Trip Lee

Last updated

Trip Lee
Birth nameWilliam Lee Barefield III
Born (1987-12-17) December 17, 1987 (age 36)
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • poet
Years active2005–present
Labels Reach

William Lee Barefield III (born December 17, 1987), better known by his stage name Trip Lee, is an American Christian rapper and singer. Signed to Reach Records, he has recorded both as a solo artist and as a founding member of the 116 Clique. Originally from Dallas, Texas, [1] he served as a young adult pastor at Concord Church until 2021. [2] His third album, Between Two Worlds (2010), was nominated for two Dove Awards and won the Stellar Award for Best Hip Hop Album in 2011. [3]

Contents

Biography

Early life

William Lee Barefield III was born on December 17, 1987, in Dallas, Texas. [4] [5] As a young boy, Lee had dreams of being a professional athlete or a famous rapper, and he began to hone his lyrical skills at the age of 12. "I rapped about random stuff… how hot I was, how many girls I could pull," Lee says. [6] But upon giving his life to Christ, at age 14, his focus changed from fortune, fame, and women to serving and ministering the Gospel.

Lee slowly recognized that all of his life should be centered around Christ. "One day, I just decided, I'm only doing Christian hip hop. Rappers like Ambassador and Da' T.R.U.T.H. helped provide a model for how I would begin to do that," he says. [6] He also had an immense desire to learn and teach the Word of God, so he became a leader in his youth group where he preached his first sermon at age 17. [6]

In 2004, Lee met Lecrae at a concert; months later, after talking and building with each other, Lecrae began to disciple him. While still in high school, Lee was given the opportunity to pen a few devotionals for the Reach Records website that dealt with theological matters and showcased his spiritual maturity. [6]

Lee attended Cairn University [7] and Boyce College, [8] the undergraduate school of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. [9] [10]

Music career

Trip Lee signed with Reach Records, and his debut album, If They Only Knew , was released a few days after his high school graduation. [6] His first full-length album introduced hip-hop fans to his distinct southern sound, unique delivery, and gospel-saturated lyrics. That same year, he was also featured on the Dove Award-nominated, Jesus Muzik with label mate Lecrae.

His second album, 20/20 , was released in 2008 and garnered much success, breaking into the Billboard Top 200 and reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Christian albums chart and No. 4 on the Gospel chart. Back with his third studio album, Between Two Worlds , Lee offers a collection of reflections on life in a fallen world. His hope is that his reflections not only resonate with listeners, but also point to Jesus as the hero.

Since his first album release, Lee has traveled the world doing concerts for thousands of listeners, and his last three summers have been spent on national and international tours with his Reach label mates. His Christ-centered hip-hop message has also built a platform for him among churches and other Christian organizations, which has led to numerous opportunities to preach and teach at conferences and other events.

Lee released two new singles "Brag on My Lord" and "King Like Mine", the latter featuring Alex Medina, on March 29, 2011. [11]

Trip Lee released his fourth full-length studio album, entitled The Good Life on April 9, 2012. The album featured various notable Christian artists, such as Sho Baraka (formerly signed with Reach Records), JR., Lecrae, J.Paul, KB, Andy "C-Lite" Mineo, Jimmy Needham, V. Rose, Suzy Rock, Jai, and Leah Smith. [12] As a continuation to the album, Lee has worked with Moody Publishers and has authored a book titled The Good Life, to be released October 1, 2012. [13]

On October 9, 2012, Lee announced he would be "stepping away" from music altogether. [14] The Unashamed 2012 tour with the Reach Records roster was his final tour before pursuing a career as an author and pastor. [14] [15] [ non-primary source needed ] [16] [ non-primary source needed ] He later clarified that while he would continue to make music, he wouldn't be touring as much. [17] He is currently training to be a pastor at his local church, while still engaging in public ministry. [17]

On October 27, 2014, Trip Lee released his fifth studio album, Rise. On January 27, 2015, he released his second book called Rise: Get Up and Live in God's Great Story to accompany the album. [18] He was part of the Winter Jam Tour 2016 along with KB and Tedashii in the central and eastern parts of the United States. [19]

On December 9, 2016, Trip Lee released a mixtape titled, "The Waiting Room." [20] The title was inspired by a line in the song, "Take Me There" from his, "The Good Life" album. He says the album highlights the fact that, as a Christian, his life is much like sitting in a waiting room, looking for what God has ahead. [21]

