TobyMac: Still Boomin'

Melding rock and pop with rap, hip hop, soul and funk into what Toby McKeehan calls a "musical gumbo," the veteran performer continues to be on the cutting edge with his latest album, Tonight.

   

TobyMac has earned a large and loyal following recording songs that are musically inventive and lyrically substantive. His work is personal, yet strikes a universal chord.

"I write about the things I'm going through and the things my friends go through," Toby tells gmclife.com. "I write about my pursuit of God in this crazy world. Each song is about a part of my life."

   

Most Christian music fans know TobyMac first emerged as part of the pioneering trio dcTalk with Michael Tait and Kevin Max. After earning countless accolades and selling millions of records, the guys split amicably in 2000, and Toby McKeehan became TobyMac. He released his first solo album Momentum in 2001, followed by 2004's Welcome to Diverse City and 2007's Portable Sounds, which bowed at No. 10 on the Billboard 200. He's also released two remix albums. His 2008 live CD/DVD set, Alive and Transported, earned a GRAMMY for Best Rock or Rap Gospel album. He's netted numerous Dove Awards including the 2008 Artist of the Year honor.

   

Tonight has the potential to continue the momentum as the lead single, "City On Our Knees" has already become a major hit at Christian radio. Long known as the man who "introduced rap to Christian music," TobyMac pushes the envelope even further as a vocalist on the new CD.

"I'm learning to use it better and I'm writing songs and melodies that fit my voice," he says. "I've sort of developed a vocal style now, not just from a rap standpoint, but from a singing standpoint. I think maybe there's a little more confidence and a little more freedom. The canvas has opened up a little; [there are] more colors to work with."

   

The new album features guest vocals by Toby's son Truett, a regular contributor to his dad's albums, Skillet frontman John Cooper, Israel Houghton, and Relient K's Matthew Thiessen.