated his life to the Lord.

"That was when I received the Holy Spirit and made a conscience change and commitment to my God," King said.

In 2006, King released his first mixed tape, titled "The 1st Mixtape." He followed that up with the 2007 release of "Blood Certified." Since 2006, King has done countless performances across the state, and even the southeast. At times, he averages four to six shows a month.

"He is very energetic and passionate when he is performing," said Qui Qui Woodson, founder of Virtuous Promotions, who manages King. "When he's on stage, just his presence commands the set."

Woodson, who also manages a number of other gospel artists, has been working with King for about nine months.

"I was actually a fan at first," Woodson said. "Someone let me hear his CD. After that, I called the number on the back for some extra copies and bought three on the spot."

Holy hip-hop, much like today's contemporary gospel when it first came to light, has been met with much criticism in and around the church.

"You have some older people who just can't understand the music," said Maxine Word, King's mother, who lives in Archer and works at the University of Florida. "Then, you have others who are stuck in tradition and refuse to change."

"It's ignorance, meaning they just don't know," King said.

"I have nothing against it if your intentions are for God," said Baker, his father. "When you start doing it for yourself, that's when I draw the line. As far as what I've seen, he has sincerity in his music, and in his actions in God."

"Music is just a vehicle to get your message across, whether it's good or bad. Don't blame rap, blame the rapper," King said.

While standing in defense of his music, King admits that he is not actually very fond of rap music itself.

"I actually listen to a lot of (gospel artists) Tye Tribbett, Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond and John P. Kee," King said. "I'm a rapper who worships God. I'm not even big on rap, but when God gives you a talent, you use it. It's a God-given gift, and I love to do it, I just don't listen to it."

King's next CD, which is still untitled, is expected to be released later this year. Plans to shoot a video for the lead single, "Hey Daddy," are in the works. He also has a graphic design company called D. King Images.

King ministers to the children at Spirit of Faith Christian Center every third Friday.

"I feel like I'm purposed to preach," King said. "Music is just a way to get my message across. Until I am a preacher, this is how I'll do it."
- GainesvilleSun