dc Talk
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| dc Talk | |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Lynchburg, Virginia, United States |
| Genre(s) | Rock R&B Hip hop Christian Rock |
| Years active | 1988–2001 (hiatus since 2001) |
| Label(s) | ForeFront Records Virgin Records |
| Associated acts | Kevin Max, Michael Tait, tobyMac, Newsboys |
| Website | dctalk.com |
| Members | |
| Toby McKeehan Kevin Max Smith Michael Tait |
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dc Talk, originally DC Talk, is a Grammy-winning Christian music trio from Lynchburg, Virginia. The group formed around 1988, consisting of Toby McKeehan, Kevin Max Smith, and Michael Tait. They have released five major studio albums together: DC Talk (1989), Nu Thang (1990), Free at Last (1992), Jesus Freak (1995), and Supernatural (1998). In 2000, the group released an EP titled Solo which contained two solo songs from each member. Since that time, dc Talk has been on an indefinite hiatus, and the three band members have each led solo careers. They have performed and recorded individual songs together several times during the 2000s, although the group never officially reunited.
The group's musical style evolved significantly throughout their career. Their first two releases, DC Talk and Nu Thang, were of the rap/hip hop genre. dc Talk's third album, Free at Last, also mainly took influence from the hip hop style, although their music began taking on a rock sound. The trio's last two albums, Jesus Freak and Supernatural, were predominantly pop rock.
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[edit] History
[edit] Formation
The band's roots trace back to the late 1980s, when rapper and vocalist Toby McKeehan (tobyMac) started writing Christian hip hop under the moniker Caucatalk. Michael Tait had recorded an independent demo Burden Lifter.[1] While attending Liberty University, McKeehan met Michael Tait, and the two formed DC Talk and the One Way Crew.[2] They released a demo tape titled, Christian Rhymes to a Rhythm. Subsequently, Kevin Max (formerly Kevin Smith) joined the group, and they signed a recording contract with Forefront Records.[1][3]
[edit] DC Talk (1989)
After signing the recording contract with ForeFront the label released their self-titled debut album, DC Talk, in 1989 with Mike Valliere and Vic Mignogna. They got a hit already with "Heavenbound". They gained a little crossover success when the "Heavenbound" music video received airplay on the BET network.
[edit] Nu Thang (1990)
Their sophomore release, Nu Thang, and a Christmas album titled Yo, Ho, Ho!, were released in 1990. The hits were "I Luv Rap Music" and "Can I Get a Witness".[3] Nu Thang received attention for its hip hop/pop stylings (a la M.C. Hammer, Fresh Prince and Public Enemy, whom they frequently sampled on Free at Last).[citation needed] By 1991, the trio was opening for Michael W. Smith and was awarded a Dove Award.[3][4] The release of their Rap, Rock, n' Soul video garnered a wider audience for the group.[4]
[edit] Free at Last (1992)
In 1992, the group released Free at Last, which was later RIAA-certified as Platinum.[citation needed] The album produced six Christian radio hits[citation needed] and it stayed at the #1 spot on the Billboard CCM sales charts for 34 weeks.[3][4] Free at Last also garnered the group's first Grammy award for Best Rock Gospel Album in 1994.[3] The success of the album is attributed to the group moving away from a strictly rap sound to a blend of hip hop and pop.[4] The album also prompted the filming of a documentary film with the same name. Includes hits I Don't Want It, Lean on Me, and Jesus is Just Alright. [3]
[edit] Free at Last the Movie
During the Free at Last tour the band was followed around by camera crews, filming the band for a documentary. This documentary was going to be released as a theatrical film, Free at Last: the Movie, and was heavily promoted on Lightmusic TV, a Christian music video show. After months of teaser trailers, they abruptly stopped being shown. A trailer included in the enhanced CD single of Jesus Freak advertised a September 17th 1995 theatrical release date for the film. The film was never released to theaters, as it could not find a distributor.[5] Eight years after the film was to be released theatrically, the movie was finally released on DVD in unfinished form. Some of the footage used for the movie was shown in the video for "The Hardway".
