Welcome, Holy Culture fam! Today, we dive deep into an inspiring conversation between B Plus and Donny “D-Maub” Harper, a pioneering Christian hip-hop artist and producer. From the evolution of Christian hip-hop, to the importance of positive influences, and the fusion of music and fashion, D-Maub is sharing his journey and the lessons he’s learned. Here is a sneak peek at what was discussed and some advice for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs.

The Genesis of a Movement: Early Days in Christian Hip-Hop

Connecting Through Music and Faith

B Plus and D-Maub’s Connection:

• Origins: The connection between B Plus and D-Maub goes back to the late ’90s through B Plus’s older brother, Vern.
• Initial Skepticism: D-Maub initially found the concept of rapping for God unusual but soon embraced it, leading to his collaboration with Rob Lazarus.

Actionable Advice:

• Embrace New Ideas: Be open to unconventional ideas and collaborations. What may seem odd at first could lead to groundbreaking work.
• Network: Build connections within your community. These relationships can be pivotal in your career.

The Cincinnati Scene

Cincinnati’s Vibrant Christian Hip-Hop Scene:

• Local Talent: Cincinnati was a hub for Christian hip-hop, with artists like K-Drama making waves.
• Community Support: The local scene was bolstered by a supportive community that encouraged creativity and collaboration.

Actionable Advice:

• Leverage Local Scenes: Engage with your local music scene. Attend events, collaborate with local artists, and support each other.
• Create a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with people who inspire and push you to grow.

Building a Legacy: One Route Entertainment

Founding One Route Entertainment

The Birth of a Record Label:

• Inspiration: D-Maub founded One Route Entertainment in 2005, inspired by his brother Rob.
• Mission: The label aimed to produce high-quality Christian hip-hop and support artists in their spiritual and musical journeys.

Actionable Advice:

• Follow Your Calling: If you feel a strong pull towards a particular path, pursue it with dedication.
• Support Others: Create platforms that help others succeed. Your success is intertwined with the success of those around you.

Memorable Projects

Top Albums:

• Urban Legend: Produced by a talented team, this album remains one of D-Maub’s favorites.
• Creature Clan: A collaborative project with Eric Krause, showcasing D-Maub’s versatility.

Actionable Advice:

• Quality Production: Invest in high-quality production. It can make a significant difference in the reception of your work.
• Collaborate: Work with other talented individuals to create something unique and impactful.

Fashion Meets Faith: Good Company Apparel

Launching Good Company Apparel

The Vision:

• Separate Identity: D-Maub intentionally kept his clothing line, Good Company Apparel, separate from his music career to ensure it stood on its own merits.
• Tagline: “Wear yourself” encourages people to embrace their unique qualities and be mindful of their influences.

Actionable Advice:

• Brand Identity: Ensure your brand has a clear and distinct identity. It should resonate with your audience on a personal level.
• Authenticity: Be authentic in your branding. People are drawn to genuine expressions of identity and values.

Supporting the Brand

Community Engagement:

• Pop-Up Shops: B Plus shares his experience of supporting Good Company at a pop-up shop.
• Sponsorship: Good Company sponsors B Plus’s halftime pep talk on the “Be Positive Music Show.”

Actionable Advice:

• Engage with Your Audience: Host events and engage with your community to build a loyal customer base.
• Collaborate: Partner with influencers and other brands to expand your reach.

The Current Landscape: Top Christian Hip-Hop Artists

Demob’s Starting Five

Favorite Artists:

• Gazelle, Bizzle, Solo, 1K Phew, and KB: D-Maub appreciates their unique styles and relatability.
• Fashion Influence: These artists also make waves in the fashion industry with their merchandise and creative expressions.

Actionable Advice:

• Stay Updated: Keep an eye on current trends and influential artists in your genre.
• Diversify: Explore different creative outlets, such as fashion, to expand your brand’s influence.

Conclusion: Embracing Authenticity and Positive Influences

The conversation between Donny “D-Maub” Harper and B Plus offers a wealth of insights into the intersection of music, fashion, and faith. From the early days of Christian hip-hop in Cincinnati to the launch of Good Company Apparel, D-Maub’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, community support, and creative expression.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace New Ideas: Be open to unconventional concepts and collaborations.
• Build a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with people who inspire and push you to grow.
• Follow Your Calling: Pursue your passions with dedication and support others along the way.
• Create a Distinct Brand Identity: Ensure your brand resonates with your audience on a personal level.
• Stay Updated and Diversify: Keep an eye on current trends and explore different creative outlets.

By following these tips, aspiring artists and entrepreneurs can navigate their journeys with confidence and purpose, making a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

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TIMECODE REFERENCES:

The introduction (00:00:04) B Plus introduces the show and the guest, Donny “D-Maub” Harper, and acknowledges the audience tuning in.

Connection with older brother (00:00:46) Donny “D-Maub” Harper and B Plus discuss how they got connected through B Plus’s older brother and their history in Cincinnati.

Early days of Christian hip hop (00:02:06) Donny “D-Maub” Harper discusses his introduction to Christian hip hop and his transition from rapping to producing.

Evolution of Christian hip hop (00:04:21) B Plus and Donny “D-Maub” Harper discuss the roots and evolution of Christian hip hop, including its history and notable figures.

Memories of FRC and holy hip hop awards (00:06:02) Donny “D-Maub” Harper and B Plus reminisce about their experiences with FRC and attending the holy hip hop awards in Atlanta.

Starting One Route Entertainment (00:12:59) Donny “D-Maub” Harper talks about starting his own record label, One Route Entertainment, and the inspiration behind it.

Influence of good company (00:15:26) Donny “D-Maub” Harper and B Plus discuss the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and inspiring individuals.

Favorite albums and songs (00:16:31) Donny “D-Maub” Harper shares his favorite albums and songs, including “Urban Legend” and “Let’s Go,” and discusses their production.

Skating rink DJ experience (00:18:51) B Plus shares his experience as a DJ at a skating rink and the influence it had on his DJing style.

Gospel Night (00:19:18) Description of the gospel night at the skating rink and the influence of music on the attendees’ dance practice.

Urban Legend Album (00:20:19) Discussion about the Urban Legend album and the favorite songs from it.

Revamped Project (00:22:32) Description of the upcoming project “Revamped,” including the process of remixing and remastering old songs and creating new ones.

King Single (00:23:56) Details about the single “King,” including its origin, remixing, and its reception.

Fashion and Good Company Era (00:29:39) The transition from music to fashion, the creation of the Good Company apparel brand, and its purpose in the community.

Separating Music and Brand (00:34:55) The decision to keep the music and clothing brand separate to ensure the brand’s independent success.

Quality and Acceptance (00:37:29) The high quality and message behind the brand, and the acceptance of both the music and the brand by the audience.

The start of the interview (00:38:42) Discussion on the importance of surrounding oneself with good company and wearing one’s own character as a badge of honor.

Sponsorship announcement (00:40:54) Announcement of the sponsorship of the halftime pep talk by Good company and plans to wear the brand’s clothing during the summer months.

Transition to the music segment (00:42:34) Transition to a segment discussing favorite Christian hip-hop artists and a Mount Rushmore selection.

Discussion of favorite Christian hip-hop artists (00:43:35) D-Maub’s selection of his current top five Christian hip-hop artists and his reasons for choosing them.

Closing remarks and future plans (00:50:13) Closing remarks, including where to find D-Maub’s music and clothing, and plans for future appearances on the show.

Related Radio Show: THE BE POSITIVE MUSIC SHOW