Christian hip-hop will receive a two-day spotlight during the 2023 GMA Dove Awards Week with the launch of Future Legacy at Rocketown in downtown Nashville.
Organized through the Gospel Music Association’s Christian Hip Hop Committee, the event brings together Syntax Creative, Reflection Music Group and Rocketown.
Future Legacy will combine live performances with networking and panel discussions for artists and music-industry professionals.
“Christian hip-hop is a vital part of the gospel music ecosystem,” Gospel Music Association President Jackie Patillo said. “It will be well-represented at this year’s GMA Dove Awards Week.”
Future Legacy Opens With a Christian Hip-Hop Showcase
The performance showcase begins at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16. Reflection Music Group CEO Doc Watson curated a lineup spanning several generations and corners of Christian rap.
- Adriel Cruz
- Derek Minor
- DJ Mal-Ski
- GRITS
- Jon Keith
- Social Club Misfits
- Wande
“Future Legacy is a rare opportunity to get in front of both the industry and the fans of the music,” Watson said.
Streaming and Media Panels Follow Oct. 17
Future Legacy continues at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, with a networking brunch followed by two panel discussions curated by Syntax Creative CEO Timothy J. Trudeau.
The first panel will focus on streaming strategies and include representatives from major digital music platforms:
- AJ Ramos, head of artist partnerships at YouTube
- Lauren Tidwel, Christian and gospel programmer at Amazon Music
- Melissa Chalos, associate director of programming at Pandora
“We’ve secured representation from four of the top DSPs,” Trudeau said. “It will be well worth the investment.”
A second discussion will examine media strategy, including how artists and their teams can work with broadcasters, publications and other outlets.
- Camryn Trayvick, music programming manager at BET
- Fred Jerkins, CEO of We Break Records
- James Rosseau, CEO of Holy Culture Radio
- Justin Sarachik, editor-in-chief of Rapzilla
Future Legacy Builds on Last Year’s Brunch
Rocketown Director of Venue Verbs Boyer said the idea grew from a brunch held during the previous year’s Dove Awards activities.
“Now we’re adding performances and panels,” Boyer said. “This is also a significant year for Christian hip-hop. Future Legacy will be one for the books.”
The timing gives the inaugural event another layer of significance. Hip-hop is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, while the Gospel Music Association is also more than five decades into recognizing gospel and Christian music.
Rather than limiting that recognition to an awards category, Future Legacy gives Christian hip-hop artists, executives and media professionals two days to occupy the same room.
See the Gospel Music Association’s Future Legacy schedule and event details.