[edit] Jesus Freak (1995–1997)
Jesus Freak was released in 1995, and it achieved the highest first-week sales of any Christian release in history.[3] This album had a more pop-rock oriented sound, with little hip hop to be found, more similar to a fusion of the musical stylings of Nirvana and U2 than M.C. Hammer.[6] The album also introduced the group to the secular audience; Between You and Me reached #12 on Casey's Top 40 while the video received regular airtime on MTV and VH1.[3] With the release of the album, the group launched a massive tour titled the Freakshow Tour,[3] which took the trio across the United States, Canada, and Europe. The group released a live video titled Live in Concert: Welcome To The Freak Show which contained footage from the Freakshow tour.[4] An audio CD of the soundtrack from the video was also released under the same title. Jesus Freak marked a milestone in the group's commercial career as they signed a deal with Virgin Records in 1996 to distribute their music to the mainstream market.[3][4]
[edit] Supernatural (1998–2000)
Supernatural, released in 1998, was their last all-new studio album. Upon release, the album overtook Jesus Freak to set a new record for the highest first week sales for a Christian release.[3] It debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 charts, an unprecedented event for a Christian rock album.[4] Supernatural abandoned the hip hop/rap style found on the group's earlier releases to settle for the pop/rock sound.[4] The group has stated in The Supernatural Experience video that this album was different; it was a collaborative effort of all three members.[4] The songs "Consume Me", "Into Jesus", "Red Letters", and "My Friend (So Long)" received their fair share of radio play on Modern Rock, Contemporary Christian, and Alternative outlets. The group then embarked on a 60-city tour across the United States titled, The Supernatural Experience. Footage from the tour was combined with interviews and released as The Supernatural Experience video.
[edit] Hiatus (2000)
In 2000, dc Talk hosted a show titled "Intermission: A Decade of dc Talk".[1] A compilation album titled Intermission: the Greatest Hits was then released. Intermission contains many of their previously recorded songs either remixed or in their original formats. Two new songs, Chance and Sugar Coat It, were recorded for the album.
In 2000, the members announced that they would be taking a break from the group to pursue solo efforts. They released Solo: Special Edition EP, which contained two new songs from each member's solo ventures and a live version of the U2 song "40" performed by all three members.
[edit] Reunions
- 2002: In September 2002, dc Talk reunited to record and release a single about the September 11, 2001 attacks, entitled "Let's Roll." The group also released a 10th Anniversary Edition of their 1992 album Free at Last, which includes all of the songs from the original album (including interludes), a 2002 remake of their hit song The Hardway, as well as a commentary at the end. The Special Edition releases also include the DVD of their Free At Last documentary, as well as the music videos for The Hardway and Jesus Is Just Alright.
- 2004: In 2004, dc Talk reunited for a remix of tobyMac's "Atmosphere" as the final track of the Welcome to Diverse City album.
- 2005: On September 12, 2005, dc Talk briefly reunited during a concert on September 12, in Redmond, WA. They played the songs, "In the Light" and "Jesus Freak."
- 2006: On January 12, 2006, Gotee Records (founded by dc Talk's tobyMac) announced the production of a 10th anniversary Jesus Freak tribute album entitled, FREAKED!. This album, which was released in June 2006, features songs from such Gotee Records artists as Relient K, Sarah Kelly, The Showdown, House of Heroes, Verbs, Liquid, and Family Force 5. It also features a reunion of the Gotee Brothers.
- 2006: In August 2006, an album titled The Early Years was released. It is a compilation of songs from their first three albums.
- On December 26, 2006, a 10th Anniversary Special Edition Jesus Freak album was released.
- 2007: In 2007, dc Talk covered the Prince penned song "The Cross", featuring on Kevin's album, "The Blood"
- 2008: Gospel Music Channel interviewed tobyMac, Michael Tait, Joey Elwood, Michael W. Smith, Greg Ham, Peter York, Amanda McKeehan, and Dan Pitts for a TV show called Faith and Fame. The group also released their Greatest Hits album for the second release.[clarification needed]
[edit] Collaborations
- They collaborated with Carman on his album Addicted to Jesus.
- They collaborated with CCM artist Steven Curtis Chapman on his 1992 album, The Great Adventure with the track Got to B Tru. The song begins with a bit of rap from the song, "Nu Thang", and continues with Steven Curtis Chapman starting to rap. The rest of the band comes in later, with Toby rapping the second verse.
- dc Talk sang a cover version of the Larry Norman original, "I Wish We'd All Been Ready" on the album One Way: The Songs Of Larry Norman which was released by Forefront in 1995.
- They participated in Rocketown Records's Exodus album in 1998 with the song, "My Will".
