9 OG Rappers Who Need to Be on Bodega 3

Wowzerz! What an album, right?

One of the crown jewels of 2024 has arguably been Bodega 2, the collaborative work between dj and arranger, DJ Mykael V and producer, 1995. It is a fantasy project of dream collaborations that come together for some truly outstanding songs. It’s raw, gritty boom bap and breakbeats, with some of the best of the best Christian rappers flexing lyrically.

Exhibit A.

At this Bodega, we're serving cake and….We're eating it too.

And Ultimately, Christ is glorified.

One of the many great things about this work is that you get rappers from all different eras of Christian rap.

It’s a true moment in the culture. Having a record like “Time Flies” with 350, Tragic Hero, Dre Murray, and Beleaf all on one song is like a dream come true.

It makes me want to create my own roster of features, almost like a fantasy football team, of who I think should be on Bodega 3. Here, I’m going to list the people who haven’t been in the series so far. list any repeat offenders.

1. Andy Mineo + Wordsplayed

Let’s just get the obvious out of the way.

They can either have solo verses on other songs, or we can just do what everybody wants: a “Magic and Bird” joint on a Bodega record. Andy Mineo is from New York City, so why wouldn’t you have him on this? Remember “Cocky”? However, I think a sincere case needs to be made for Wordsplayed. We haven’t appreciated Wordsplayed as we should have after he released Lfl1 & 2. Those were amazing projects, and I think we took for granted the level of brilliance he exuded on those records in tandem with weathrman. Not to mention, Wordsplayed can rap. In my opinion, though he may not be as slippery with the flows, he has the potential to be the MF Doom of Christian rap. I want a verse from Wordsplayed on Bodega. It’ll be good, with clever punchlines and humor. He will fit right in, and as you’re bobbing your head, you’re going to burst out laughing.

I’m not making demands, but I am… make it happen!

2. Jackie Hill Perry

Why not? She is back to rapping, now. After her prolific return with The Practice EP where she stunned everybody, I think it is time for the Jackie Hill Perry revolution. She has been one of the most dynamic lyricists who has reinvented her sound in a way that is right on time. Also, we haven’t heard any women on the Bodega series yet. Not that I want to make this political, but we should let her represent. Even if she does not want to. You know she’s going to bring heat. It just makes sense.

3. Alex Faith

It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from him. Granted, I know he’s off becoming a bodybuilder, but it would be nice to hear from Alex one more time. His last full-length project, SMPL MNDS was pretty impressive post-Collision Records though some didn’t feel that way because of his use of language. I would love to hear an update from Alex. I think he brought a lot of contrast to the WLAK record back in 2013. He brought a level of introspection and humility to that record. Alex is good with the bars, though he’s not the showman lyrically. He’s more about the content and themes of what he’s saying, and he knows how to flow and ride the beat.

4. Mouthpiece

The Bodega series exists for rappers like Mouthpiece. He was doing this from a more Atlanta-based perspective back when he was popular. Let’s get Mouthpiece on a verse with Taelor, Dre Murray, or Swoope. Let’s make that happen!

5. Theory Hazit

Where has Theory been? He’s off making promotional campaign beats for Vogue, but he’s always been nice with the pen. His casual flow always makes me smile. He has a good observational sense of humor. If we’re talking about switching up the pace, Theory would bring something unique and funny, yet still potent and raw.

Yoooooo! Wordsplayed on a track with Theory would be crazy. I could hear that on Adult Swim or something.

6. Stephen the Levite

I don’t think we‘ve heard the last of Stephen. Even if he’s in the background, I think he’ll be crafting projects well into his seventies. His last record with the late DJ Official, Still Hungry was an absolute masterclass in grown-man rap. He’s rapping theology in a way that makes me want to square my shoulders, smoke a cigar, and read my Bible simultaneously. He could eat with the best of them, whether we’re talking about the young folk or the old heads.

7. Yaves

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the man who was my Lil Wayne for his time. Yaves was an innovator. He was the Lil Wayne of Christian hip hop, always churning out mixtapes and albums. Listening to some of his recent releases reminded me how clever and lyrical he is. He’s been a bit slim on releases over the past decade, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t hear from him. He would be a great opportunity for a past-meets-future collaboration.

8. Xavier Omar

Bro, Xay don’t even rap. He a singer, bro!

Maybe Xavier Omar should be on a separate list of other rappers or artists who have tapped into mainstream success. Kaleb Mitchell is doing his thing but still takes time to collaborate with his fellow brethren and sisters. Xavier Omar used to be a rapper — a very clever, futuristic Drake meets De La Soul type. He could craft a really good verse, especially if the instrumental is more ethereal and scaled back.

To prove it, I’m going to do something dirty…

I’m going to pull a clip of him rapping from over a decade ago. I want to hear Xavier Omar do more rapping because he’s good at it.

9. Da’ T.R.U.T.H.

I’m sure he would want to do it. This might not be his exact vibe, but I don’t think he’s against it. Don’t you want to hear the Malcolm Gladwell of Christian rap hit a verse over some beats? He might be seen as an old head, but I think he’d be down for it and would bring something interesting. We’re more prone to hype up Swoope, but Da’ T.R.U.T.H. was kind of Swoope before Swoope really started popping. Let’s get a Truth verse on this.

Yo! Can you imagine Wordsplayed and Da’ T.R.U.T.H. on the same song? It probably wouldn’t work, but I wanna see it. We should make it happen just to see what would happen.

Beyond that, 2025 is shaping up another sold for Christian Rap.

I wonder what God has in store for us youngsters this year full stop well, I'll be 32 in a few months so I don't know if I get to qualify as a youngster by comparison. But I'm still young. I'm still good-looking… and I'm single.

What's up, ladies?

Just kidding. I'm actually on my path to learning contentment.

Anyway, Jesus is Lord. He died for our sins so that we can eternal Fellowship with God but that is only through his son, Jesus.

here is some Christian rap if you like Kendrick Lamar.