El Shaadai aka Papa Shaad

Taken christian hip hop for granted...You think that this is a game?!...Introducing the infamously sick emcee, with his eyes on the cross and his feet firmly on the devils neck...Holla atcha boi....El Shaadai a.k.a Papa Shaad, Talent as it's Godly Blessed...Get at me...

Christian Hip Hop's next "heavy weight," the next "diamond in the ruff," or simply the "who's next." However you say it...these titles are being thrown around over the head of thousand of aspiring artists. But who is that ONE? Somewhere in a little town, or under the bright lights of a big city, Christian Hip Hop's next newest face is being groomed and/or prepped for greatness. He or she poised, positioned, and postured by Christ for just the right moment and just the right time. Introducing Rashaad Powell, a.k.a El Shaadai. One of these artists that has thrown his name in the hat to be called Christian Hip Hop's next big thing. Prayed up and teamed up with the Holy Spirit, this artist is not only trying to create a riff in the Christian sector but shake the music world to it's core with BANGIN' hits and unquestionable ability. Songs such as, "Relentless," with a bottomless baseline is sure to engulf the listener and have their heads nodding and hearts throbbing for hours on end. And ,"Put on Them Halos," will have them jumping out the club and into church and back to the club again. These are just two of the creations of this artist, who just recently rapped up his long awaited debut, "Relentless." A debut that, to say the least, has turned many heads in the music world already. Rashaad was born November 20, 1976 to Al and Melissa Powell. The middle of 3 boys...(Brother Alfred Jr. and Duriel) Rashaad found his ability to write an escape to the unwelcoming world around him. It is this ability to harness emotions to a piece of paper, that got him through the most painful and darkest times of his life. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan the young boy eventually made his way through life and ended up where he lives today Newaygo, Mi. With so many pit stops on the way that'll surely mystify and amaze, the boy became a man, the man became a Christian, the Christian became the artist, and the artist became the movement that God commissioned.

I have done at least 10 shows the past month...and I guess the special moment for me is on the stage in 100 degree weather, by myself, during a 6 song set, when I realized one it was hot and two so was I....

My first influence is my personal lord and savior Jesus Christ, his determination and compassion is why I am here today...My other influence comes from christian acts like Gospel Gangstas, T-Bone, All of Cross Movement Records, Holy South, KJ52, Toby Mac, and secular influences Pac, Biggie, Scarface, Rakim, they were the ones that got me in the game of rap as a young shorty...But my biggest influences are my friends and brothers of the struggle that I see everyday hustling the same hustle, with same muscle, just may be on different sides of the fence...My man Cane, Gov, Blak Caz, and Senate, vets who have been in the game for years and still going strong, still holding on, and still bringing that fire...Some of the world's finest talent ever assembled under a beat or in a booth...That's the truth...

ALL I NEED IS ONE MIC, naw just playing...we are in the process of purchasing equipment in the very close future...

Yeah, before I go...I just would like to take this time to thank my manager and ace Jason Wise and i2i designs, if yall have any website needs hit this man up he is a genius...But before I go I want to take this time to publicly thank my wife Lisa Powell and my children, I know I am gone alot doing show and it is you guys that give me the strength I need to go on...Dee and Gov when I eat yall eat, best beleive yall family for real...And to everyone else, don't EVER give up on ya dreams, they can come true best beleive...