Chapter 16: KJ-52 and BEC Recordings

Chapter 16 KJ-52 is a Christian rapper who struggled to get his career off the ground in the 90’s after being rejected by his dream label and dropped early on by a major label and then found his home among the rest of us punk, DIY and hardcore folks.  KJ embodies many of the same values that we often discuss here but his music fit much better in the BEC and CCM worlds so he is a terrific individual to help us understand the similarities and differences in that world and the one we spend most of our time in. BEC recordings is the CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) leaning imprint of Tooth & Nail Records and plays a very important role in expanding the company, generating revenue, and enabling Tooth & Nail/Solid State to have a larger and more competent staff.  Admittedly CCM music has a reputation for being cheesy or unoriginal, but like most things, if you look closer you will find that there is much more nuance than you’d expect.   AD || Citizens "Fear" Tour https://wearecitizens.net/   https://labeledpodcast.com/ Support Labeled on Patreon  Join Labeled on Facebook   SONGS YOU HEARD ON THIS EPISODE: KJ-52 "KJ-52" Strongarm "Supplication" John Ruben "Devine Inspiration" KJ-52 "Are You Real" Anberlin "Love Song" Thousand Foot Krutch "Wish You Well" Jeremy Camp "Understand" Demon Hunter "Summer of Darkness" KJ-52 "Right Here' KJ-52 "Wake Up" KJ-52 "Dear Slim" KJ-52 "1230"    MORE FROM TOOTH & NAIL: * Labeled: Music From The Podcast: smarturl.it/labeledplaylist * DISCOVER IT: New Tracks from T&N; Records: smarturl.it/TNNDiscover * This Is Solid State: New Tracks from Solid State Records: https://spoti.fi/2CUCsaH    * Tooth & Nail Store (LABELED Patreon members get 20% off everything): tnn.lnk.to/store