TobyMac: The American rapper talks about life after dc Talk

Friday 18th March 2005

America's rock rapper TOBYMAC wrestled with God before delivering 'Welcome To Diverse City'. Tony Cummings investigates.

TobyMac
TobyMac

The release of 'Welcome To Diverse City' brings back into the marketplace one of the best selling CCM stars. Since the confused and confusing break up of dc Talk TobyMac, with his engaging mix of hip-hop and rock, has been the most successful of the three ex-dc Talkers. His debut solo album 'Momentum' and the follow up remix disc have sold approximately 500,000 units and already his new album is clocking up big sales. The first song to hit big on US Christian radio is the modern rock track "Gone", which delivers a message about dating. Explained Toby, "Basically, it's a song that's supposed to remind us to treat others with respect and also to appreciate what we have when wef have it." Another standout on the album is the song "Slam", a hard hitting number inspired by Christian sacrifice. "I wrote it after I watched The Passion Of The Christ. It doesn't sound like something that would come out of The Passion, but it really is my view of how Christ did it all in one shot. In one shot, he died for us and offered us hope."

As with his previous releases, there is serious intent behind 'Welcome To Diverse City' but this only came after considerable soul searching. He said, "I had probably recorded about 50 per cent of the songs on the 'Diverse City' album and I was like, 'Am I still into this? Do I still love to do this? Am I passionate?' And, obviously, if I'm questioning that, maybe I'm not. So I really took some time out to spend with God in prayer and open up the Bible. I basically kept asking myself the question, do I still believe? And I didn't mean, did I believe in Jesus? I meant, do I still believe that God can use a song to open someone's heart toward Christ for the first time? Do I still believe that God can use a song to turn around that wayward believer? Do I still believe that God can use a song to cause people to walk deeper with him?

"I spent some time just waiting on God - and, trust me, there's no big ending to this story - except that one day I just stood up and said, 'I still believe. I still believe that God can take a song.' And, out of that time of questioning, everything was confirmed and I wrote that song. I think the best songs come from our own experiences. I have always believed that. And when I listen back to that lyric, it takes me back to that place every time. It sort of gives me something to hold onto when I doubt."

One or two tracks on 'Diverse City' are stylistically uncannily like dc Talk songs which reopens the old debate about whether CCM's supergroup will ever reform. Toby told journalist Christa Farris, "I think everyone's really happy doing the solo thing. I think all three of us are wide open to getting back together and doing something. There's nothing negative between us and I can say that clearly. I couldn't always say that, but I can say that now for sure. There are literally 'warm fuzzies.' I think we want to do something together, but I think we've all sort of carved this path out separately - a real legitimate path. And there are people involved in those paths - people I love and people I'm having a great time with. I think the people who are listening and watching most closely just want us to do what they want us to do. And I understand that. We've made them assume that we're going to do that in all our actions. But, for us, we have to be where we're at peace, where we're happy, where our families are being looked after.

"And for me, this solo thing has been very freeing in all of that. I can set my schedule. I can move forward urban music in the community, which is one of my passions. All of these birds - I'm nailing down with this one stone called TobyMac. It makes me happy. Getting back together with Mike and Kevin would probably make me happy, too. But right now, I'm on this road. I'm not on that road. And I have to stay focused and true to the vision that God has given me on this road."

If Toby's music wasn't enough to keep him busy, he is also developing as a best selling Christian author. His latest work, penned with Michael Tait, is Under God. He said at a GMA press conference, "It's a book that Tait and I have been dreaming about doing for years. We wanted to do it before the second volume of Jesus Freaks books came out, but we felt that was the smart thing to do first. So when they threatened to take out 'under God' from the [US] pledge of allegiance, it came to the forefront of our minds. I think it's gonna be an unbelievable piece of literature. It's really the good, the bad and the ugly of the history of the USA, as it relates to our spiritual lives and heritage."  CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.
 

Reader Comments

Posted by Jack in New york @ 15:40 on Jun 12 2014

Why did the band break up



Posted by MJoanne in Haughton, LA @ 00:11 on Dec 16 2009

Hello.

I enjoy your music, but the recent one "Tonight's the night..." confuses me.

I heard part of a discussion about it, but may have missed the main idea you are trying to convey. When I hear it I am concerned that it is an attempt to hope for light to fellowship with darkness, but your other thoughts and all don't jibe with that. If it is that we as 'saints' humble ourselves with the unsaved 'sinners' and acknowledge together our need and how we are all the same in that then it's great, but I'm not certain that's what I'm hearing. While we are to love the world and care for everyone no matter where they come from there is a limit in fellowship apart from Christ. Don't you agree with that?



Posted by Jesus Freak in lexington sc @ 00:47 on Aug 18 2009

hey toby mac
I love your music and what you stand for. I have been to the SC Statefair 2008 when it was raining & 2009 Winter Jam.I'm going 2009 SC Statefair with some friends for my 13 bday.Your music helps my know God is near.Other pick on me for being a small girl but loving powerful loud music. I just to say thank you for your music & what you stand for.
jesus freak



Posted by Not posted 4 safety in Michigan @ 23:14 on Mar 14 2009

Hey t mac! ive got a Q for you. Why did you quit DC Talk (not that i didn't want you to.) Also, why do you use some of the DC Talk songs like "Jesus Freak" and
"In the Light?" Could you also sing more solos?

P.S. I have you on my itunes and iPod. I like how you and the Diverse City band are Christians.



Posted by Your Biggest Fan in Alaska @ 21:13 on Feb 4 2009

Toby,

You have been an HUGE JOY in my life!!! Thanks for all you do. May the Ultimate King of All Bless you and Keep you!!! Praying for you and your entire band!!!



Posted by Michelle .R. in gibson city @ 18:04 on Nov 28 2007

hey toby im makeing a book about you to one of my friends they really look forward to be just like you and he is a great person thanks for beging a great roll motal i love you toby mac



Posted by Ashley M in Pa @ 05:10 on Sep 16 2007

Hey I love your songs....I have one of your cds and im going to buy ut other one I LOVE YOU "YOU ROCK"ROCK ON....



Posted by Margie in West Virginia @ 19:13 on Jun 22 2007

Toby, I think it is wonderful that you allow the spirit of God to work thru you to reach all walks of life. I have a wonderful friend that also sings christian rap and would love to get some pointers as to how to get the cd out there. He has performed already in differant states and it getting request on a regular basis but just wanted some pointers from a brother in Christ. Thank you so much. Your a blessing to so many.



Posted by Peter-Harry.Brown in South Wales (Bridgend) @ 16:40 on May 12 2007

Hey Toby: I really like hearing about you because your a singer of Worship. I am a christian myself too, I have got ADHD but I really want to learn from it and have alot of sense of humour, and have faith in Jesus. I first heard about you in Alton Towers on the 5th May 2007. (God Bless You) Toby!



Posted by Sean in South Australia @ 02:19 on Feb 7 2007

Toby:

Hey I'm doing a report on toby mac so i need stuff about his impact on people if anyone can help me out it would be really cool, oh and i really like rap!

Peace



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