On March 4, 2022, Trip Lee released his sixth studio album "The End." his first project in six years (first since 2016). The album released three singles "Supernatural," "Stone" and "Right Out The Gate." The album also featured artists WHATUPRG, Anike, Taylor Hill, KB, and Desi Raines. [22]

On October 27, 2023, Trip Lee released his seventh studio album "The Epilogue". It includes a collaboration with Kirk Franklin, Hulvey, Madison Ryann Ward, Lecrae, KB, WHATUPRG, and Jonathan Traylor. [23]

Ministry

In early 2011, he did the pastoral internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. [24]

In 2014, he became pastoral assistant at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. [25]

In 2015, he became pastor at Cornerstone Church West End in Atlanta. [20]

In 2019, he became young adult pastor at Concord Church Dallas, Texas. He stepped down from his position as pastor in 2021. He attributed the move to his battle with chronic fatigue syndrome [26] [27]

Personal life

Trip Lee married Jessica Barefield in 2009. The couple have three children. [28] [29] [30]

Discography

Studio albums

Books

Award nominations

GMA Dove Awards [33]
YearAwardResult
2011 Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year ( Between Two Worlds )Nominated
Short Form Music Video of the Year ("Invasion (Hero)")Nominated
2013 Rap / Hip Hop Song of the Year ("I'm Good" featuring Lecrae )Nominated
Rap / Hip Hop Album of the Year ( The Good Life )Nominated
2017 Rap / Hip Hop Album of the Year (The Waiting Room) [34] Won
Stellar Awards
YearAwardResult
2011Best Hip Hop Album ( Between Two Worlds ) [9] Won

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">116 (hip-hop group)</span> American rap group

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<i>Rebel</i> (Lecrae album) 2008 studio album by Lecrae

Rebel is the third studio album by Christian rap artist, Lecrae. The album was released by Reach Records on September 30, 2008. The album was nominated in the best Rap/Hip-Hop Album category at the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards but lost to Group 1 Crew's Ordinary Dreamers.

<i>Rehab</i> (Lecrae album) 2010 studio album by Lecrae

Rehab is the fourth studio album by Christian hip hop artist Lecrae. It was released on September 28, 2010 on Reach Records. According to the Reach Records website, the album's "motto" is "The Christian life is an entrance into rehab." Centered on release and freedoms from inhibiting addictions and habits, Rehab is a highly conceptual album. Rehab is nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album at the 53rd Grammy Awards. The album was named the Best Album of 2010 in the "Best of 2010: Rapzilla.com's Staff Picks" awards, and Lecrae was also named Artist of the Year. The song "Background" and the album itself were nominated for Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year and Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year, respectively, at the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lecrae discography</span>

The discography of Lecrae, an American Christian hip hop artist, consists of 11 studio albums, two of which were collaborative; four mixtapes; two extended plays, one of which was collaborative; 130 singles, including 75 as a featured performer; 73 music videos, including 37 as a featured performer; and 86 guest and other appearances. Lecrae debuted with Real Talk in 2004 through Reach Records; the album was re-issued the following year by Cross Movement Records. After the Music Stops followed in 2006 and his third solo album, Rebel, was released in 2008 and reached No. 1 on the Gospel chart, the first Christian hip hop album to do so. Rehab, his fourth solo album, was released in 2010 and reached No. 1 on the Gospel, Christian, and Independent charts, and garnered a nomination at the 53rd Grammy Awards. Rehab: The Overdose, was released on January 11, 2011, and peaked at No. 1 on the Christian and Gospel charts. Lecrae began garnering mainstream attention when he performed at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher and was featured on the Statik Selektah song "Live and Let Live" from his Population Control album.

<i>The Good Life</i> (Trip Lee album) 2012 studio album by Trip Lee

The Good Life is the fourth studio album from Christian rap artist Trip Lee. The album was released in 2012, through Reach Records. The album includes features from Lecrae, Andy Mineo, KB, and Jimmy Needham, among others. Four singles were released for the album, "One Sixteen ", "I'm Good ", "Fallin' ", and "Robot". Three promotional music videos were released for the album for three of the four singles, "I'm Good", "Fallin", and "One Sixteen". It was released to critical acclaim, with critics praising Trip's flow, pop-style hooks, high-quality beats, moody electronics, and lyricism.

