Forrest Frank & Paul Wall Bring Christian Rap to a Packed NRG Stadium
Forrest Frank and Paul Wall lit up NRG Stadium with a Christian rap concert in front of roughly 70,000 people at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Forrest, already a major name in Christian rap and the grandson of the late meteorologist Neil Frank, delivered a high‑energy set that blended worship, Houston culture, and surprise moments.
Paul Wall kicked off the show as an unexpected guest, remixing his classic “Sittin’ Sideways” into “Sittin’ Sideways, Givin’ God Praise.” Forrest kept the Houston love going by shouting out Bun B, Trae Tha Truth, and even mentioning Fulshear during his freestyle.
I honestly hope they turn that remix into a full song. A moment like this could be a spark for a new wave of Houston‑based Christian rap.
Houston’s Christian Rap Roots and the People Who Helped Build It
H‑Town Christian rap has had its moments of momentum thanks in part to NGEN Radio and the late Chris Chicago, as well as the now‑defunct Letz Chop It Up Podcast (episodes still on YouTube). NGEN still exists as a digital station, but back when it had an FM signal, a lot more people stumbled onto Christian rap by accident and became fans.
Even though Letz Chop It Up is gone, Witeout helps keep that spirit alive through the Somethin’ Ain’t Right Podcast with Tre9. Tre9 also runs his own segment showcasing music videos, interviews, and artists. The podcast is still small, so if you’re reading this, go show it some love on YouTube and help keep Houston’s Christian rap culture alive.
Houston Artists Who Have Collaborated With Christian Rappers
Here are Houston artists (and DJs/producers/engineers) who have worked with Christian rappers, updated with all the latest details:
- Lil Keke – Livin Proof, Puntin, S.O.M., and others
- Bun B – Tre9, Von Won
- Scarface – Von Won
- Z‑Ro – Von Won
- Paul Wall – Lecrae, Pyrexx, Von Won
- DJ Red – The New Cool
- Bruce Takara (Bruce Bang)
- Wonderus – Von Won, S.O.M. (Soldiers Ona Mission)
- Lil O – Von Won, Herbert Addison
- Propain – Von Won
- Baby Bash – Von Won
- Lil Flip – AD The Problem Solver
- Trae Tha Truth – Lecrae
- NuWine – Lil Raskull
- Big Pokey – Puntin, Livin Proof, Chad Jackson Gospel, Tre9
- ESG – Puntin, Herb Flav
- Chalie Boy – Puntin, Three J (now Luke Nyne)
- Chamillionaire – Puntin, Von Won
- K‑Rino – Von Won, Livin Proof
Houston & Texas Artists Who Fully Transitioned to Christian Rap
- 007 (5th Ward Boyz) – now part of IAmRAW with Gifted Da Flame Throwa
- Bushwick Bill (Geto Boys) – My Testimony of Redemption
- LitaRodi
- Von Won (formerly Playboy Click)
- Lucky Luciano
- DJ DMD – from “25 Lighters” to “25 Bibles on My Dresser”
- Puntin – formerly of PBC (Playas/Players By Choice)
- Dougie D – formerly known for work with Z‑Ro, now active with Von Won at Space City Church and performing at Space City Fest
Keeping Houston’s Christian Rap History Alive
There are definitely more artists out there. Some I only know from their Christian rap work, and I’m not always aware of their earlier secular catalogs. Even Tre9 has said he made secular music before the 90s but never released it.
Moments like Forrest Frank and Paul Wall at the Rodeo remind people that Christian rap has deep Houston roots and a long list of contributors. A lot of this history isn’t documented anywhere, so sharing it helps preserve a culture that many people don’t realize exists.
Videos Of Forrest Frank At The Houston Rodeo
TikToK Videos:
https://www.tiktok.com/@proper_xl/photo/7615783495117425950?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
https://www.tiktok.com/@proper_xl/video/7615842088743144735?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
