The recent release of "A Sinner's Perspective" is transforming the way both Christian hip hop fans and non Christian hip hop fans listen to christian music. Youth, young adults, and even an older generation is turning an ear, amazed at the positive message crafted over vibrant beats and relative hooks. Positive, however, is one word that least describes the adversities Yancey has emerged from.
Yancey Edward Cordon Duckett was born February 14th 1987. February 7th 1987 Walter Edward Yancey (Yancey's Father) was found with a bullet wound to the head and a neck laceration that extended from one ear to the other. Misfortune continued for the future lyricist after being abandoned by his mother two weeks after his birth. For 9 Years Yancey lived with his grandmother who taught him many christian values and the importance of family. In a song lyric Yancey stated in reference to his grandmother:
"Its crazy you birthed a fein. That gave birth to me. And see it hurt that she would choose the work(crack) over me. When they buried you they threw the dirt over me."
The death of his grandmother, the only parent Yancey knew, created a wound that would live with him for many years. Home after home, state after state, and school after school had become the norm as Yancey struggled to accept himself and find stability. The mixture of poverty, girls, street life, and lack of guidance in an urban community was a recipe for jail or much worse death. Sports quickly became an outlet for Yancey to escape the realities of life.
In 2010 Yancey was awarded a basketball scholarship to Oakland City University. A Christian school in southern Indiana. It was here that Yancey met Jonathan Hose who would compell him to write and record positve music opposed to the typical rap that was common to the young artist. Together they would go on to perform at various talent shows, youth events, and churches. In 2010 the duo recieved a call to open for christian rock band The Great Romance.
In 2011 tragedy struck with a devestating knee injury that would end Yancey's college Basketball career. Partying, money, and women quickly became an indulgence as music was soon forgotten. "I think I was depressed for a couple years" Says Yancey, "I had invested so much into basketball and I felt like it owed me somthing."
July 7th 2013 Yancey experienced an encounter that would change his life forever. "Theres something special about knowing you're loved unconditionally no matter your wrongs, your faults, or your past," Says Yancey. "Through all the chaos called "my life," I never had someone that would forget about the world just for me." Jesus Christ revealed Himself to Yancey in a manner that was extremely foreign to the soon to be Christian artist.
This revelation was simply: 'LOVE!'
"Coming to the conclusion that I was loved and that God kept me through all those years I felt alone and abandoned, awoken a sleeping giant inside of me that allowed me to understand that it was all a part of His perfect plan that was pre destined for a time such as this."
Encouraged and motivated by love, Yancey began to study, pray, and strengthen his relationship with Jesus Christ. In August of 2013 Yancey was baptized and welcomed to Haven House of Prayer lead by former gospel artist Pastor Deejay Roberts. The leadership and guidance of Pastor Roberts prepared Yancey for ministry through music. "I knew i had a story that people needed to hear and music would give me that voice." For the first time in his career Yancey had began producing Christian music that revealed glimpses of his past and his new found relationship with Christ.
In September of 2013 Yancey released his debut single "The Guide." Two months later Yancey partnered with Cordon Dreams Media Group to release a debut music video to promote the single. In January of 2014 Yancey connected with Chritian accoustic artist Doug Johnson to establish the Young And Unashamed Tour which kicked off April 11th in Evansville Indiana. Four short days pryor Yancey released His debut Mixtape titled "A Sinner's Perspective."
Yancey's testimony is proof that God is able. By His grace and mercy Yancey has been able to make 2014 his break out year for spreading hope through the ministry of music. Join Yancey on his mission to encourage people, communities, and nations by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Music is language and I speak Christian Hip Hop!
Come out and join Doug and Yancey amongst other local arist to celebrate the Cause For Christ Community Concert at
Charleston H.S.
Drinkwater auditorium
606 S. Thorn St. Charleston MO.
Join Yancey At 9am on Young and Unashamed radio for a spotlight featured interview. Tune in to 88.3 KABF or stream live via www.kabf.org
To catch the update, photos, and news about this interview visit www.kabf.org
Friday April 11th marked the opening concert for The Young And Unashamed Tour. The event took place at Mill Rd Baptist church in Evansville Indiana. "We were nervous about it all coming together," says Yancey, "but we had a remarkable team working behind the scenes."
The Young And Unashamed Tour will set sails for Charleston Missouri May 24th to perform at Drinkwater auditorium for the Cause For Christ Community Concert.
A listening/release party was held as Yancey, friends, and fans celelbrated the highly anticipated release of "A Sinner's Perspective." Download the entire mixtape free via soundcloud.com/yanceytheprophet
Charleston H.S. Drinkwater Auditorium
606 S. Thorn St. Charleston Missouri
Victory Temple
121 E. Maryland St. Evansville IN
Mt Olive Galilee Block Party
825 Line St.
Evansville Indiana
Princeton Indiana
Boonville Indiana