At age 25, Christon Gray is an artist truly ahead of his time. Musically gifted to write, sing, rap, produce and design, there are no limitations on his ability to reach every demographic. His sound is a premium blend of classical, jazz, gospel, soul, pop and even rap in a sophisticated manner. His inspirations range from Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Bill Withers, Earth Wind and Fire, to Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Winans, Lauryn Hill, The Roots and Alicia Keys.

In 2006, he entered the Christian Rap genre writing, rapping, singing and producing for with the Christian rap group, Elevationists. While working on their first album, a large demand for their music became very apparent in the midwest region. The “Necessary” LP was released in May 2007. Elevationists continue to minister the Word of God in churches, prisons and other public platforms.

Christon has opened up for national artists Tye Tribbett, KiKi Sheard, Lisa McClendon, Cross Movement and have shared the stage with Tenth Avenue North, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Dwayne Woods, J Moss and Jeff Majors. His debut solo album, entitled, “Even With Evil With Me”, was released in the Summer of 2011.

Charles Clark: Thanks man for taking out the time today …….

Christon Gray: Thank you for asking ….

CC: Who is Christon Gray?

CG: Christon Gray is a minister, songwriter, musician, producer, singer, rapper, designer, husband and soon to be father. He's a work of art only seeking to please the Artist that created him.

CC: You have no limitations, you sing, rap, compose, produce, etc. Out of all of those hats, which comes 2nd nature? And which, do you feel you have to work harder at?

CG: 2nd nature? I'd have to say singing. I work very hard at all of these, though. Though they all come naturally, none come easily. I'm constantly trying to create what I hear in my mind.

CC: Who has most influenced you as vocalist and lyricist?

CG: Sorry to complicate, but I have to break this up into 2 categories: singing and rapping.

Singing: It's a tossup between Marvin Winans and Stevie Wonder… but, definitely Stevie Wonder. I discovered him at age 15 and felt like I was looking into a musical mirror. Songs like Superwoman, Ordinary Pain, Sunshine In Their Eyes, Summer Soft, Golden Lady, Mistra Know it all and Ordinary Pain all made me lose track of time. At age 17 I discovered old Winans works. Marvin has a lot of similarities to Stevie, yet is a separate beast. Songs like Smile on Me, If Ever I fall, Secret Place, And Fly Away all bring me to tears to this day.

Rapping: Mos Def and Andre Benjamin -Sorry so complicated. I'm trying to explain the formula, lol.

CC: One of my favorite songs of yours is “Mender of Broken Hearts”. Where did the inspiration for the composition come from?

CG: This is an old song from the great Fred Hammond from 1991 I believe. It's from his first album, I am Persuaded. I wanted to refresh all generations with a timeless classic. While the song embodies the heart of the Gospel, the feel is very mature, flavorful and contemporary. In remaking this, I simply wanted to bring it up to 2011. I replaced digital horns with live horns, more natural string arrangement and simplified background vocals. But, the song still has that Anita Baker "Sweet Love" effect. It was intimidating to take on the lead, as Fred's vocal range and power are impeccable. I simply let it become my personal testimony and tried to stay obedient to the music.

CC: How have you grown as an artist from your 2007 release “The Necessary” to this current release “Even with Evil with Me”?

CG: For one, my walk with Christ has escalated all glory to Him. Through every song, I am ministering to myself- not just the listener. I find these songs to truly be journal entries— I know every artist may say that— but it's truly an easy concept to understand. The music I write is truly a reflection of either the life I live, the life I strive for, the life I once lived, or the life I'm trying to escape. Necessary: I truly believe that album is timeless. It was constructed a year after our exodus from the Hip Hop culture, thus showcasing the freedom of Christian rap without the boundaries of trying to promote self righteousness, swagger or simply trying to prove that we are the "best" emcees… On the contrary, we aimed to point others to Christ and get back to the basics of this Faith we proclaim. Years later, Even with Evil with Me pulled me apart as an artist and as a man, in general. I like to say that album wrote me. It truly shows who Christon Gray is and how my very life is proof that Jesus Christ is real. With it being my first solo album, I had to truly learn how to develop momentum, patience and faith in order to release a very necessary message. It was a lot harder to achieve that on my own. I had to tap in to my personal testimony and allow God to guide my steps.

CC: At 25, you are an artist and a husband. How has marriage influenced your craft?

CG: Marriage has shown me my frailties, lol. Every day, I feel inadequate to serve my wife and wonder why God gave me such a gift. She's not perfect, but I count it a privilege to develop what God has shown me in her. If she were perfect, I'd have no responsibility. Without responsibility, I'd have no character to build or maintain… it would all be about me and my wants. Through all of this, I'm learning God's love for me, His character and how he is developing me. The crazy thing is that He IS adequate and has no problem loving me. He loved His only son and yet gave Him to me so that I could be called a son. How amazing! This whole mystery or marriage (Eph 5) is the premise behind my approach musically.

CC: Where do you see Christon Gray in five years?

CG: Honestly? At the Grammy's sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through music.

For more info on Christon Gray, visit:
Website: www.christongray.com
Youtube: www.youtube.com/aerologic
Facebook: facebook.com/christongraymusic
Twitter@christongray