Draft:Stephen King (rapper)

Stephen King (Rapper)
Stephen Thomas King (born August 23, 1991) is an acclaimed hip-hop recording artist, lyricist, songwriter, and minister who currently lives in Louisiana. He is a captivating American Christian rap artist, who combines gospel with Hip-Hop. Stephen King’s songs such as Obey, Refresh and Adore have appeared on platforms such as OffBeat Magazine, Rapzilla, TrackStarz website, and Journal of Gospel Music.

Stephen King was a highlighted artist for events such as the House of Blues Gospel Brunch in New Orleans, Praise Fest on the Bayou, Dee-1's Slingshot David Tour, Dillion Chase’s Joyful Loser Tour, 225 Fest, Presence Fest, and RAW New Orleans at Republic NOLA. Stephen King performed during the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on the Congo Square Stage alongside artists such as former NBC "The Voice" contestant Casme’.

King's music has garnered a NOLA Gospel Awards win for Album/CD of the Year for the NOLA Gospel Awards for his first two albums No Secrets and Prince of Peace as well as several nominations for the Rhythm of Gospel Music Awards, IRAA Awards, and Golden Triangle Music Awards.

Early Life
Stephen Thomas King was born in Champaign, Illinois on August 23, 1991, into a family that raised him in the Church. Shortly after his birth, his parents moved to Danville Illinois where he spent most of his preteen years. At the age of ten, Stephen King started rapping and writing cross-genres of contemporary Christian music and hip-hop music. Growing up with music, Gospel songs were played at his house and his father was in a church band as a conga drummer, encouraging him to go into music. His mother also recognized his passion for music and signed him up to be a member of the community gospel choir and school band. When he was twelve years old, his parents relocated to Battle Creek, Michigan with his brother and sister. During his upbringing, he learned to play musical instruments such as the trumpet, French horn, drums, and piano.

In 2010, Stephen won multiple college campus talent shows performing while attending Alcorn State University. During college, he was awarded an opportunity to rap on stage during the BET College Tour. While attending college Stephen continued using his gift to write music to encourage people to have faith. He discovered that people were receptive to his unique blend of Midwest rhymes with a smooth Southern flow. His music turns the moral of faith into a message of hope, elevating listeners across the nation. Stephen recognized the rareness and uplifting originality of his take on Christ-centered hip hop.

In 2014, Stephen graduated from Alcorn State earning a Bachelor of Biological Science degree. In that same year, he moved to New Orleans Louisiana to pursue a Master’s Degree in Public Health from LSU Health Sciences Center. During his educational pursuit, Stephen discovered and observed the rich artistic culture of New Orleans where he was encouraged by other artists to pursue his desire to release music on digital platforms. While performing across the state of Louisiana he learned that he had the ability to magnetize crowds with his infectious energy and inspiring message.

In 2018, Stephen participated in the first New Orleans Christian rap cypher and was presented an opportunity to perform during Dee-1's Slingshot David Tour at the House of Blues. Over the last years, he has released two full-length albums, one EP, and multiple singles that have been heard across the nation.

Personal Life
Stephen King currently resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Stephen is also a public health professional skilled in health systems management, health policy, health disparities, health inclusion, and strategies that improve health equity. Stephen is active in his community as he is an outreach minister at his church and for multiple faith-based organizations that encourage college students, people with a lower socioeconomic status, and the homeless population to have faith during trials and tribulations.

He is also an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and a member of the American Public Health Association. Stephen King is currently an independent (indie) artist not signed with any record labels.

Discography
Albums


 * No Secrets (2018)
 * Prince of Peace (2019)

EPs


 * Overflow (2022)

Singles


 * Adore featuring Isai-Yeah (2023)
 * Counterfeit featuring Sicka Sin & FaVor (2023)