The Mad Prophets
Detroit, Michigan
Holy Hip Hop/Rap
The Mad Prophets (D Yuinon Local 313), is part of Yuinon, a consortium of individuals and artists across the country determined to use the popularity of hip hop as a means of ministering, especially to youth, with messages of hope conveyed through positive, introspective rhymes.

The Mad Prophets got their start around 1995 performing at parties and venues such as the Hip Hop Shop, a Westside Detroit spot known for being frequented by artists like Eminem and D12 before they became nationally known. At first The Mad Prophets reflected the negative stereotype of rappers, but they changed direction and have become holy hip hoppers. "We once used profanity, called women out of their names, rapped about violence, sex, money, and cars; but God revealed to us that we were spreading a corrupt message that was destroying our people!"

Many artists rapping about spiritual things tend to present more questions than answers; The Mad Prophets seek to provide answers, especially positive ones to such typical hip hop questions as "Is there an alternative to street life?" "What happens to a thug when he dies?" and "How can I really get respect?"

The three MCs: Quan, Temple and Steel Will blend Midwest and East Coast rap styles, Bible-centric content, diverse beats, memorable hooks, and vivid wordplay in their work. Quan draws inspiration for his lyrics from his work as a teacher in Detroit Public School system, "it gives me a lot more time to be right there with the students and talk about some of their struggles. It shows me what's needed." Today, The Mad Prophets is affiliated with Rosedale Baptist Church and is part of the church's youth outreach program.

The name of the group comes from Revelations 19:10 "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." As Steel Will, Temple, and Quan state, "We're just holding it down like the prophets of the past: Isaiah, Ezekiel, John the Baptist….Those prophets told the people what they needed to hear and not what they wanted to hear. That's what we do….For us, it's about the Prophet, not the Profit."

Link
http://www.madprophets.com/about%20us.htm