John Cook aka FRESH

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PERFORMING LIVE AUGUST 2ND!



Trailblazing gospel artist/rapper John Cook was brought up in the tough Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Cook fell in love with rap music early on, which was easy to do growing up in the city's hip-hop hotbed, surrounded by artists who would forge the genre's future. He also grew up in love with the Bible, dedicating himself to daily reading and reflection. Though many Christians in hip-hop's infancy saw it as incompatible with the gospel message, Cook saw this new style of music as an opportunity. John felt that music could do what preaching couldn't do for some people--penetrate their hearts and remove the limits that some people placed on God. "Sometimes, people hear the word and it can go in one ear and out of the other," he says. "Music sticks with you!"



Growing up, Cook had personal connections with artists like ABC ("Aeisha", "Playground") and Special Ed, who helped him to feel that there was room for different ideas in the rap world. After attempting to collaborate, Cook chose to produce his own music to ensure that his artistic vision was right for his generation, and right for the church. He was encouraged by a friend to enter a local talent contest where he would meet Dr. A.R. Bernard of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn. Cook and his family not only began attending services at the massive center, but Cook was soon signed to their CCCMG label. John Cook's debut album was released in mid 2007. Titled Heaven's Pen, it debuted at number eight on Billboard's gospel charts, catching the attention of critics and gospel music fans alike. Thanks to his wildly popular debut, Cook was dubbed the breakthrough artist of the year, forging a new path for rap in the Christian world.