The search for truth often leads down various paths. For Anthony Flagg Jr., that search for truth led to the birth of one of Christian Hip-hop’s most brilliantly poetic emcees, Fedelity aka Fedel. Taken from the synonym for truth, his name also embodies many of the things that he wanted to characterize in his music. Music that sizzles while encouraging people to stay true to themselves and their faith in God. That faith is an essential part of Fedel, born a pastor’s kid in the gritty south of Memphis, TN. Determined to stay out of trouble in the streets, Fedel managed to stay grounded through his love for basketball, his first love until he found his true passion in hip-hop while watching a Kriss-Kross video. He would begin to listen to anything he could get his hands on, gaining influences from the East to the West Coast. He would use these influences to become the multifaceted emcee that he is today. However, his disdain for the lifestyle that hip-hop promotes, and his church upbringing motivated him to pursue making music that would encourage a Christian lifestyle while bringing healing to people who would not normally attend a church service.
After moving to Tulsa, OK, Fedel endured a brief stint with fledgling group NarrowStreet, releasing a seven-song EP before the group parted ways. Now solo, he has continued to strive to bring the message and the music to hip-hop heads and church folks alike. A mainstay performer at the Holy Hip-Hop Awards, he solidified his status with the lyrical smash “Take It Easy,” and the thump heavy single “J-Walk,” which was voted into the top 5 on ChristianHipHop.net and was top 50 all-time in spins for a song on Flavor Radio. He followed up with the release of the Mixtape of the Year nominated Growing Pains Mixtape, earning Fedel several awards, including nominations for Best Christian Artist at the Tulsa Spot Awards. He finally struck gold receiving heavy rotation on hip-hop and R&B stations, and a vote as the #1 song in Tulsa, with the Southern-influenced anthem “Tell a Friend,” from his upcoming album I Live. Fedel has become a legend on the Christian Hip-Hop scene, combining heartfelt lyricism with a poetical presence. The name says it all; Fedel is the truth. Anthony resides in Broken Arrow with his wife Kelly. He is a bible school graduate, and soon to be a father.
Psst…
Five Tips For Listening To My Trap Music When You’re Over 30:
To start, for those not familiar with the term “trap” in my trap music, it relates to the house where the dope dealers and sellers operate on your street. It isn’t just in the ghetto but even the most affluent neighborhoods in America can have a trap house because darkness doesn’t care about your zip code. Ultimately, the “trap” represents a place of darkness in our souls. In deep contrast, the Church is a place of hope, of light, and of freedom. The title of my new EP, Church Trap, is a bridge to bring you from that darkness to a place of hope.
1. My trap music is perfect for working out and exercising.
My music is up-tempo and high energy, so I can guarantee that my projects will always have one song that will make it on your workout playlist.
2. The music I make mostly comes from the kid in me.
I am originally from North Memphis, where I fell in love with trap/party style music in the 6th grade. My roots drive my music, which means although you will enjoy it, your kids might enjoy it even more.
3. My trap music is ideal for a sports event.
There is a reason you hear rap music at basketball and football events. It motivates you to move and go after it, whether it be for the team or even for your to-do list. If you need something to wake you up or inspire you to do something you don’t want to do, like go to work or school, my music will get you going and out the door.
4. My music is not for deep thought.
It is a “milk, not steak” listening experience. Another way to put it is my trap music is “a vibe” – so don’t overthink it, but enjoy it when listening. Additionally, my faith is a big part of my music, but I am not a pastor.
In a society overwhelmed with depression, anxiety, suicide, and violence, my music will minister but also entertain and make you feel better.
5. Rap is worship.
I wrote a worship song called, “Lord, I love you.” If you don’t enjoy rap, I will guess that you like worship music. Listen to this song, off my Church Trap EP. It’s my first attempt at writing a worship song, and I welcome your comments and convo about it at https://www.instagram.com/fedelmusic/.
