Northwestern to host concert by Christian hip-hop artist

FLAME, born Marcus Gray, grew up in inner-city St. Louis. He accepted Christ at the age of 16 following a near-fatal car accident and the death of his grandmother. FLAME has released four albums since 2004. His latest, Our World Redeemed, was nominated in December for a GRAMMY Award in the Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album category, alongside Christian rock artists tobyMac, Superchick and Sanctus Real. FLAME’s recording has also been nominated for a 2009 Stellar Gospel Music Award.

FLAME’s most recent albums serve as a two-part series stemming from a conversation he had as he was sharing the gospel in his neighborhood. “As I was talking to a 15-year-old, I could tell everything was going over his head,” says FLAME. “I asked him if he’d heard about Adam and Eve, and he said no. That is what inspired the two projects.”

The first recording, Our World Fallen, tells the story of FLAME befriending a non-believer and pointing him to the cross of Christ, while examining the fallen condition of the world. Our World Redeemed digs deeper into the plot when the untimely passing of the fictional character’s relative becomes the inspiration to continue sharing the gospel.

Our World Redeemed debuted in the No. 5 position on the Billboard Top Gospel Chart, No. 1 slot on Soundscan’s Christian R&B/Hip-Hop Chart, and No. 7 position on iTunes’ mainstream Rap Chart. Our World Fallen peaked at the No. 7 position on the Billboard Top Gospel Chart.

One of the youngest members of the Cross Movement Records artist roster, FLAME is currently studying biblical counseling at Boyce College in Louisville, Ky. The Holy Hip Hop Award honoree was recognized in 2008 for his service, sacrifice, labor and contributions to the music industry. 

FLAME has been ministering for over 10 years through music and speaking engagements. During his visit to Northwestern, he will speak in chapel at 10:05 a.m. on Feb. 13.

For more information on FLAME, visit www.flame314.com, or www.myspace.com/flame314.