Nashville is set to host an unforgettable night celebrating hip-hop and some of the genre's top artists ahead of the upcoming GMA Dove Awards.
The Future Legacy Hip Hop Showcase will be take place at Nashville's Cannery Hall on Sunday, Oct. 4. The event, hosted by DJ Focus and Keal K, will highlight some of the most popular Christian artists releasing new hip-hop music.
Artists set to perform include 1K Phew, Don Ready, DJ Trendsetter Sense, Nathan Davis Jr., Steven Malcolm, Parris Chariz and more.
Now based in Nashville, Chariz uses his music to bridge the gap between faith-based platforms and mainstream music. He released his latest album, "The World is Watching," in June 2026.
"More than anything there's real quality art here," Chariz who is
originally from Detroit, told The Tennessean. "I think we just need more visibility here, specifically for hip-hop."
The event will also feature many other talented artists including CeJae, Tommy Zuko, JustCordell, ADIA, and rapper LaNell Grant, who recently went viral for her "9 to 5" ode to late country legend Dolly Parton.
The evening's cohost Nikeal Robinson, known as Keal K, is also a host of the award-winning urban culture radio program DaFixx Radio show.
"It’s very important to host The Future Legacy Hip Hop show in Nashville because us at DaFixx have been advocating for the culture of Christian hip-hop to have a voice in these spaces," Robinson told The Tennessean. "There are so many talented artists, producers, engineers and DJs doing their thing and coming straight out of Nashville."
For Robinson, specifically, the showcase is bigger than just one night of music.
"The thing I’m looking forward to the most is for all the artist who have been putting in work to finally get to showcase their talents and expose people to what Christian hip-hop is, and hopefully this can change their perspective in a positive way, " Robinson said.
Tickets are still on sale for the event through AXS, with a price-tag of $25 for members and $35 for non-members.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with the showcase running until 9 p.m.
The 57th annual Dove Awards, which celebrates outstanding achievements in the Christian and gospel music industry, take place shortly after on Oct. 6. at Bridgestone Arena.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville showcase will spotlight Christian hip-hop stars | Exclusive
