In this episode of The 116 Life, hosts Meah Evans and Ace Harris sat down with CEO James B. Rosseau Sr., AKA Trig, a trailblazer in the Christian hip-hop community and the owner of Holy Culture Radio. The conversation explores into Trig’s personal journey, his professional achievements, and the foundational experiences that shaped his life and career. Here’s a quick look at what they discussed.

The Genesis of Holy Culture Radio

Vision and Determination

Trig’s journey to establish Holy Culture Radio was driven by a clear vision and unwavering determination. He shared the backstory of the station, revealing that the ambition to create a platform for underrepresented voices in the Christian hip-hop genre was rooted in a desire to empower others.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify a Gap: Trig noticed a lack of representation for Christian hip-hop artists and took it upon himself to fill that void.
• Persistence: Despite initial setbacks, including early attempts to partner with Sirius XM, Trig remained steadfast in his mission.
• Strategic Planning: Crafting a comprehensive proposal for Sirius XM was a pivotal step in establishing Holy Culture Radio, showcasing the importance of blending faith with business acumen.

Actionable Advice:

• Conduct Market Research: Identify gaps in your industry and think about how you can address them.
• Develop a Clear Proposal: When pitching your idea, ensure your proposal is detailed and well-thought-out, highlighting both the mission and the business strategy.
• Stay Persistent: Setbacks are part of the journey. Stay focused on your vision and keep pushing forward.

The Emotional Weight of Personal Experiences

Family Dynamics and Validation

A significant portion of the conversation revolved around Trig’s relationship with his father and the emotional weight it carried. He shared poignant memories of his upbringing, including the challenges he faced after his parents’ divorce and his father’s struggles with addiction.

Key Takeaways:

• Seek Healing: Trig’s decision to seek counseling and write a heartfelt letter to his father was a crucial step in his healing process.
• Understand the Impact of Family Dynamics: The desire for validation from his father shaped Trig’s drive for success in the corporate world.
• Embrace Vulnerability: Sharing personal stories can be a powerful way to connect with others and inspire them.

Actionable Advice:

• Consider Counseling: If you’re dealing with unresolved emotional issues, seeking professional help can be incredibly beneficial.
• Reflect on Your Motivations: Understanding the underlying motivations behind your actions can help you make more informed decisions.
• Share Your Story: Don’t be afraid to share your personal journey. It can provide valuable insights and encouragement to others.

The Role of Fatherhood in Black and Brown Communities

Addressing Fatherlessness

Trig and Ace discussed the broader theme of fatherhood, particularly within the context of Black and brown communities. They emphasized the impact of fatherlessness, especially during the crack epidemic, and how it has left lasting scars on families and communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Spiritual Leadership: The absence of fathers can create a void that affects future generations, highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership in the home.
• Community Support: Building a supportive community can help mitigate the effects of fatherlessness.

Actionable Advice:

• Be a Role Model: Whether you’re a father or a mentor, strive to be a positive influence in the lives of young people.
• Support Community Initiatives: Get involved in community programs that provide support and mentorship to those in need.
• Promote Spiritual Leadership: Encourage spiritual growth and leadership within your community.

The Evolution of Christian Hip-Hop and Media

Adapting to the Media Landscape

The conversation also touched on the current state of Christian hip-hop and media. Trig praised artists who have embraced the evolving media landscape, recognizing those who are not only musicians but also content creators.

Key Takeaways:

• Holistic Content Creation: Artists need to think holistically about their content creation, engaging their audiences through various platforms.
• Sonic Quality: Ensuring that music is appealing to a broad audience is crucial for maintaining relevance and quality.

Actionable Advice:

• Diversify Your Content: Utilize different platforms to reach and engage with your audience.
• Focus on Quality: Invest in producing high-quality content that resonates with your listeners.
• Stay Current: Keep up with trends in the media landscape and adapt your strategies accordingly.

Building a Unified Community

Organizational Structure

Trig emphasized the need for the Christian hip-hop community to be organized and to create a unified front. He suggested establishing a structure that advocates for its members, provides education, and creates a sense of accountability.

Key Takeaways:

• Professional Associations: Observing how other industries operate can provide valuable insights into creating platforms for advocacy and support.
• Collective Strength: A unified approach can strengthen the community’s position and create more opportunities.

Actionable Advice:

• Form Alliances: Collaborate with other organizations and individuals to create a stronger, more unified community.
• Provide Education: Offer educational resources and training to help members of your community grow and succeed.
• Advocate for Your Community: Establish a platform that advocates for the needs and interests of your community.

