GOSPEL_GREAT + URBAN : Sho Baraka in the Spotlight

Here's another 'Gospel Great' feature and this time it centers on none other than the US bred Sho Baraka.

His music has quite a huge following across the globe especuially in the US and Africa. As we anticipate the release of his oncoming album, we thought it apt to recognize him today on Gospel City Naija and bring you closer to him than you already might be. Here it is...quite an interesting read.

 Amisho Baraka Lewis, better known by his stage name Sho Baraka, is a Christian hip-hop artist and writer who has recorded both independently and as a founding member of the 116 Clique. He was originally signed to Reach Records until leaving in March 2011. He then co-founded a record label and group known as "High Society" with fellow Christian rappers JR, Swoope, and Suzy Rock. His debut album Turn My Life Up was released in November 2007. His second album Lions and Liars, was released March 2010.

Biography

Born in Canada but raised in California, he resided in Texas and currently lives in Atlanta. Sho Baraka was introduced to hip hop at a young age. Living in Southern California during the height of gangsta rap presented its challenges to many youths, as well as Sho. In high school Sho and some friends from his neighborhood formed a rap group that began touring with major recording artists. But his life took a different turn after the rap group fizzled out and close friends were killed or incarcerated due to the gang life they led. He decided to heed his father's advice and apply to college, pursuing education instead of the streets. There he came into contact with Lecrae and Tedashii and eventually the 116 Clique and Reach Records were formed.
Leaving Reach Records and new website

On April 13, 2011, Rapzilla posted a blog from Sho stating that he planned to leave Reach Records after four years and two albums with the label. Although he is leaving the Reach label, Sho said he would continue to be an artist with Reach booking and continue to do concert dates and events with the label through 2011. He will also be featured on Reach projects released through the year.[1] He is expected to release a new EP in July or August.[2] Sho Baraka is now a part of the music & art group High Society with Swoope, J.R., & Suzy Rock. Lewis announced that he will release a new album, Talented Xth, on January 1, 2013. 

Cameos
Baraka can be spotted as Trip Lee's fictional boss at the newspaper Trip Lee works for in the video for Trip lee's song The Invasion (hero) off the album Between Two Worlds.

 Studio albums
He has two albums titled TURN MY LYTE UP(2007) and LIONS ROAR(2010)
  
Guest Appearances

    "The Church" (Lecrae)
    "In Ya Hood (Cypha Remix)" (Tedashii featuring Trip Lee, Lecrae, Thi'sl & Json)
    "It's Your World" (Lecrae featuring Redeemed Thought)
    "His Love Won't Let You Down" (Dillon Chase featuring Keynon Akers)
    "Back Up" (Cam featuring Tedashii)
    "Come Close" (Trip Lee featuring FLAME)
    "Live Free" (Lecrae featuring Jai)
    "Glorious" (DJ Morphiziz)
    "Community" (Tedashii featuring Stephen the Levite)
    "Eyes Open (Remix)" (DJ Official featuring Trip Lee)
    "Chaos" (DJ Official)
    "No No No" (R-Swift featuring Jahaziel & Monty G)
    "Feel So Alone" (Benjah featuring Conviction & Ms. Lulu)
    "Back To School" (S.O.)
    "I Love Music" (Trip Lee)
    "High" (Lecrae featuring Suzy Rock)
    "Fools Gold" (Andy Mineo featuring Sho Baraka and Swoope)
    "This is the Life" (Tedashii featuring L2)
    "Brilliant Realness" (theBREAX)
    "Don't Mean Much" (KB featuring Mitch Parks from After Edmund)
    "Power Trip" (Lecrae featuring PRo and Andy Mineo)

With the 116 Clique

    116 Clique: The Compilation Album (2005)
    116 Clique: The Compilation Album: Special Edition: Chopped & Screwed By DJ Primo (2006)
    13 Letters (2007)
    Amped (2007)
    Man up (2011)

With High Society

    Circa MMXI: The Collective (2012)

With JAMM as Hello Revolution

    Protest Package 1 (EP) (2012)

Mixtapes

    Barakaology (2009; free download)
    "We Can Be More Remixes Mixtape" (2010)

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