116 Life Ep.116: Celebrating 116 Episodes
The 116 Life podcast, hosted by Meah Evans and Ace Harris, reached a major milestone with its 116th episode—a moment that felt both symbolic and deeply meaningful. Broadcasting on Holy Culture Radio, SiriusXM Channel 140, the show has become a voice for Christian hip hop culture, bringing together artists, fans, and industry leaders in conversations that inspire and challenge. This special episode reflected on the journey so far, the mission of the movement, and the heart behind giving Christian creatives a platform.
The Origins of The 116 Life
The story of The 116 Life began almost unintentionally. Ace shared how the show grew out of a Summer 2022 playlist project called We Are the Movement. What started as a roundtable discussion featuring artists like Lecrae and What Up RG quickly caught the attention of Holy Culture’s Trig, who envisioned the concept as a recurring series. That vision evolved into a weekly podcast and radio show, ultimately creating a consistent space for conversations about faith, music, and culture
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Platforming New Voices in Christian Hip Hop
One of the recurring themes of the 116th episode was the importance of giving visibility to emerging artists. Ace and Meah both emphasized how the show allows up-and-coming talents—such as CJ, Sam Rivera, and Queen Lee—to be introduced to a wider audience.
While Reach Records cannot sign every artist, The 116 Life extends the mission by investing in the culture through storytelling. The hosts described the show as a way to “serve as change agents in the podcast space,” amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard
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The Evolution of the 116 Movement
Listeners submitted questions for this celebratory episode, sparking deeper reflection on the mission of Reach Records and the 116 movement. Ace noted how the early days of the movement sometimes felt exclusive, with a tight-knit circle that wasn’t always welcoming to different denominations or styles. Today, however, the ethos has shifted to be more inclusive:
“If you believe in the gospel and the tenets of the faith, you’re invited to be part of the movement,” Ace shared, pointing to greater collaboration and unity across Christian hip hop.
This evolution reflects the heart of 116—to be unashamed of the gospel while building bridges across the wider body of Christ.
Advice for Young Creatives
One of the most powerful moments came when the hosts addressed a fan’s question: What advice would you give to young creatives trying to do something new without toning down their faith?
Ace’s answer was simple but profound: “Serve God and be dope.” Meah added the reminder that identity and joy must never be rooted in achievements or accolades but in Christ. Their encouragement was clear—stay grounded in the “why” behind your work, and let God’s timing elevate your platform
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What It Means to Be Unashamed
The 116th episode also revisited the central theme of being “unashamed”. For Ace, it means carrying God into every room and allowing faith to flow naturally in conversations. For Meah, it has become a daily rhythm, intentionally inviting God into all parts of her life—whether through prayer reminders or worship moments throughout the day.
Rather than being loud for the sake of attention, being unashamed is about living authentically, letting God’s light shine in both private and public spaces
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A Legacy of Gratitude
As the episode closed, both hosts reflected on how much gratitude they carry for the platform. Meah described the show as a chance to “add to the legacy of the unashamed movement in a new vehicle,” while Ace spoke about how The 116 Life allows the vision of Reach Records to “leak out” in new and meaningful ways
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Whether it’s reaching hundreds or millions, the heart of the show remains the same: to glorify God, uplift artists, and strengthen a community committed to living unashamed.
Final Thoughts
The 116th episode of The 116 Life wasn’t just a celebration of a number—it was a testimony of God’s faithfulness, the power of community, and the impact of giving Christian creatives a voice. With Meah and Ace leading the way, the show continues to be a vibrant part of the culture, uniting listeners under the banner of Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel.”
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:
00:00 – Welcome to the 116th Episode!
01:44 – How The 116 Life began from the Summer 2022 Playlist
06:42 – Becoming change agents in the podcast space
07:58 – Giving a platform to emerging Christian hip hop artists
08:30 – How the mission of Reach and the 116 movement has evolved
11:20 – Reach Records album trivia (fan questions)
14:23 – Dream collaborations and the possibility of a women’s project
17:19 – Meah’s favorite Lo-Fi Sunday project
20:35 – Advice for young creatives: “Serve God and be dope”
22:32 – Living unashamed in every season
32:27 – The rise of Christian R&B and future possibilities for Reach
36:37 – Making genuine connections in the Christian music industry
39:29 – Favorite episodes and most inspiring guests
42:29 – How to measure relevance as a creative
45:53 – Final reflections and gratitude for the 116 journey
Related Radio Show: 116 Life