<i>Church Clothes</i> 2012 mixtape by Lecrae

Church Clothes is the first mixtape by Christian hip hop artist Lecrae, released for free on May 10, 2012, and hosted by DJ Don Cannon. It featured No Malice of Clipse on the song "Darkest Hour", and included production work by 9th Wonder, Boi-1da, S1 and Street Symphony. Label-mates Tedashii and Andy Mineo, as well as other fellow Christian hip-hop artists such as Dre Murray, Thi'sl, Swoope, Christon Gray, and Braille, also made appearances on the album. The mixtape was downloaded 100,000 times in 48 hours, and met with critical acclaim. It received controversy in Christian media upon its release due to its condemnation of hypocrisy in the Christian Church and Lecrae's collaboration with the mainstream producer Don Cannon. A shorter, remastered EP version was released on iTunes on June 25, 2012. The EP debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Christian Albums and Gospel Albums charts.

Kevin Elijah Burgess, better known by his stage name KB, is an American Christian hip hop artist and music executive from St. Petersburg, Florida. He is the leader of the hip-hop group HGA. Burgess signed a solo artist contract with Reach Records in 2010. The label has released several projects, including the Who Is KB? mixtape in 2011, Weight & Glory, on July 17, 2012, 100 EP on March 4, 2014, Tomorrow We Live on April 21, 2015, and Today We Rebel on October 20, 2017. He is also a member of the label's collective formerly 116 clique shortened to 116.

<i>Gravity</i> (Lecrae album) Album by Lecrae

Gravity is the sixth studio album by American Christian hip hop artist Lecrae, released on September 4, 2012. The album features appearances from Big K.R.I.T., Mathai, Ashthon Jones, Sho Baraka and Mali Music, along with labelmates Trip Lee, Andy Mineo, Derek Minor, who was formerly known as PRo, and Tedashii. Producers on the album include DJ Khalil, Street Symphony along with his production team Heat Academy, and The Watchmen. The first single off the album, "I Know", was released on July 24, 2012, and was followed by "Tell the World" featuring Mali Music on August 15, 2012, and "Mayday" featuring Big K.R.I.T. and Ashthon Jones on August 30, 2012. Reach Records released five music videos for the album: "Lord Have Mercy", featuring Tedashii along with No Malice of Clipse, on August 1, 2012, "Tell the World", featuring Mali Music, on October 19, 2012, "Mayday", featuring Big K.R.I.T. and Ashthon Jones, on December 13, 2012, "Fakin'", featuring Thi'sl, on February 1, 2013, and "Confe$$ions", featuring David Banner, on April 30, 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andy Mineo</span> American rapper

Andrew Aaron Mineo, is an American Christian hip hop artist, producer, music executive, and video director based in New York City. He is signed to Reach Records and his creative initiative Miner League. In addition to his solo work, he is a member of Reach Records' hip hop collective 116 Clique.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andy Mineo discography</span>

The discography of American Christian hip hop artist Andy Mineo, formerly known as C-Lite, consists of three studio albums, three mixtapes, one compilation album, twenty-one singles, including seven as a featured performer, fourteen music videos, including six as a featured artist, and fifteen guest appearances on various albums. Originally from Syracuse, Mineo initially achieved success as a producer in Upstate New York, and was a member of the hip hop group Fat Camp, signed to Syracuse University's Marshall Street Records. After moving to New York City where he re-dedicated his life to Christ, he closed down his production studio and restarted his career. He released his first mixtape Sin is Wack Vol. 1 in 2009. After providing sung vocals for the song "Background" by Lecrae from the album Rehab, he experienced a surge in popularity and became highly sought after for collaborations. His 2011 single "In My City" featuring Efrain from Doubledge also garnered attention, as did his appearance on the song "Reverse" by Tedashii from Blacklight. He signed to Reach Records in 2011 and dropped his stage name "C-Lite" in favor of his legal name. Under this name he released another mixtape, Formerly Known, in 2011. In May 2012 he debuted a four episode web series entitled Saturday Morning Car-Tunez in which he remixed classic hip hop songs. The four songs were subsequently released for free as a compilation album. His debut full-length studio album, Heroes for Sale, was released April 2013.

Derek Laurence Johnson Jr., better known by his stage name Derek Minor and former stage name PRo, is an American Christian rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, actor, and screenwriter. He co-founded the hip-hop record label Reflection Music Group (RMG) with Doc Watson, and signed to Reach Records in a joint venture between the two labels in 2011. In 2012, Johnson announced that he had changed his stage name from Pro to Derek Minor. In 2014, he announced that as his two-album contract with Reach was complete, he would no longer be publishing releases through that label.

<i>Heroes for Sale</i> (Andy Mineo album) 2013 studio album by Andy Mineo

Heroes for Sale is the debut studio album by American Christian hip hop artist Andy Mineo, released on April 16, 2013. It follows up Mineo's 2011 mixtape Formerly Known. Considered one of the most anticipated Christian hip hop albums of 2013, Heroes for Sale includes features from Lecrae, Trip Lee, KB, Christon Gray, Krizz Kaliko, and for KING & COUNTRY among others. Three singles were released for the album, "AYO!" on January 28, 2013, "Bitter" on March 5, 2013, and "You Will" on April 2, 2013. A music video for "AYO!" came out on January 31, a three-part webseries was launched on February 6, and a documentary entitled "Everything Must Go" was released on April 9. Lyrically, Mineo based the album concept around the brokenness of human heroes, and the album has a very transparent and personal tone. Stylistically, it mixes electronic-influenced hip hop music with a variety of other genres, including hymns, reggaeton, jazz, R&B, heavy metal, classical, dubstep, second line, acid jazz, psychedelic funk, and jack swing. The album debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200, No. 4 on Top Rap Albums chart, No. 1 on the US Top Christian Albums and No. 2 on the UK Top Christianhart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reach Records</span> American label of Christian hip hop

Reach Records is an American independent record label specializing in Christian hip hop. The label was founded in 2004 by Ben Washer and the hip-hop artist Lecrae. In addition to Lecrae, the Reach Records roster contains artists like Tedashii, Trip Lee, Andy Mineo, 1K Phew, WHATUPRG, Anike, Hulvey, Limoblaze, and Jackie Hill Perry. The hip-hop collective 116 operates under the label and consists primarily of the label's solo acts. The artists Sho Baraka, Derek Minor, Aha Gazelle, KB, and Gawvi were formerly signed to the label, and DJ Official was under the label until his death.

<i>Anomaly</i> (Lecrae album) 2014 studio album by Lecrae

Anomaly is the seventh studio album by American Christian hip hop artist Lecrae, released on September 9, 2014, through Reach Records. The album features appearances from Crystal Nicole, Kari Jobe, and For King & Country, along with label-mate Andy Mineo. Anomaly met with a positive critical reception, and the song "Nuthin", released for streaming as a single on July 1, 2014, was nominated for the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards in the best Impact Track category. The album also fared well commercially, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with over 88,000 copies sold. It also debuted at No. 1 on the Top Gospel Albums chart, marking the first time that any artist has ever topped both the 200 and Gospel charts. Anomaly won Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year at the 2015 GMA Dove Awards, and Rap, Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year at the 2015 Stellar Awards. Two songs earned a nomination for the 2015 Grammy Awards; "All I Need Is You" was nominated for Best Rap Performance, and "Messengers", featuring For King & Country, won Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Natalie Sims</span> American recording artist and songwriter

Natalie Lauren Sims, also known by her stage name Natalie Lauren and former stage name Suzy Rock, is a musician, songwriter, graphic designer, visual artist, writer, and music executive from Tulsa, Oklahoma. As a solo artist she performs within the Christian hip hop and R&B genres, having released a studio album, eight singles, three extended plays, a mixtape, and a live extended play as well as being featured on numerous songs by other artists. She also is a member of High Society Collective – along with Sho Baraka, Swoope, and J.R. – which released a studio album, Circa MMXI: The Collective, in 2012. She released her first studio album, Handle with Care, in 2020 through Rostrum Records. Five singles were released for the album: "Meditate" in 2019, and "Something Something", "Just Breathe", "Back to Love", and "Bra Off" in 2020. A live EP of the same title was released in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Natalie Lauren discography</span>

The discography of Natalie Lauren, formerly known as Suzy Rock, an American Christian hip hop and R&B artist, consists of a studio album; seventeen singles, including seven as a featured performer; three extended plays; a mixtape; four music videos; and twenty-one other guest appearances, including frequent collaborations with Lecrae, KB, Swoope, and Sho Baraka.

