It was a simple music video that at first glance could be interpreted as just another Christian song, but Tobe Nwigwe had bigger plans for the soulful tune and it certainly resonated all over social media.
The Houston-bred artist croons to listeners to “Try Jesus, not me ’cause I throw hands.” Enough said. Donning a top and bottom gold grill, Nwigwe peacefully sung the mantra over a guitar strung by artist and producer Jabari Johnson and MIDI keyboard played by producer LaNell Grant.
Currently trending at No. 2 on the iTunes Hip Hop and Rap charts, the overall message of the video couldn’t be more relatable than it is today with the ongoing devastation of racism and constant threat of violence facing black Americans living in the U.S.
It’s even more challenging when people use your faith against you to abuse you. So, the mere fact that Nwigwe and Johnson keep it more than trill and let it be known that even if a person was raised in the Bible Belt and practices Christianity, it doesn’t mean you won’t get these hands.
Peep the music video below:
Nwigwe grew up in Houston’s Southwest Alief and would soon make a name for himself when he would produce several music videos on his homegrown segment #GetTwistedSundays, garnering the attention of thousands of followers online.
The Nigerian family man who has been likened to artists such as, Kendrick Lamar, Big Krit and Common, has built his discography of conscientious songs to include “Journey,” “Make It Home,” “THE BLUES,” and “HELLA BLACK.”
His collaboration with Htown legend Paul Wall “JUICE” premiered in September 2019 and grabbed 1.2 million views on YouTube, a sure sign that a bright future awaits the visionary.
The athlete-turned-artist has become known for his very simplistic, neutral colored videos, that present a family-friendly dynamic.
Yet, some of the most appealing factors about “Tobe Bryant” is his unapologetic rebellion against traditional Hip Hop that has become synonymous with perpetuating myths that rappers don’t value their wives, families or communities. Nwigwe is anything but the average rapper. He has a message, stands for something, and reps Houston well.
“I feel like the message in what I’m doing is a necessity in my culture,” he told MTV News. “I don’t want to limit anybody from really resonating with the actual message. I strive with every bar, with every design, with every angle of the video to make it to where it’s unique, different, and everybody [can] receive it all. Old, young, you know what I’m saying? My people. I strive for that.”
Johnson, who holds his own, is also blazing a trail in the music industry. The Houston gospel artist is the lead guitarist at The Potter’s House, the church of Bishop T.D. Jakes. Johnson not only plays the guitar, but he also writes and produces.
Releasing his first single “You Are Holy” in 2015, Johnson has worked with and played music for several artists, including Kirk Franklin, Kierra Sheard, Kim Burrell, The Hamiltones, Leela James and Kirko Bangz, to name a few.
The current climate calls for strong-minded individuals with moral principles, such as Nwigwe and Johnson, to change what is popular and acceptable. Their willingness to go against the grain and promote ideologies that make sense leaves us at the MouthSoap with a new vision of hope for humanity.
