KOCH Distribution Released Its First Christian Rap CD

Milwaukee Native, Knine “Busts” through the charts with his debut “Born Again” released on August 23rd through KOCH/Regardless Records/Alliant Music Group.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) November 12, 2005 -- KOCH Distribution released its first Christian rap CD from Milwaukee’s Knine (pronounced Kay-Nine) on August 23rd through Regardless Records/Alliant Music Group. This is a milestone event for the distribution company that has only worked mainstream rap titles such as Scarface, Master P, Kurrupt and Warren G until its recent partnership deal with Alliant Music Distribution.

With the success of Christian rap artists, The Cross Movement, GRITS and Gospel Gangstaz, record labels and distribution companies are recognizing the need to sign rap artists that embrace a family values lifestyle free of foul language, violence and sexually explicit lyrics. “I am excited to have the first Christian rap artist distributed by KOCH. I thank KOCH for allowing us to put morals, values and ethics back into the music. Regardless Records is not just a label, it’s a lifestyle. Our motto is: Effectively changing lives through the power of positive music, one person at a time,” says Marquis Foxx, President and C.E.O. of Regardless Records.    

The average Christian rap artist sells 3000 units whether their project is independent or associated with a label. Knine debuted as an independent underground artist with his CD, “Regardless,” selling more than 8500 units with no marketing efforts. “Born Again” is expected to surpass those sales figures because of Regardless Records’ partnership with KOCH/Alliant Music Group.

“Born Again” reveals the profound thoughts and feelings of a man who, through his faith in Jesus Christ, recognized a need for a fresh start in life. It is a Midwest-flavored album with guest appearances by industry heavy hitters, Lisa McClendon (Integrity Gospel/Sony Urban) and Cheryl “Salt” James of the famed female rap ensemble, Salt-n-Pepa. Knine’s opening track, “It’s About Time” also appeared on the rap compilation, “The Pinnacle Project: BIG” and was chosen as the opening track for that CD as well.

Regardless Records believes that “Born Again” will appeal to mainstream rap music fans due to its “rap as reality” theme. Knine says, “One of the most important things about my music is that it is about realistic issues.” But unlike the unrealistic images portrayed in mainstream urban music, he says that his music “…deals with the consequences and benefits of a person’s reality. That’s what is missing in rap music today. If your reality is sex, drugs and violence, it comes with its own set of consequences and I bring those to the forefront. If you choose a Christian lifestyle, I show you the benefits of making that decision.”

“Born Again” also presents the option of a Christian lifestyle in a way that does not come across too preachy for those not quite ready for Bible Belt-laced lyrics. “I have something in my album for everyone, whether you are married or single, if you are saved or unsaved, whether you are a hustler or have an everyday job. I’ve been through all of those situations and I paint those scenarios so vividly so that everyone is going to be able to relate to it.”

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