ABSTRACT
With the 2017 release of his solo album In Fatherhood, Beleaf shocked fans by announcing that it would be his last. Yet by the time of this interview, YouTube subscribers totaled just under 200,000. While artists like Lecrae continue to define what a Christian rapper or rapper who is Christian is, there are other voices that provide even more nuance to the conversation. This interview showcases one such example. Speaking of networks, this chapter moves us online to more closely examine the role of digital technology and social media in the lives of Christians engaged in Hip Hop. Beleaf moves from deejay to rapper to vlogger. His evolution demonstrates the diverse possibilities for Christian artists’ expression of faith and, quite simply, for getting paid. Beleaf’s decision to become a full-time vlogger raises questions regarding the economics of Christianity online. What considerations regarding faith does an artist make when they decide to “brand” themselves? As Beleaf wrestles with a diverse range of topics and questions in this interview, we are offered a glimpse into the expanding digital world of Christians and Hip Hop.