- They contributed in 1998 to The Prince of Egypt Inspirational Soundtrack with the song, "My Deliverer," and to The Prince of Egypt Soundtrack on the song "Humanity," which featured a number of well-known musicians.
- They sang back-up vocals on Michael McDonald's cover of the Marvin Gaye Classic Ain't That Peculiar
- They appeared on a Audio Adrenaline music video, "AKA Public School".
[edit] Solo efforts
[edit] tobyMac
Toby McKeehan assumed the stage name of tobyMac, a name that was first mentioned in the lyrics of "Jesus Is Still Alright" when McKeehan rapped, "tobyMac, and the Mac is back no slack" . He has focused mostly on the pop/hip-hop genre. His first solo album was Momentum. It was released in 2001 and included the hits, "J Train," "Somebody's Watching," "Irene," "Extreme Days," "Get this Party Started," and "Love is in the House." Since then, he has released two other full albums and two remixed albums. Welcome to Diverse City came out in 2004, containing "Diverse City," "Catchafire (Whoopsi-Daisy)," "Gone," "Burn for You," and the remix of "Atmosphere," which featured his former bandmates. Portable Sounds came out in February 2007 and debuted at #10 on the Billboard 200.[7] This album contains "Made to Love". In 2008 he released a live CD/DVD combo entitled Alive and Transported. He has had considerable success in the mainstream market.
[edit] Michael Tait
Michael Tait pursued his solo efforts with the band, Tait. The band's first release was Empty in 2001, which included the single Loss for Words. Lose This Life was the follow-up album released in 2003. It contained the singles Lose This Life, God Can You Hear Me, and a hidden track, Christmas Song.[8] Tait planned to release Loveology in 2007, an album he has been working on for a few years.[citation needed] Its release has been delayed for unknown reasons. Loveology is likely to be released sometime in 2009.[citation needed] Tait also featured in the Rock Opera !Hero, as the main character, Hero. The production is a modern retelling of Jesus' life, as if he were born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He is also brother of southern gospel music singer Lynda Randle. On March 9, 2009, it was announced that Peter Furler was stepping down from touring and being the lead singer of the Newsboys, and has been replaced by Michael Tait.[9]
[edit] Kevin Max
Kevin Max has released five albums since the group's hiatus. Stereotype Be was released by Forefront Records in 2001, and included the singles "You", "Be", and "Existence". He signed with Northern Records to release his next three projects. Between the Fence and the Universe was an EP released in 2004, and his next major studio album, The Imposter, was released in 2005. Holy Night, a Christmas album, was also released in 2005 through the Northern label. The Blood was released on December 26, 2007 by Infinity Music Distribution. It features covers of several well known gospel songs, both classic and contemporary, as well as the original-written track "One Way, One Blood". The album includes collaborations with several other artists, including Chris Sligh and Amy Grant. dc Talk made an appearance on his version of Prince's song "The Cross", with each member singing one verse in the beginning of the song.
[edit] Activism
The group is notable for its stances against racism (especially in "Colored People", second track of Jesus Freak), as well as the uncompromised Christian message in its music. "We're very open about our Christian faith," says McKeehan, "but when we make our records we want to create a musical experience that anyone can immerse themselves in." But still, he says, "one of our goals is to encourage listeners to question themselves and to seek out truth."
[edit] Other projects
[edit] Literature
The group co-authored two books titled, Jesus Freaks and Jesus Freaks II in collaboration with The Voice of the Martyrs. The books contain the shortened biographies and incidents in the lives of famous and lesser-known Christians who stood up for their faith.
In 2004, Toby McKeehan and Michael Tait reunited to write a book called "Under God". The book chronicles America's struggle with racism. Featured in the book are stories about Rosa Parks, Emmett Till, and Martin Luther King, Jr.. They also released a sequel called, "Living Under God", following the same formula.
- Jesus Freaks (1999)
- Live Like a Jesus Freak (2001)
- Jesus Freaks Volume II: Stories of Revolutionaries Who Changed Their World Fearing God, Not Man (2002)
- Jesus Freaks: Revolutionaries (2005)
- Jesus Freaks: Martyrs (2005)
[edit] E.R.A.C.E.
In 1998, the group founded the E.R.A.C.E. foundation (Eliminating Racism And Creating Equality) to combat racism.[10] The foundation was started after four years of discussion and planning with manager Dan Pitts and Gotee Records President, Joey Elwood.
