RSN'L

RSN'L – Biography Early Life and Struggles in Chicago Born in 1985 as Edward Craig, Sr. in Ypsilanti, Michigan, RSN’L’s journey is one of faith, resilience, and transformation. Though his life began in Michigan, his story truly unfolds in Englewood, on the South Side of Chicago, where he was raised by a single mother who remarried when he reached the age of 10. Life in Englewood was anything but easy—poverty, crime, and instability were constant challenges, and making it to the next month was never guaranteed. RSN’L attended Walter Reed Elementary School, then Hyde Park Academy and Englewood High School. His childhood and teenage years were marked by exposure to the harsh realities of inner-city life, where gang activity, violence, and the struggles of broken communities were everyday occurrences. Despite these hardships, his mother did her best to provide for him, instilling the values of perseverance and determination in Christ. A Life-Changing Encounter with Faith At the age of 12, RSN’L experienced a pivotal moment in his life when he was introduced to Camp BeechPoint Christian Camp in Allegan, Michigan. Each summer, he left behind the dangers of the city streets to immerse himself in an entirely different world—one filled with the Word of God, Christian fellowship, and personal growth. It was during these summers that his understanding of Christ deepened, and he ultimately received his salvation, marking the beginning of his spiritual journey. However, returning home each time meant stepping back into an environment that constantly tested his faith. The pull of gang life and street survival was strong, and despite his growing commitment to righteousness, RSN’L faced numerous challenges, conflicts, and run-ins with both rival gangs and law enforcement. The call from God to follow a different path was clear, but acting on it required courage and sacrifice. At 17 years old, after a particularly intense period of reflection, RSN’L felt the overwhelming conviction to leave Chicago behind and step into the unknown, trusting that God had a greater plan for his life. Military Service and Transformation In 2002, RSN’L took a bold step toward a new future by enlisting in the United States Navy, serving as an Information Technology specialist. He was stationed in Mayport, Florida, aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and was actively involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The discipline and structure of the Navy reinforced the faith he had begun cultivating in his youth. It provided him with the opportunity to develop skills in leadership, technology, and resilience, all of which would later shape his music and ministry. His military service also broadened his perspective, exposing him to different cultures and experiences that deepened his appreciation for God's work in the world. Ministry and Theological Education After serving his years of active duty in 2006, RSN’L chose to remain in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was connected with Dominion Life International Ministries. Drawn to the church’s powerful teachings and sense of community, he officially became a member in 2005, dedicating himself to ministry service and spiritual growth. For over a decade, RSN’L actively served within the church, deepening his theological understanding and committing himself to mentorship, discipleship, and their many international outreach efforts. Recognizing the call to teach and lead others to Christ, he pursued formal education in ministry, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Organization and Leadership from Logos University in 2019. His passion for the lost and his desire to spread the Gospel globally fueled his mission as a Christian Hip Hop artist. Whether through preaching, mentoring, or serving within the church, RSN’L remained ready at all times to be sent on assignment—wherever God called him to minister; while under the instruction of the pastors and leaders of Dominion Life International. Musical Journey and Artistic Influence RSN’L’s connection to music began at an early age, influenced by the golden eras of rock, jazz, R&B and hip-hop in the '70s, '80s, and '90s. He was drawn to the lyrical depth, storytelling, and raw energy of the pioneers who paved the way in the genre. However, his musical foundation was not limited to rap alone—he also spent 16 years as a lead guitarist for the worship team at his home church, giving him a well-rounded musical background rooted in both rock, hip-hop and gospel traditions. His extensive study of music theory and instrumental performance allowed him to blend classic hip-hop influences with modern sounds, creating a unique style that appeals to both old-school rap fans and contemporary listeners. Unlike many in the genre, RSN’L’s mission is not just to entertain but to minister through music, using his craft as a platform to share his testimony, uplift communities, and point people toward Jesus Christ to become their Lord and Savior as well. His lyrics reflect authenticity, wisdom, and spiritual insight, addressing real-life struggles while offering hope and redemption. As an artist, he seeks to continue to bridge the gap between hip-hop culture and faith, proving that rap can be both raw and righteous, powerful and purposeful. Family and Personal Life RSN’L currently resides in St. Johns County, Florida, where he continues to serve in ministry, create music, and mentor the next generation. He has been happily married for nine years and is a devoted father. His older children have embarked on their own independent journeys—one serving in the U.S. Navy as an IT specialist, another excelling as an NCAA football player at American International College, and another pursuing a career at a local hospital. Meanwhile, he and his wife are raising their younger children, ensuring they are equipped with faith, values, and the tools to succeed. Legacy and Mission RSN’L’s story is one of redemption, transformation, and unwavering faith. From the dangerous streets of Englewood to the structured discipline of the Navy, from ministry service to the world of Christian rap, his journey reflects the power of God’s grace and purpose. Through music, ministry, and mentorship, RSN’L continues to be a beacon of hope, reaching the lost, the broken, and the searching. His music serves as a tool to inspire, educate, and challenge listeners to see that a life dedicated to Christ is not only possible but necessary. Neatly put in his own words “Although imperfections may still peak through, the evidence of the fingerprints of God securing everlasting life for His children through Christ Jesus should always remain as the focal point; the end of our story is more important than the beginning and current, but the journey is nothing short of electrifying when His Holy Spirit is at work in us.” -RSN’L As he looks to the future, RSN’L remains steadfast in his commitment to spreading the Gospel within different genres of music. Infusing the measures with the scriptural truths, he hopes to uplift and impact communities, nations… using his platform to bring light into the darkest of places. Whether through speaking, performing, or teaching, he is dedicated to fulfilling his divine calling and leaving a lasting impact for God’s glory alone. "The mission is clear: Christ above all, the gospel as the message, and souls as the mission." – RSN’L