Bridge-building Christian rap artist, Anike, is releasing her self-titled debut LP on August 30th. Featuring familiar voices such as label-mates Lecrae, Hulvey, WH
As the first female Christian rapper to tour with icons like Lecrae and collaborate with artists like TobyMac, Anike has been a groundbreaking presence in the industry. She has been featured on GRAMMY-nominated projects and Billboard’s #1 album “The Mav Way”, and her contributions have been recognized by influential figures like Michelle Obama and Kirk Franklin.
What’s it like being a Christian, female rapper today?
Being a Christian female rapper today is really exciting just because women in music are being celebrated more. It’s also a unique opportunity in the Christian space to express our femininity and what it looks like to be a woman who glorifies God while still going hard with the raps.
What drove to Christian music in the first place?
It all started in high school by accident. I committed to Christ at a camp featuring members from 116 (Lecrae, Andy Mineo, Trip Lee, etc.) performing. Later, I realized my talent for rapping during a biology project, where the teacher allowed us to create a song instead of writing an essay. This newfound skill gained attention from people around me, leading me to combine my talent with the Gospel to share it with others.
What is the point and mission of being a Christian artist in your view?
I think the point is to expose people to God and to also bring people back to God who already know him. We have a unique opportunity to create songs that are soundtracks to people’s lives that they can sing in different seasons of life that can be done in a memorable way to uplift their spirits.
Who were some of your inspirations and idols as a young artist?
Ironically the guys that I work with today are the ones I looked up to such as Lecrae, Andy Minoe, KB, Trip Lee, Tedashii, etc.
What’s the most representative song on the record and why?
My most representative song is probably Ese Baba with LimoBlaze who is from the UK. That song is a fusion of both of my cultures using English and Yoruba, my mother tongue from Nigeria. I feel like it’s a great song for people who are from Nigeria as well as people from America so both can see an aspect of myself of how I can praise the Lord.
What kind of audience and reaction are you getting from people?
I am so glad and thankful to be having overwhelming positive responses from everyone who listens to it. So many people have told me this album is legendary and some of the best music I have ever made in my life. I’m excited to be a part of it and see how it is going to impact the general audience moving forward.
Why do you think it’s so important for women to pursue their spirituality?
I think it’s important because spirituality helps us cope with life, especially us women since we are very in tune with our emotional side. So when we’re able to understand our emotions and stay in tune with our spirit then we can become very powerful with the way we love, and nurture others and ourselves in a world that is against us.
You received praise from the likes of Michelle Obama and Kirk Franklin. How does it make you feel to be so highly recognized for your work?
I’m deeply honored and shocked to be recognized by icons who have impacted millions of lives including my own. It was a huge surprise when I saw them put me on their playlists knowing that my music has inspired those who inspired me. And I’m so grateful that they helped me spread my music beyond the circles that I’m in.
What’s your favorite Christian message ultimately?
Hope.
Jesus is hope and He has preached that over and over letting us know that there is a better way of life here on Earth and even a greater perfect life afterward with Him and His Father up in Heaven. That’s why He came for us in the first place, He knew that sin would ultimately take us out but with His grace, we have hope for a better future and a great eternity. It’s a place that’s beautiful, filled with love and the invitation is open to anyone willing to accept.
