Cory “CoCo Brother” Condrey likes listening to Jay-Z. He also loves the Lord. Some people may think that’s a contradiction. But he’s moved beyond a simplistic view of the gospel.
“I think a lot of times we keep trying to divide everybody,” he says of gospel and secular artists. “Once you’re saved, you’re always saved and we’re all saved because of grace. Grace is the reason why we’re here. I believe hip-hop is hip-hop, but what part of the kingdom do you represent in that? Do you represent the kingdom of darkness or do you represent the kingdom of light?”
That’s the question he poses weekly on his syndicated radio show, “The Spirit w/CoCo Brother.” The program focuses on inspiring and encouraging people, not judging and condemning. That’s why he’s not mad at gospel hip-hop artists and some of the controversial tactics they’ve used to draw young listeners over the years.
“I think [like] with gospel, hip-hop had to go there in order to reach the masses, and that’s so important” he says, mentioning that he loves Christian hip-hop artist, the Truth. “I believe hip-hop has grown and matured because we’ve matured as people. If you listen to Ludacris’ “Runaway,” that’s a mature record. I believe as hip-hop matures, we become more responsible.”
With plans to host a Unity prayer day Oct. 16-17 and a large Unity gathering in December, he’s doing his part to keep people encouraged. Additionally, he’s judging the national gospel choir competition hosted by Verizon Wireless, How Sweet the Sound, which will hit cities this year.
“A lot of souls have come to the kingdom,” he says. “And that’s what it’s about” –j.h.