References

  1. ↑ Busy R. "The Holy Hip Hop Database – He has changed my life in so many different ways – says 11-year-old rising christian hip hop artist Grady E Music. Trip Lee". Hhhdb.com. Retrieved June 12, 2010.
  2. ↑ DiMarzio, Luc (December 21, 2021). "Trip Lee is Back to Christian Rap After Years of Pastoring [Interview]". Rapzilla. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  3. ↑ "Stellar Gospel Music Awards | 2011 Winners". www.thestellarawards.com. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  4. ↑ Angela Lu. "WORLD | Braggin' on their King | April 20, 2013". Worldmag.com. Retrieved June 1, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Top 10 Trip Lee Songs of All Time". Wade-O Radio. December 21, 2012. Retrieved June 1, 2014.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "Reach Records". Reach Records. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  7. ↑ Daniels, David. "D.C. rapper Trip Lee withstands disease, while pastoring at church, releasing album". The Washington Times. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
  8. ↑ Trip Lee (September 8, 2011). "Trip Lee". Boyce College. Retrieved April 22, 2012.
  9. 1 2 Ethan Cole, Rising Christian Rapper Trip Lee on What Makes Jesus Irresistible, The Christian Post, USA, July 9, 2012
  10. ↑ Robin Cornetet, Free Christian hip-hop concert in Frankfort Oct. 28, kentuckytoday.com/, USA, October 13, 2017
  11. ↑ Hoiland, Tim. "Two New Singles Released". Reach Records. Retrieved May 9, 2013.
  12. ↑ Bradley (April 9, 2012). "Trip Lee – The Good Life in Stores Now". Reach Records. Retrieved May 9, 2012.
  13. ↑ Bradley (May 23, 2012). "Trip Lee's Debut Book Release The Good Life". Reach Records. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  14. 1 2 Rood, Philip (October 9, 2012). "Trip Lee talks Unashamed Tour 2012, 'The Good Life' book, and what's next". Rapzilla . Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  15. ↑ DJ Official (November 16, 2012). "Though I'm excited we have..." Twitter. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  16. ↑ "@nbferraro His last tour. He's..." Twitter. November 16, 2012. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  17. 1 2 Archived April 12, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  18. ↑ "Rise: Get Up And Live In God's Great Story". Jam the Hype. February 13, 2015. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  19. ↑ "Trip Lee, Tedashii & KB to tour nation on Winter Jam 2016". Rapzilla. October 28, 2015. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  20. 1 2 Leonardo Blair, Rising Trip Lee on Being a Pastor; New Music in 'The Waiting Room' (Interview), The Christian Post, USA, December 5, 2016
  21. ↑ "Trip Lee explains title of his mixtape 'The Waiting Room'". Rapzilla. November 26, 2016. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  22. ↑ "The End. by Trip Lee". Genius. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  23. ↑ "The Epilogue. by Trip Lee". Genius. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  24. ↑ "Capitol Hill Baptist Church Past Interns".
  25. ↑ Daniels, David (November 3, 2014). "D.C. rapper Trip Lee withstands disease, while pastoring at church, releasing album". The Washington Times. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
  26. ↑ Dallas Theological Seminary, Trip Lee : MLK Chapel 2019, voice.dts.edu, USA, January 17, 2019
  27. ↑ Cho, Timothy I. (December 8, 2021). "Trip Lee Talks New Music, Quitting the Pastorate, Dealing With Doubt and More". Faithfully Magazine. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  28. ↑ "Why Did I Get Married So Young?". TRIP LEE. October 26, 2011. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  29. ↑ Matt Smethurst. "Trip Lee Brags on the King". TGC – The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  30. ↑ HipHopDX (October 23, 2014). "Trip Lee Discusses "Rise", His Faith & T.I.'s Role in Promoting Fatherhood in Hip Hop". HipHopDX. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  31. ↑ Barefield, William (October 1, 2012). The Good Life. Moody Publishers. ISBN   978-0-8024-0858-7.
  32. ↑ Barefield, William (January 27, 2015). Rise: Get Up and Live in God's Great Story. Thomas Nelson. ISBN   978-0-529-12099-1.
  33. ↑ Emma Schkloven, Rising Christian rapper Trip Lee to perform at Liberty University, newsadvance.com, USA, February 5, 2015
  34. ↑ CCM magazine, 2017 Dove Award Winners + TV info, ccmmagazine.com, October 18, 2017
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