If Christian hip-hop had a Mount Rushmore, Sup the Chemist (Chris Cooper) would be front and center. Named the #1 Christian Rapper of All-Time by Rapzilla, his pioneering work with SFC (Soldiers For Christ) not only set the foundation for an entire genre but also built an infrastructure that continues to support artists today. With razor-sharp lyricism, hard-hitting beats, and a mission to reach those outside the church walls, Sup helped elevate faith-based hip-hop from an underground movement to a force that demanded attention.
Originally released in 1992 on BAI/Broken Records, Phase III stands as one of the most important hip-hop albums of it's time. It seamlessly blends reggae, jazz, and R&B influences into it's production, pushing creative boundaries long before genre-blending was commonplace. This long out-of-print classic was mixed by Gene Eugene (Adam Again, Lost Dogs) and executive-produced by Ojo Taylor (Undercover), further proving it's deep roots in the alternative Christian music scene. Musically and lyrically, Phase III pulls no punches. Tracks like "Kill the Spirit" feature guest raps from Alliance of Light, who would later become the legendary Gospel Gangstaz. DJ Dove lays down scratches throughout the album, while Todd Stevens (XL from XL & DBD) provides bass and background vocals, adding to the album's rich sonic depth. Sup's verses cut through with conviction, speaking directly to the streets with the same energy and authenticity as Public Enemy, Ice Cube, and N.W.A. This was Christian rap with no compromises-bold, unfiltered, and unapologetic. Now, for the first time ever, Phase III arrives on 2-LP Lime Green Vinyl in a stunning gatefold jacket with full lyrics. Part of the Legends Remastered Series on Retroactive Records, this release is limited to just 200 copies. This is a must-have for collectors, a historic group that sold over 100,000 copies in the '90s but this classic album has been impossible to find for decades. Sup once told CCM Magazine that his mission was to "reach drug sellers, club hoppers, and other people you wouldn't find sitting down and listening to a church choir." More than 30 years later, that mission still resonates. Whether you're rediscovering Phase III or hearing it for the first time, this is hip-hop history-preserved, restored, and ready to be heard again. Don't sleep on this one. Once it's gone, it's gone. For fans of Public Enemy, N.W.A., Gospel Gangstas, Sup the Chemist, E.T.W., Ice Cube.