Episode 191. 1K Phew: Family, Atlanta, and Relationships in CHH

In a powerful conversation on The Corelink Solution, host James Rosseau Sr., also known as Trig, sat down with Atlanta-born rapper 1K Phew to explore his journey of faith, music, and leadership. Known for blending southern rap swagger with unapologetic gospel truth, 1K Phew has emerged as one of Christian hip hop’s most recognizable voices. Their discussion spanned his upbringing, the challenges of the music industry, his role as a father, and his vision for gospel rap’s future.

Atlanta Roots and Finding Purpose

Growing up in Atlanta shaped 1K Phew in profound ways. Surrounded by a strong church background but also tempted by street culture, he admitted he had to “bump his head a few times” before realizing God’s call on his life. A life-threatening altercation became a turning point. “It was clear as day—if they wanted to get us, they could have. God spared me,” he reflected. From that moment, he embraced his identity as a child of God and vowed to use his influence to lead others.

For Phew, leadership became central. He wanted to show the next generation that giving your life to Christ doesn’t mean becoming “corny or lame,” but rather embracing boldness, confidence, and swag. Atlanta’s culture of authenticity, he explained, equipped him to stand firm in his purpose while still remaining relatable.

Balancing Fame and Family

Though fans often see him everywhere—dropping features, performing shows, or trending on TikTok—1K Phew stressed that family comes first. As a father of three, he spoke about the responsibility of stewarding his household well. His children, especially his eldest daughter, serve as constant motivation to grow as a husband, father, and man of God.

That balance, however, is not always easy. The pressure of “being always on” in the music and social media era has taken a toll. Phew was transparent about moments when anxiety and unhealthy phone habits forced him to step back. “I had to learn how to find a healthy balance. Even if you don’t feed the algorithms, if God has you, He’s got you,” he said.

Gospel Rap vs. Christian Hip Hop

One of the most intriguing parts of the conversation was Phew’s distinction between gospel rap and Christian hip hop (CHH). While he affirms both as family, he intentionally embraces the “gospel rap” label. In Atlanta, he explained, many aren’t familiar with the CHH term, but gospel rap communicates his mission clearly: to spread the gospel without sugarcoating.

“I’m not just a rapper who’s Christian. I’m a gospel rapper. That’s who I am,” he stated. By embracing his roots in the Black church, he hopes to reintroduce gospel rap to the culture with confidence and authenticity.

Touring, Awards, and Lessons Learned

Phew also shared insights from his first headline tour—nearly 20 cities, most of them sold out. Financing it himself was a stretch, but the experience taught him to “boss up” and be wise about his team. Winning a Stellar Award alongside Lecrae further affirmed his growth as an artist, teaching him discipline, maturity, and how to rise above criticism.

Behind the accolades, though, his heart remains on ministry. From performing in prisons with City Takers to creating the “Pray for Atlanta” campaign, he emphasized that relatability and prayer are at the core of his mission. One testimony in particular stands out: a woman in Atlanta told him his song literally saved her life when she was contemplating suicide. Moments like that remind him of the eternal weight of his work.

Morning Routines and Mental Health

To stay grounded, 1K Phew prioritizes intentional morning routines—prayer, worship music, and reading scripture. “You physically feel the weight come off when you start your day with God,” he explained. These habits not only sustain his mental health but also serve as a model for his children, who are always watching.

Looking Ahead

As he prepares new music, Phew’s focus is unity and authenticity. “I don’t want to compete with you; I want to eat with you,” he said. His commitment is to be 1000% himself—the essence of “1K”—and to lead others by example. Whether through storytelling, prayer campaigns, or innovative sounds, he continues to embody his mission: spreading the gospel with boldness and swag.

Holy Culture Radio is operated by The Corelink Solution, a non-profit organization that aims to create a safe space for healing, foster unity in our communities and empower the next generation of creatives and leaders through spreading the gospel.

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Introduction of 1K Phew 01:30 – Experimenting with new sounds and future projects 03:40 – The viral resurgence of “Move” through a Canadian dance crew 05:45 – Growing up in Atlanta and learning leadership through faith 07:50 – Life-threatening moment that pushed him closer to God 09:30 – Fatherhood, motivation, and raising his children 13:00 – Balancing career success with family responsibilities 15:30 – Managing social media, anxiety, and finding healthy balance 19:15 – Why he embraces “gospel rap” over “Christian hip hop” 23:30 – His home church and the importance of sound teaching 26:15 – Lessons from his first headline tour 28:40 – Winning a Stellar Award with Lecrae and personal growth 33:20 – Creating “Pray for Atlanta” and its impact 38:15 – Powerful fan testimony: a life saved through his music 42:30 – Ministry moments with City Takers and prison outreach 44:45 – Morning routines, prayer, and protecting mental health 49:10 – Childhood routines, family influences, and discipline 51:30 – The vision for his next album: unity and authenticity 53:50 – Finding his sound and roots in Atlanta rap culture 56:00 – Final encouragement: focus on God, prayer, and purpose