Thousands of songs are created daily, along with artists who want to make a difference in the world through their music and lyrics. However, some rap artists stand out because they desire to use music to make people feel understood. Gospel rap artist Ray Rich understands the feeling of fulfilling that need. Accordingly, he has worked towards making mental health a critical objective for his cutting-edge music.
Ray Rich, formerly known as artist Ray Bandz, was born on March 13, 1997, in Saginaw, MI, where he spent his adolescent years before moving to Bloomfield, BV. He now lives on the East side of Saginaw. He had a difficult childhood due to trauma, bad influences from street life, and being exposed to violence, marijuana, and immorality at a young age, which silently spun him out of control. He spent most of his adolescence writing, recording, fighting, and selling weed to support his career. Nevertheless, Rich’s mother always encouraged him to get right with God and would sit down with him to read the Bible.
Fast forward to brighter days. Rich is now 25 years old, a single father of two incredible young kids, and living his best life by following Jesus Christ. Rich quickly forgives despite being lied to, manipulated, and used. It was not an easy road, but he was born again on July 6, 2019, and is now a Child of God. He strives to bring out the best in everyone he meets and, at the same time, shares the gospel with everyone he is blessed to communicate or work with.
One of his close friends, Ocean Davis, has been involved in the music industry for years and knows what it takes to get noticed or go viral. So, following Ocean’s advice, Rich researched branding, marketing, and promotion. He prayed to God about what he should do and then established Ray Rich Music (In God We Trust). Having a brand helps him feel more organized, stable, and successful in his field.
The gospel artist believes everything in the Bible must be applied to daily life as he walks with God with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. “Life will throw us all kinds of trials and tribulations,” he shares in an interview. “But we need Jesus and brothers and sisters to help build each other up, counsel one another, and righteously judge according to scripture.”
Rich hopes to expand his social network reach and attract people who love Jesus, the truth, and good rap music. What distinguishes him from the competition is that he does all this because God has called him to do so. Many use God for fame and money, seeing faith as a way to make themselves “look good.” He does this because it is his way of life. He believes that this is what God has called all believers in Jesus to do: live life in Christ, forsake the things the world has given us and return to God the glory he deserves. Ray Rich creates not only Christian Rap and Hebrew Rap music but also offers in-person or virtual prayer, intercession, Bible studies, and a podcast series that will be launched soon.
