Ace Harris & Dre Hunter: Knowledge, Momentum and Celebrating 20 years for Reach Record
In a powerful episode of The Corelink Solution, host James Rosseau Sr. sits down with Ace Harris and Dre Hunter, two creative forces behind the sound and strategy of Reach Records. From artist development to faith-filled career moves, the conversation pulls back the curtain on how these industry veterans are shaping the future of Christian hip hop while staying rooted in purpose.
The Return of the Summer Playlist
One of the central topics was the long-awaited return of Reach Records’ Summer Playlist. After skipping a year due to limited bandwidth, Ace and Dre felt the demand from the CHH community and knew they needed to deliver. This year’s theme? Rising talent. They intentionally highlighted fresh voices like Mizo, Jay Bowsky, and producer-A&R Solomon “9K9000,” blending innovative sounds with familiar Reach energy. The playlist also doubled as a discovery platform—just as previous editions introduced artists like Hovi and Limoblaze to wider audiences.
Knowing When a Song is “Done”
Both guests shared insight into one of music production’s most debated questions: When is a song finished? Ace believes a good song is never truly “done”—you just stop working on it when the “seasoning” feels right. Dre uses a simpler benchmark: he stops tweaking when he can listen start to finish without cringing. Together, they emphasized balancing high standards with awareness of artist burnout, sometimes even shelving songs to protect creativity and relationships.
Faith-Driven Career Shifts
The interview dove deep into personal testimony. Ace described starting as a songwriter in Atlanta, working in both mainstream and Christian markets. After producing for Lecrae’s Rehab in 2010, he briefly stepped away from secular projects before returning in a redeemed capacity—only partnering where he felt God’s prompting. Dre’s shift was more dramatic: he walked away from lucrative mainstream writing sessions to focus exclusively on music that points people to Christ. While the move initially raised financial concerns, he testified that God replaced every dollar he left behind with opportunities in the Christian space.
Provision, Peace, and the CHH Economy
The discussion also tackled the economics of Christian hip hop. Both guests acknowledged that while CHH may not always lead to arena tours, there is a unique infrastructure—particularly through youth ministry events—that can provide consistent bookings and income. More importantly, they stressed that God’s provision isn’t always monetary. Peace, they agreed, is one of the greatest blessings of walking in obedience, freeing them to think clearly, strategize, and create from a place of rest rather than chaos.
A Decade in the Making: Their Partnership
Ace and Dre’s working relationship spans over a decade, starting with a chance introduction in Atlanta’s music scene. At Reach, their collaboration blossomed—Dre initially contributing hooks for artists like Wande before stepping into an A&R role. Ace recognized Dre’s natural ability to gather and facilitate talent, a skillset that has helped Reach nurture both established and emerging artists.
Lessons for Creatives
Throughout the episode, several takeaways emerged for aspiring creatives:
- Be open to God’s redirection. Career pivots may require sacrifice, but obedience can lead to provision beyond finances.
- Protect creative relationships. High standards are vital, but so is reading the room and respecting an artist’s limits.
- Stay connected to culture. Even when working in faith-based spaces, keeping a pulse on broader cultural trends enriches artistic range.
- Build for longevity. Whether through youth ministry circuits or strategic collaborations, think about sustainable paths—not just short-term wins.
Closing Thoughts
This episode was more than an industry talk—it was a masterclass in merging artistry, faith, and stewardship. Ace Harris and Dre Hunter embody the idea that excellence and obedience can coexist, proving that success in Christian hip hop isn’t just about streams or chart positions, but about impact, integrity, and the courage to follow God’s lead.
For fans of CHH, creatives navigating their own career crossroads, or anyone curious about the inner workings of Reach Records, this conversation offers a rare blend of practical wisdom and spiritual insight—a testament to what’s possible when you create with purpose.
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