Indeed, listen to GRITS' music, and you're likely to forget that these guys are Christian rappers--which is precisely what they want you to do. They don't want to be identified as Christian rappers at all, but instead as good rappers who happen to be Christians. That way, they feel, their socially conscious message of spiritual uplift has a better chance of reaching the ears of those who need it the most.

They also show by example that, despite what the mainstream churches tell them, it is possible to exist in the secular world without sacrificing their higher calling. They can be Christian and still be active in hip-hop culture by working to change the attitudes of their peers and by making music that strikes the difficult balance between being of-the-moment and reaching for something greater.

More than that, they try to live out the very ideals they put forth in their rhymes. Despite their hectic schedules, Bonafide and Coffee remain active members in their church, Bethel World Outreach Ministries, and they take part in charitable projects such as the Chris Sanders Foundation and ERACE, a concept album and tour designed to combat racism.

"We like to come with the approach that this is obtainable and you don't have to be outside yourself to have it," says Bonafide. "You can have this and be who you are. If we're made in His image, then we should be able to be just as creative and intriguing with whatever we're doing. I don't have to be drenched in Criss and have my wrist froze to be able to teach and to be able to influence. I don't have to do that. We just tap into the essence of the power behind what hip-hop can do and the powerful influence that it has. As long as we maintain the integrity of that, then we're all right."

Click here to find out more about the
show scheduled in Pittsburgh on Sept 15, 2006