DC3: 18-year-old Christian rapper celebrated

DC3, an 18-year-old Christian rapper from Northampton, is quickly becoming one of the most-watched artists on the UK’s Christian music scene.

The young musician, who is the son of a pastor, won the Best Newcomer award at the recent Premier Gospel Awards.

DC3 (whose initials are DC, and is one of three siblings) has been praised by Brett McCracken of the Gospel Coalition in the US as an artist to watch, saying he “absolutely vibes”.

“It’s crazy to think it’s only been a year of me doing Christian music…” DC3 posted on his Instagram after receiving the award. “No label, no high budget or paid promo. Just a dream, my family and God.”

Known for his sharp wordplay, DC3, who comes from a Zimbabwean heritage, rose to prominence after going viral on social media and his YouTube channel. This year he hit one million followers on Instagram and celebrated his first million-streamed song “I KNOW”.

DC3 has said his music is driven by a desire to express his faith and purpose more authentically and to inspire others, especially young people, to embrace their faith and conquer life’s hardships. The up-and-coming artist has also made music with the American Christian rapper Lecrae and was named as one of 15 artists to watch by The Gospel Coalition this year.

“With Zimbabwean heritage, the pastor’s kid combines gospel, rap, and jazz sounds in a unique blend that absolutely vibes,” wrote TGC’s Brett McCracken. “As he’s producing music like this at such a young age, I look forward to seeing where DC3 goes from here.”

DC3 joins a wave of Christian artists who are gaining traction, not just in the Christian music world, but also in the secular music space.

American singer Forrest Frank, who has shared a similar trajectory to DC3 by leveraging social media to get his music out, recently drew both praise and criticism for not attending the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards.

The musician, who was also nominated for a Grammy this year for Best Contemporary Christian Album, said he didn’t want to accept a trophy for something “that is from Jesus, and for Jesus.”