As a teen San Francisco rapper Rise The Artist started down a path of trouble. His course changed when he began to do music and took his art from writing graffiti defacing walls to writing raps expressing himself. Rise started writing lyrics in his late teens which were influenced by pain and anger from childhood. After having several close calls with the law and losing friends to gun violence, Rise was robbed at gunpoint and nearly shot.
“I was chasing all the wrong things for all the wrong reasons. I battled depression and drug abuse,” said Rise. “All these things played a part in the making of the person I am today. It just goes to show God's power and grace.”
Rise's musical influences are those who are influenced by God in their careers; mostly Christian Hip Hop, Praise, Rock and Gospel artists like Flame, Bizzle, The David Crowder Band, Kirk Franklin, Forever JONES, Lecrae, Trip Lee and many others.
“Christian rap (for the most part) is a new journey for me,” said Rise.” My goal is to continue allowing God to use me through music. "
Rise has independently released a mixtape, single and EP and has also been featured and worked with independent national artists Rappin' 4-Tay, Suga Free, San Quinn, Matt Blaque and many others. The multi-talented artist also used his technical filmmaking and editing skills on the independent documentary Mandatory Business with Snoop and J.T. The Bigga Figga.