John Cook: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

• Special Ed
• Kirk Franklin

Genres:

Gospel & Religious Music, Rap/Hip-Hop

Decades Active:

2000's

Trailblazing gospel artist/rapper John Cook was brought up in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. Cook fell in love with rap early on, which was easy to do growing up in the hip hop hotbed of Flatbush, surrounded by artists that would forge the genre's future. He also grew up in love with the Bible, dedicating himself to daily reading and reflection. Though many Christians in hip hop's infancy saw it as incompatible with the gospel message, Cook saw this new style of music as an opportunity. Cook had personal connections with artists like ABC (with early hits like ‘Aeisha' and ‘Playground') and Special Ed who helped him to feel that there was room for different ideas in the rap world. After attempting to collaborate, John chose to produce his own music to ensure that his artistic vision of music that was both right for his generation, and right for the church, was lived out. He was encouraged by a friend to enter a local contest where he would meet Dr. A.R. Bernard of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn. John and his family not only began attending services at the massive center, but John was soon signed to their CCCMG label. John Cook's debut record was released on March 27th of '07. The record, entitled Heaven's Pen debuted at 8 on Billboard's Gospel charts, catching the attention of critics and gospel music fans alike. Thanks to his wildly popular debut John Cook is being called the breakthrough artist of the year, forging a new path for rap in the Christian world.

- Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide