Biography All Music GuideWikipedia
All Music Guide:
A founding member of the 116 Clique, Christian rapper Sho Baraka was born in Alberta, Canada but was raised in Southern California during the rise of gangsta rap. Sho loved the music, but watching many of his friends go to jail after joining the gangsta lifestyle influenced the aspiring rapper to choose a different path. He left for college and Texas, but rap pulled him back in, this time with a Christian spin as he formed the 116 Clique in 2005 with friends Trip Lee, Lecrae, and Tedashii. He launched his solo career two years later with the album Turn My Life Up, then in 2010 he released Lions & Liars, which would climb to number three on Billboard's Gospel Chart. His 2013 release Talented 10th topped that chart and featured a guest appearance from his fellow 116 Clique member Tedashii.
Wikipedia:
Amisho Baraka Lewis, better known by his stage name Sho Baraka, is an American Christian hip-hop artist and writer who has recorded both independently and as a founding member of the 116 Clique. He was originally signed to Reach Records until leaving in March 2011. He then co-founded a record label and group known as "High Society" with fellow Christian rappers JR, Swoope, and Suzy Rock. His debut album Turn My Life Up was released in November 2007. His second album Lions and Liars, was released March 2010.
Biography [edit]
Born in Alberta, Canada but raised in California, he resided in Texas and currently lives in Atlanta. Sho Baraka was introduced to hip hop at a young age. Living in Southern California during the height of gangsta rap presented its challenges to many youths, as well as Sho. In high school Sho and some friends from his neighborhood formed a rap group that began touring with major recording artists. But his life took a different turn after the rap group fizzled out and close friends were killed or incarcerated due to the gang life they led. Sho then enlisted and served in the military. He decided to heed his father's advice and apply to college, pursuing education instead of the streets. There he came into contact with Lecrae and Tedashii and eventually the 116 Clique and Reach Records were formed.
Leaving Reach Records and new website [edit]
On April 13, 2011, Rapzilla posted a blog from Sho stating that he planned to leave Reach Records after four years and two albums with the label. Although he is leaving the Reach label, Sho said he would continue to be an artist with Reach booking and continue to do concert dates and events with the label through 2011. He will also be featured on Reach projects released through the year. He is expected to release a new EP in July or August. Sho Baraka is now a part of the music & art group High Society with Swoope, J.R., & Suzy Rock. Lewis announced that he will release a new album, Talented Xth, on January 1, 2013.
Cameos [edit]
Baraka can be spotted as Trip Lee's fictional boss at the newspaper Trip Lee works for in the video for Trip lee's song The Invasion (hero) off the album Between Two Worlds.