The 116 Life: Conclusion

This episode provides a wealth of insights and inspiration. From the importance of taking initiative and seeking healing to the need for a unified community and adapting to the evolving media landscape, Trig’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a positive impact.

By reflecting on these key themes and implementing the actionable advice provided, we can take meaningful steps toward achieving our own goals and contributing to the growth and success of our communities.

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.

TIMECODE REFERENCES:

Introduction and Hosts (00:00:00)
Meah Evans welcomes listeners to the episode and introduces co-host Ace Harris.

Ace’s Return from Paris (00:00:20)
Ace shares his experience at the Olympics and highlights a Liberian artist in LA.

Introduction of Guest Trig (00:01:06)
Meah introduces James B. Rosseau, Sr. (Trig), a pioneer in Christian hip-hop.

Trig’s Personal Life Update (00:01:13)
Trig shares his joy about becoming a grandfather and celebrates family milestones.

Trig’s Career Reflections (00:02:00)
Trig discusses his passion for work and the fulfillment it brings him daily.

Trey’s Ambition for Holy Culture Radio (00:03:40)
Trey reflects on his initial ambitions for creating a platform for Christian hip-hop.

Highs and Lows of Building a Platform (00:05:02)
Trig talks about the challenges and rewards of creating a mission-driven platform.

Proposal for Sirius XM (00:06:23)
Trig shares the story behind his proposal to Sirius XM and its significance.

Pressure of Writing the Proposal (00:08:01)
Trig describes the pressure he felt while crafting the proposal under a tight deadline.

Sirius XM’s Response (00:11:06)
Trig recounts the moment he received the acceptance letter from Sirius XM.

Community Impact of the Proposal (00:13:15)
Trig expresses the responsibility he felt towards the larger community upon acceptance.

Preparations for Launching the Station (00:14:09)
Trig discusses the logistical preparations needed for launching the Sirius XM channel.

Trig’s Childhood Experiences (00:15:44)
Trig reflects on his upbringing and the challenges he faced growing up.

Struggles with Validation (00:17:29)
Trey shares his quest for validation and the impact of his father’s absence.

The Journey to Counseling (19:01)
Trig discusses his realization of needing counseling after years of success at JPMorgan Chase.

Writing to His Father (19:23)
Trig shares the advice of a counselor to express his feelings to his father through a letter.

Father-Son Dynamics (20:21)
Ace reflects on the impact of fatherhood and absence on personal development and community.

Impact of Fatherlessness (21:14)
Trig addresses the generational trauma of fatherlessness in black and brown communities.

Validation and Relationship with God (22:20)
Discussion on how Trig’s upbringing and validation issues influenced his relationship with God.

Prophetic Moment at Conference (23:12)
Trig recounts a prophetic moment during his father’s preaching that shaped his future.

Transition from Secular to Faith-Based Music (24:07)
Trig describes his shift from secular music to producing for the Lord after a pivotal conversation.

Meeting with Cross Movement (26:19)
Trig narrates a transformative experience with the Cross Movement that rekindled his faith.

Work and Faith Integration (28:15)
Trig reflects on balancing his corporate career with his faith and music endeavors.

Divine Intervention on the Road (29:24)
Trig shares a miraculous encounter with a stranger who felt led to encourage him.

Building Holy Culture (31:07)
Trig discusses the early days of Holy Culture and his commitment to its mission.

Leaving Corporate for Nonprofit Work (32:39)
Trig explains his transition from corporate success to focusing on Holy Culture and community service.

Challenges in Nonprofit Funding (36:20)
Trig outlines the difficulties he faced in raising funds and building his nonprofit platform.

Encouragement to Artists (00:37:37)
Trig encourages artists to be patient and not petty about others not seeing their vision initially.

Different Perspectives (00:38:02)
Discussion on how people join the creative journey at different times, similar to train stops.

State of Christian Hip-Hop (00:38:18)
Inquiry into how Holy Culture Radio can support artists and grow the Christian hip-hop community.

Adapting to Change (00:39:04)
Trig highlights artists’ adaptability to the changing media landscape and the importance of content creation.

Audience Awareness (00:39:47)
Trig emphasizes understanding the target audience’s needs, especially in music and media.

Creating Accessible Content (00:43:56)
Discussion on the need for media to diversify and create content that meets consumer preferences.

Organizing the Community (00:45:38)
Trig challenges the Christian hip-hop community to create organized structures similar to other professional associations.

Mobilizing for Opportunities (00:47:02)
Trig points out the lack of organization in the community to mobilize for potential opportunities and collaborations.

Related Radio Show: 116 Life