Radio-One personal ity, Cory “CoCo Brother” Condrey is on a mission to bridge the gap between the church and the streets. Confirming that hip-hop is a universal language, Condrey uses his Atlanta-based wide cast to provide fans with inspiring music and messages from celebrities, hip-hop personalities, and leading pastors. While prayer and Biblical instruction are staple program attributes, Condrey provides balance in an entertaining yet relevant way. In between hip-hop infused praise and worship performance s, fans of all ages call in or visit the station–some to pray or share testimonies others to “clown” and even cry.
Although Radio-One’s programming includes a gospel music station, the Spirit of Hip-Hop (SOHH) was created to offer positive music for the urban mainstream market. Proof that the model works, in less than two years, Condrey’s one-hour program morphed into a six-hour syndicated program with over 10 million listeners in 15 Radio-One markets.
Un prefer holy hip-hop music, which generally attracts people of faith who prefer hip-hop and hip-hop fans who prefer inspirational rap, the SOHH broad cast is geared towards hip-hop overall. As such, it isn’t uncommon for fans to hear positive verses from 50 Cent or Lyfe Jennings mixed in with Mary Mary or Kirk Franklin joints.
SOHH is a vehicle Condrey uses to encourage “positive lifestyle options, which embrace family members, community, and culture.” a number of times, Condrey along with guest hosts, comedian John “Manna God” Gray and hip-hop R&P (rhythm & praise is an alternate to rhythm & blues) recording artist, Canton Jones can be heard discussing relationships, sharing their personal struggles or fielding calls from fans with struggles of their personal. Through the Spirit of Hip-Hop, Condrey demonstrates how to balance having faith in God with having fun.
