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tobyMac keeps fresh perspective on career

By KEITH RYAN CARTWRIGHT

tobyMac

Through the years his popularity has evoked a mainstream appeal. However, his message has never strayed beyond his Christian roots.

tobyMac is among the most successful Christian artists, but as his biography explains the Virginia native is "universally recognized as a creative force, an artistic maverick and a prophetic voice for racial reconciliation, social justice and a fierce devotion to faith and family."

Following the critical acclaim for his time as one third of the group dc Talk, tobyMac's solo endeavor has been equally heralded (if not further revered) for his willingness to expand his already dynamic soundscape.

Known for his trademark amalgamation of seamlessly mixing rock, funk and hip-hop, tobyMac — a songwriter, artist and producer — isn't afraid of catchy hooks or deep grooves.

"The wonder of it all remains and at any moment I want to be transported into uncharted recording waters," he said, "not relying on my own understanding. That is why I continue to be passionate."

After releasing three studio albums — "Momentum" (2001), "Welcome to Diverse City" (2004) and "Portable Desires" (2007) — he recently released his first live album, "Alive and Transported."

While tobyMac and his band are touring this fall they have also readied his next solo album, set for release next year. Know as the Diverse City Band, members include Gabe "GabeReal" Patillo, Deshon "Shonlock" Bullock, Nirva "Nirvessence" Dorsaint-Ready, Dave "D-Dub" Wyatt, Brian "Da Bomb" Haley, Todd "Toddiefunk" Lawton, Tim "T-Rose" Rosenau and DJ Maj.

"Passion for my art drives me," tobyMac said. "I committed on this project that when writing and recording I will never rely on what has worked in the past and never fear what hasn't. The canvas is blank and the colors are endless."

Artistry aside, tobyMac, 43, has long been considered an industry leader — he is the president of Gotee Records — and, in fact, Christianity Today magazine referred to him as "one of the 50 most influential evangelical leaders in America."

That said, the married, father of five has been heralded for his contribution and universally thought of as one of the most influential artists of his generation.

"I've been in multiple bands and on the road for a while," said tobyMac, who has been nominated for numerous Grammy Awards in a professional career that dates back to 1987, "playing the same venues, visiting the same radio stations, working with the same label. My fight is to remain fresh, unjaded, where I'm not looking through hollow eyes, but I'm looking at things like they're new again."

Keith Ryan Cartwright is a Colorado-based freelance entertainment journalist.