OK… fangirl post! From the early days of DC Talk’s hit Heavenbound to his new release, The Elements, dropping today, TobyMac has been at the T-O-P of my favorite artist list! As I was thinking about this blog, I tried to choose my favorite TobyMac tune and I have to confess, that was not an easy endeavor! Some songs stand out because of their artistic wow-ness while others have lyrics that go deep… and that’s without factoring in the Christmas songs!
DC Talk, Then and Now
But before we go to the favorites, here are the top 10 reasons that I think highly of TobyMac. (No, I don’t know him as a person, but the fruit of his walk is evident to anyone who pays attention.)
Top 10 things I appreciate about TobyMac:
10: DC Talk brotherhood: In this age of “no one stays together,” TobyMac, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max demonstrate that brotherhood is still a priority even while pursuing solo careers. Jesus Freak
9: Gotee Records: Toby formed this label with two others when they were unable to find a label deal for Out of Eden. Today, you’ll find diverse and talented artists such as Aaron Cole, Hollyn, Capital Kings, and Relient K on Gotee’s roster! Right on Time by Aaron Cole
8: Commitment to People: TobyMac is in his 10th year of sponsoring Run for Hope, a local school in his area. Additionally, he sponsors Camp Electric which is an interactive worship and rock & roll camp. He values his community in Franklin, Tennessee, purposefully frequenting the local businesses. This Christmas
7: Christmas tunes! I love what TobyMac brings to Christmas… A fresh perspective of the delight and beauty found in celebrating Jesus’ birth! O Come, All Ye Faithful
6: Promotes others: I know that TobyMac must have a strong business sense and most likely take seriously the blessing of providing an inheritance for his children’s children. But kudos to the guy for investing in others by lending his talents to their songs and coming alongside others to help make their vision a reality! Check out this Citizen shop. Hold Me by Jamie Grace
5: Artistic creativity: Do I need to explain this? Every album: same signature voice in outrageously creative, diverse tunes! It doesn’t get old! This is Not a Test
4: Passion about diversity: You don’t have to listen long to pick up on TobyMac’s passion for diversity. Not only does he sing about it, but he even named his band Diverse City! Colored People, Wanna Be Loved (both by DC Talk), Diverse City, City on Our Knees, One World, all point to his desire to see love trump hate, differences, and division.
3: #SpeakLife Movement: After TobyMac’s song Speak Life hit the airwaves, its popularity inspired the #SpeakLife movement encouraging positive, life-giving words that shine His light to a hurting world. (Ephesians 4:29) Speak Life
2: Spiritual growth: From my perspective, TobyMac demonstrates new spiritual depth with each successive release. His songs seem to reflect an increasingly deeper personal connection with His Heavenly Father. In his words, “I try to lean into God and say ‘What’s up? Watchya want me to say, Daddy*?'” when he is in the writing process. As listeners, we feel his growing understanding of walking out this faith, grappling with real life issues, and pressing through the fire to find victory. I Just Need U
1: Commitment to family and faith: It’s clear, this man loves and values his family! And He loves his Heavenly Father! He purposes to show that in the choices he makes and the songs he writes and sings. What a blessing! Lose My Soul, Family, Steal My Show
Okay… I tried to come up with my favorite, but that was a no-go, so here are my favoriteS by TobyMac and Diverse City:
- DC Talk Favorite: In the Light
- Lyrical favorite: Made to Love
- Truth Bomb Fave: Move (Keep Walkin’)
- Christmas favorite: Light of Christmas
- Musical favorite: Til the Day I Die
- Ballad (sort of) Favorite: Beyond Me
- Dancing Fave: Backseat Driver
Maybe someday, I’ll get to chat with the this artistic legend! Who is your favorite artist and why? I’d love to hear…
Live Love and Sing with abandonment!
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Special thanks to:
P.P.S.: Andy and Caleb met TobyMac, Jon Micah (of Kutless), and Mark Stuart (formerly Audio Adrenaline) at Grove City College in Pennsylvania in 2005. After a rousing game of stick ball, the artists gladly posed for some fan shots! Here’s a throwback shot!
Disclaimer: I own the rights to none of these songs or videos.