COTB: Chicago’s own Aasha Marie and Emmett Till Road
In a powerful new episode of Church On The Block, hosts Pastor J, Amy Williams, and DJ Ruckus sat down with Aasha Marie, a Chicago-born Christian hip hop artist whose music and ministry are rooted in authenticity, storytelling, and a deep love for her community. The conversation explored her upbringing in the South Side neighborhood of Englewood, the creative vision behind her upcoming album Emmett Till Road, and her thought-provoking single “Food Desert.”
Roots in Englewood
Aasha Marie’s story begins in Englewood, Chicago, where she grew up as a pastor’s kid immersed in the life of the church. From teaching Sunday school to directing choirs, her early years were full of faith and service. But as a teenager, she was captivated by hip hop. Despite her mother’s strict rules about secular music, mixtapes and videos from Chicago icons like Twista, Crucial Conflict, and later mainstream artists like DMX introduced her to the raw power of rap. By the time she was 15, she was writing and freestyling with her brother and neighborhood friends.
Still, she admits that although she grew up “churched,” she didn’t fully grasp the gospel until later. A life-changing experience at a women’s conference with her aunt opened her eyes to the reality of God. She gave up secular rap for a season, but eventually discovered Christian hip hop at a Reach Records concert, where Lecrae and 116 showed her that faith and artistry could coexist powerfully. That turning point set her on the path she continues today—using her voice to uplift, challenge, and inspire.
From Chicago to Florida: A Broader Vision
Today, Aasha Marie lives in South Florida with her husband and son. The move has given her a unique perspective. Chicago was familiar ground, where her music drew on the grit and resilience of Englewood. In Florida, surrounded by a diaspora of Caribbean and Latin cultures, she has experienced what it feels like to be a “minority among minorities.” This cultural diversity has stretched her understanding of Black identity and inspired new layers in her music.
She also reflects on how geography shapes daily life. In Chicago, the ever-present reality of gun violence made her consider carrying a firearm—something she resisted. In Florida, where gun culture is normalized, she has wrestled with how these environments influence not only her safety but also her creativity and message.
The Message of Food Desert
One of the standout moments in the episode was the premiere of Aasha’s single “Food Desert,” the first track from Emmett Till Road. The song addresses both a physical and spiritual crisis.
Drawing from her childhood memories of Englewood, where access to fresh food was scarce and dollar stores were the norm, she paints vivid pictures of communities starved of healthy resources. She recalls the excitement when new grocery stores briefly opened, only to shut down, leaving residents trapped in cycles of poor nutrition.
But “Food Desert” goes beyond physical hunger. Aasha parallels these realities with spiritual malnourishment, warning that what we consume—whether food or media—shapes who we become. In a culture saturated with empty promises and fleeting pleasures, the song calls listeners back to the true “bread of heaven,” urging a return to God’s provision.
The Heart of Emmett Till Road
Emmett Till Road, the album, is a coming-of-age story rooted in both personal and communal suffering. For Aasha, the road is a metaphor for the trials she faced growing up: her parents’ divorce, heartbreak, trauma, and the pull of street life. It’s also a spiritual metaphor, reminding believers that suffering is part of the journey toward eternal life.
The title carries deep weight. Her father’s storefront church once stood on Emmett Till Road, and she often reflects on Till’s tragic story in connection to her own survival and resilience. Where Till’s life was cut short by hatred, Aasha’s path became one of grace, perseverance, and creative purpose. The album weaves together these themes of pain, survival, and faith, offering hope that no matter what road we travel, God is present.
A Voice for Today
As a female artist in the male-heavy world of Christian hip hop, Aasha also spoke candidly about the challenges she faces—from the assumptions people make about Christian rap to the higher standards placed on women in performance and appearance. Still, her determination is clear. She believes her perspective as a woman, a wife, a mother, and a disciple uniquely positions her to tell stories that need to be heard.
Church On The Block reminded listeners through this conversation that hip hop can be a prophetic voice in both the church and the streets. With Emmett Till Road, Aasha Marie is not only sharing her personal journey but also amplifying the stories of her community—stories of struggle, resilience, and faith that point us toward redemption.
Her new album dropped September 12th, with the single “Food Desert” already available on streaming platforms.
Holy Culture Radio is operated by The Corelink Solution, a non-profit organization that aims to create a safe space for healing, foster unity in our communities and empower the next generation of creatives and leaders through spreading the gospel.
If you’d like to support our work, please make a donation. No amount is too small. You can also shop our online store to help spread awareness of our mission. Again, thank you and remember to be encouraged and be blessed.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – Welcome to Church On The Block
1:50 – Meet Aasha Marie
4:30 – Early Hip Hop Influences
6:10 – Growing Up “Churched”
8:25 – Discovering Christian Hip Hop
10:45 – Love for Community and Culture
11:35 – Transition to Life in Florida
15:05 – Introducing Emmett Till Road
16:40 – Debut of “Food Desert”
21:30 – Story Behind “Food Desert”
27:00 – The Message of Emmett Till Road
33:20 – Challenges in Christian Hip Hop
35:50 – Album Release Details & How to Connect
37:15 – Closing Reflections
Related Radio Show: CHURCH ON THE BLOCK