The primary aim of the foundation is to educate and equip America's youth with "an understanding of the importance of interracial unity". The foundation works on healing historically divided groups and healing rifts within the society.[10]
E.R.A.C.E. was launched in September 1997 when dc Talk participated in the "Racial Reconciliation Rally" in Little Rock, Ark. The rally was part of a weeklong emphasis on racial reconciliation.[10]
[edit] Group members
- Band
- Jason Halbert – keyboard, organ
- Otto Price – bass
- Mark Townsend – guitar
- Brent Barcus – guitar
- Will Denton – drums
- Marvin Sims – percussion
- GRITS - Choreography
[edit] Songs Still Sung Live (from the Band members)
[edit] Kevin Max
- "What If I Stumble"
- "In the Light"
- "Jesus Freak"
[edit] tobyMac
- "My Will"
- "Jesus Freak"
- "In the Light"
[edit] Tait
- "Jesus Freak"
[edit] Newsboys (Tait's new band)
- "My Will"
- "Jesus Freak"
- "In the Light"
- "Colored People"
- "What If I Stumble"
[edit] Discography
- 1988: Christian Rhymes to a Rhythm
- 1989: DC Talk
- 1990: Nu Thang
- 1992: Free at Last
- 1995: Jesus Freak
- 1998: Supernatural
- 2000: Intermission
- 2001: Solo
[edit] WoW Hits
- 1996: I Wish We'd All Been Ready
- 1997: Between You and Me
- 1998: Colored People
- 1999: Into Jesus
- 2000: Consume Me
- 2001: Red Letters
[edit] Videography
| Title | Year | RIAA Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Rap, Rock, and Soul | 1991 | |
| Narrow is the Road | 1994 | Gold |
| Welcome to the Freak Show | 1997, 2003 | Gold |
| The Supernatural Experience | 1999, 2003 | |
| Free at Last: the Movie | 2002 |
[edit] Literature
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| Jesus Freaks | 1999 |
| Live Like a Jesus Freak | 2001 |
| Jesus Freaks Volume II: Stories of Revolutionaries Who Changed Their World Fearing God, Not Man | 2002 |
| Jesus Freaks: Revolutionaries | 2005 |
| Jesus Freaks: Martyrs | 2005 |
[edit] Awards
- 1994: Free at Last – Best Rock Gospel Album
- 1997: Jesus Freak – Best Rock Gospel Album
- 1998: Welcome to the Freak Show – Best Rock Gospel Album
- 2002: Solo – Best Rock Gospel Album
- 1991: Nu Thang – Rap/Hip-Hop album of the Year
- 1992: "I Luv Rap Music" – Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song of the Year
- 1992: Rap, Rock & Soul – Long Form Music Video of the Year
- 1993: "Can I Get a Witness?" – Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song of the Year
- 1994: "Jesus Is Just Alright" – Rock Recorded Song of the Year
- 1994: "Socially Acceptable" – Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song of the Year
- 1995: "Luv Is a Verb" – Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song of the Year
- 1996: Artist of the Year
- 1996: "Jesus Freak" – Rock Recorded Song of the Year
- 1996: "Jesus Freak" – Song of the Year
- 1997: "Between You and Me" – Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
- 1997: "Like It, Love It, Need It" – Rock Recorded Song of the Year
- 1997: "Jesus Freak" – Short Form Music Video of the Year
- 1997: "Jesus Freak" - Rock Album of the Year
- 1998: "Colored People" – Short Form Music Video of the Year
- 1999: Exodus – Special Event Album of the Year
- 2000: The Supernatural Experience – Long Form Music Video of the Year
- 2001: "Dive" – Modern Rock Recorded Song of the Year
[edit] References
- ^ a b c dc Talk Timeline
- ^ DC Talk Timeline
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k dc Talk homepage
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Soupernatural Movie Soundtrack - dc Talk Bio
- ^ Film as Art: Danél Griffin's Guide to Cinema
- ^ DC Talk allmusic profile
- ^ Christianrock.net News
- ^ Jesusfreakhideout.com: Tait Discography
- ^ "Michael Tait to Join Newsboys". CCM Magazine. March 2009. http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11600683/. Retrieved on 2009-04-20.
- ^ a b c the E.R.A.C.E. foundation - our history
- Billboard Singles, Allmusic. Retrieved on April 20, 2009.
[edit] External links
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