LEHIGH VALLEY, PA: The 2020 summer of Covid and racial unrest finds its culmination within the widely-anticipated release of Hip Hop artist Nucci Reyo’s project, “This Far By Faith,” scheduled to be released September 4, 2020, on all digital platforms including Godify. Featuring music by The Heatmakerz- whose endless credits include; Dipset Anthem (Diplomats), Tha Carter II (Lil’ Wayne), Trap House (Gucci Mane), and On My Way To Church (Jim Jones), the EP also features GRAMMY-nominated songwriter and R&B success Eric Roberson who is known for having pioneered the independent movement in R&B/soul. The collaborative components of musical artistry and genius along with the awe of seeing Jim Jones and Heatmakerz jump on a gospel mixtape, at minimum, is warranting curiosity from all levels within the Hip Hop industry and culture.
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” This scripture in the book of Isaiah remains familiar within the traditional church community- and today, these words are being pronounced to the streets as the door of liberation desperately sought after in a time of injustice and the deep need to connect to something greater. There has been much discussion about who in the industry would be the next artist to join Nucci Reyo on the gospel side, to which Nucci states, “We all are from church, some just lost their way. It’s time for us to come home.” Nucci continues to explain, “The project title, This Far By Faith, was named with the hopes that the music would spark the memories of artists, fans, and executives within the hip hop community that reminds them of who they are… We’ve Come This Far By Faith, was one of my favorite songs that I use to sing in the choir and now I am using it as bait for those wandering in the dark and off the path.” Nucci brought in RocNation artist and hip hop legend, Jim Jones, to host the project because his roots also begin in a church-going family and he knows the power of faith. Jim Jones grounds the project with a thoughtful reflection of where he is on his journey of faith and provides timely encouragement to the people needing hope: “Faith in God will determine your fate, hold each other up because they have been holding us down too long,” he concludes on the last track of the project.
Nucci Reyo made his transition from secular hip hop into more of a “Kingdom Artistry” genre over a decade ago, knowing that God was saving him from the culture to eventually come back and be an effective influence within the industry and culture he loves so much. Nucci spent time building Godify, the world’s first Christian streaming App and platform where true ground-breaking projects such as This Far By Faith can be enjoyed by hip hop fans (and all genres) looking to embrace powerful music that connects them to the Good News of the Kingdom.
Something unique and exciting is being pushed forward by a generation of new priests, outside the walls of the church- and into the streets in a time where everyone is feeling the distress and looking to bold leadership with messages that can lead people out of the dark and into change. Download This Far By Faith on all digital platforms on Sept. 4, 2020, and learn more about Godify, Nucci Reyo, The Heatmakerz, Eric Roberson, and Jim Jones by clicking on their respective links.
