Mista Crain

After returning home from Chicago, Mista Crain is restless and contemplating his next move as he talks to God about his worries. - Mister Busker

Looks like Christian Hip Hop Is breaking into the main stream arena with artist like Mista Crain Leading the charge

Overflow has a nice vibe and has mastered the ability to mix traditional Praise and Worship with Christian hip-hop, how did the single come about?

I attend Living Water church and our motto is “Experience the Overflow!” I am the Sunday school teacher in our men’s class and our book we are using is highlighting Ezekiel 34:26 which says “I will cause a shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessings.” The song is an affirmation about receiving divine intervention in your life. I wanted to proclaim that and encourage myself and anyone who hears it that #FavorAintFair and it don’t matter what it looks like.

With so many CHH artists trying to blend with secular music, what made you go throwback with the sound while remaining current with the message?

I desire to make meaningful music that has a strong “Word” based content. I feel good music has no genre so rather the sound is throwback, trap, or pop, if it is good it is going to gain attention and hopefully the message is what keeps it on repeat. The church is a hospital, not a museum, so it is important we go out and connect to everybody not just Christians because we all need Jesus lol

What is your take on the CHH label and Christian artists being segregated overall?

I’m #BoutDatChrist Matthew 10:33 and I’m unashamed of whom I rep and am direct with my goal. I love the label and am not running from it. Again, I feel good music has no genre and responsible for the content. There is so much music out with no message, or glorifying things that lead to death. I am leading to light and life. A way to remove the segregation of the market is to connect with listeners outside the genre. I gladly accept the challenge while keeping the message clear.

The sound has a nice vibe, is this a sample of what your project is going to sound like?
Yeah this is definitely a preview of what is to come. My album “Servant King” is my interpretation of who Jesus is via Mark 10:45. Any project I put out is going to have the word, my story, my testimony and a worship element. Rap and Worship, Pop-Gospel whatever, just know it is going to be good music. I have been in the church my whole life and I love the gospel and gospel music. My goal is to intertwine the modern with the traditional and equip, encourage, and enlist my audience to join me in faith. Follow me as I Follow Christ @MistaCrain -

We connected with El Paso, TX based Christian Hip-Hop artist Mista Crain for an exclusive Q&A to discuss his new video “1 a.m. in El Paso”, find out what motivated him to initially write the song, as well as what he enjoys most about performing live, his goals for 2019, and much more.

After reading our interview with Mista Crain, be sure to stream “1 a.m. in El Paso” on Spotify and connect with him on his social media to stay up to date on what he’ll be dropping next!

What does the descriptor “Christian Hip-Hop artist” mean to you?

An artist who intentionally glorifies Christ in his music and lifestyle. An unashamed Christian who delivers the good news.

Salute to you for the song “1 a.m. in El Paso” and the release of its video. What initially motivated you to write this song and why did you choose to create visuals for it?

“1 a.m. in El Paso” was birthed on my return flight from Chicago, Illinois where my employer sent us to attend the ISTE conference. While there, I performed at the House of Blues for 3,000 plus people and I could not stop thinking about how incredible that felt. It hurt me to return home and go back to doing my 9-5. Therefore, the song is a reflection and conversation with God. After recording the trumpets and trombones, I knew we need a dark type visual with a story to fully express the intent behind the lyrics. I’m happy with the outcome. Shout out Star City Studios and Joe Ines in El Paso, Texas.


Why would you say that your message of trusting in God is important for today’s Hip-Hop listener, or just people in general?

I love the expression “Know God, Know Peace”. There is nothing wrong with having faith. Once we realize we are all connected and it is bigger than I the individual am; it is important to seek guidance and find our purpose. Regardless of what may go on in the world, if we trust in him we know that all things work together for our good.

You’ve performed at a lot of great events over the past year or two, including the House of Blues, Dee 1 Slingshot David Tour, and the Urban Network Digital Conference. What do you enjoy most about performing for an audience and do you have a favorite song to perform?

I love the energy of the crowd and connecting with each individual attendee from the stage. It is great when you come in there unknown and leave with new fans. My favorite song to perform is “I’m Wrong You’re Right” because it is personal and has several sections where I do a call and response with the crowd.

2018 is almost a wrap; what are your goals musically for 2019?

Goals for 2019 include releasing three projects, a million or more streams, selling more merchandise and five collaborations with my peers who may have a broader audience than myself.

Finish this sentence - “When someone listens to a Mista Crain song, I want them to…”

Love it so much they keep it on repeat and recite the lyrics and enlist in the faith or feel encouraged in their walk. - Dope Cause We Said it