Trip Lee

Houston-based rapper Trip Lee is known for more than just banging beats but known for his example on and off the stage. His music is built on the foundation of one purpose: to brag on his Lord. As a Christian doing music, Trip Lee takes his platform as an opportunity to speak about the issues of faith using nuanced language and catchy beats.

But Trip’s talents don’t end with conscious music. He also wears the hat of pastor, father and author. Consequently, issues of family, theology and passions in life make it into his music. The blend is anything but odd when Trip puts it out. One of the most compelling examples of this type of synthesis is in the track “Lazarus”. Coming across with deep bass and sick snares, the lyrics make as big a hit as the boom-bap of every beat:

Hopped up out the grave, thriller style
They ain’t think that He could do it, but he did it now
I mean the Captain, the almighty Lord
Setting captives free, all aboard, all aboard
Can’t stop him when he got his mind made up
He don’t like that grave? Sayonara, see you later

Bragging on the power of God in a convicting manner, Trip Lee makes two things clear with this song: first, that good art and good content are not mutually exclusive and second, the fact that everyone who names the name of Christ are raised ‘Lazaruses’. His confidence exudes from the certainty of that latter statement.

In reflection of his various vocational callings numerous responsibilities, and notoriety, it’s safe to say that Trip Lee is a driven individual. In fact, his song, “Insomniac” makes it clear:

Rise and grind is what I’m on
Bruh that’s why I wrote the song

Tonight I’m going off like
My life span just lasts all night
If I don’t wake up in the morning, bruh I’m gon be alright

Here, the expression of Trip’s passion shines bright. In view of the possibility of everything dropping overnight, Trip sees the reality check as a momentum builder. His lyrics challenge listeners to unflagging determination as he finds some sort of contentment in the work he’s already accomplished. All in all, Trip clarifies how he can once again display such confidence in the hook: ‘I’ll risk it all to follow’. It’s Jesus. His motivation and his source of contentment. He’s bragging once again.

Everything Trip’s put out solidifies his commitment to intentionally bragging on the Lord. His music is a platform that draws from every aspect of life and highlights a thread of continuity between seemingly unlike pieces. And it happens over beats that you can nod your head to.

- Jeremy Smith