{{Short description|American Christian hip hop recording artist}} {{for|the former R&B pseudonym Bizzle|Justin Bieber}} {{distinguish|Lethal Bizzle}} {{Multiple issues| {{overly detailed|date=February 2014}} {{BLPrefimprove|date=July 2023}} {{update|date=July 2023}} }} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2020}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Bizzle | image = | caption = | image_size = | birth_name = Mark Julian Felder | alias = Lavyss | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|07|21}} | birth_place = Los Angeles, California | origin = Houston, Texas, U.S. | genre = {{hlist|Hip hop|R&B|Christian hip hop}} | occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|singer|record producer|entrepreneur}} | years_active = 2004–present | label = God Over Money | associated_acts = Bumps Inf, Boi-1da, Willie "Pdub" Moore Jr. | website = {{URL|www.godovermoney.com}} }}
'''Mark Julian Felder'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.californiabirthindex.org/birth/mark_julian_felder_born_1983_15800805|title=Mark Julian Felder|website=www.californiabirthindex.org}}</ref> (born July 21, 1983), more commonly known as '''Bizzle''', is an American Christian hip hop recording artist and entrepreneur.
In January 2010, Bizzle released "You Got Some Explaining to Do". The song criticizes rapper Jay-Z for negative references towards Jesus and Christianity in his music. Bizzle released his first mixtape, ''The Messenger'', in March 2010. Shortly after the release, he founded God Over Money Records in Houston, Texas. Bizzle released his debut album, ''Tough Love & Parables'', on June 21, 2011. It debuted at No. 15 on the ''Billboard'' Gospel Albums chart. ''The Good Fight'' was released on May 7, 2013 and debuted at No. 2 on ''Billboard'''s Gospel Albums chart, No. 7 on Christian Albums, and No. 11 on Top Rap Albums. In 2013, Bizzle won Kingdom Choice Awards for Rap Single of The Year, Hip Hop Album of The Year, and Music Video of The Year.
Bizzle received media attention in 2014 when he released "Same Love (A Response)" in reaction to the pro-gay rights single "Same Love" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. The song was controversial because it expressed opposition to homosexuality.
==Life and career==
===Early life=== Mark Felder was raised mostly by his mother in Los Angeles, California. His father stayed in Compton, California. His family was poor and lived in Section 8 housing.<ref name=mystep>{{cite web|last=Felder|first=Mark|title=Truth or Dare|url=http://www.mystep.me/truth-or-dare/bizzle|work=My Step|access-date=February 20, 2014|archive-date=February 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223112146/http://www.mystep.me/truth-or-dare/bizzle|url-status=dead}}</ref> Felder was approximately 13 years of age the first time he stepped in a music studio. Listening to Tupac, he began to establish a talent for writing rhymes.<ref name="mystep"/>
Felder put out seven mixtapes and began circulating them in malls, clubs, radio stations and anywhere else he could. He opened for Lil Wayne & Juelz Santana during their ''I Can't Feel My Face'' tour.<ref name="mystep"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|title=Lil Wayne, Juelz Santana May Turn Upcoming Mixtape into Full LP|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1535532/20060630/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060718134109/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1535532/20060630/lil_wayne.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 18, 2006|publisher=MTV News|date=July 5, 2006|access-date=March 28, 2008}}</ref><ref name="cant feel">{{cite news|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|title=Lil Wayne Plans His Own Leak; Cassidy's Live-From-Jail Rhymes|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/061107/|work=Mixtape Monday|publisher=MTV News|date=June 11, 2007|access-date=March 28, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412193956/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/061107/|archive-date=April 12, 2008}}</ref> He also opened for Lil Boosie.<ref name=Biography>{{cite web|last=Felder|first=Mark|title=Biography|url=http://godovermoney.com/artists/|access-date= February 20, 2014}}</ref>{{better source|date=July 2023}}
Felder has stated that his "financial situation got so bad he was sleeping on a friend's floor and his car was a closet for his clothes".<ref>Thomasos, Christine. Rapper Bizzle Talks Finding Christ, Challenging Jay-Z, Kanye West for 'Glorifying Sin'. August 10, 2012. http://global.christianpost.com/news/rapper-bizzle-talks-finding-christ-challenging-jay-z-kanye-west-for-glorifying-sin-79845/#BDEl85EWaPTZtghU.99 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201221702/http://global.christianpost.com/news/rapper-bizzle-talks-finding-christ-challenging-jay-z-kanye-west-for-glorifying-sin-79845/#BDEl85EWaPTZtghU.99 |date=February 1, 2014 }}</ref> Felder began selling drugs and became a pimp to fund his music career.<ref name="Bizzle, Christian Rapper: God Provided After I Quit Chasing Money.">{{cite news|title=Thomasos, Christine. February 27, 2013. Bizzle, Christian Rapper: God Provided After I Quit Chasing Money.|url=http://global.christianpost.com/news/bizzle-christian-rapper-god-provided-after-i-quit-chasing-money-90900/#uQ10VCRTQKHXfypD.99|newspaper=The Christian Post|access-date=August 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622162348/http://global.christianpost.com/news/bizzle-christian-rapper-god-provided-after-i-quit-chasing-money-90900/#uQ10VCRTQKHXfypD.99|archive-date=June 22, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{better source|date=July 2023}}
===2004–08 L.A.V. Mixtapes=== Between 2004 and 2008, Bizzle released ''L.A.V. Mixtapes'' Volumes 1–5 in Southern California. He then released ''Dirty West Mixtapes'' 1 and 2 with J. Sin and 360 Records in Houston, Texas, and returned to California to release ''Certified Mixtape''.<ref name="Biography"/>{{better source|date=July 2023}}
In 2005, he was offered a deal by 360 Records out of Houston and declined.<ref name="Biography"/> Two years later, Bizzle had been offered a deal by Barry Hankerson to sign with Blackground/Universal, but he also declined that offer.<ref name="Biography"/>{{better source|date=July 2023}}
Bizzle spent three years preparing his debut album ''Grind Pays''.<ref name="Biography"/>{{better source|date=July 2023}}
===2008–11 ''The Jay-Z diss, The Messenger trilogy & Tough Love & Parables''===
The influence of Christianity prompted Bizzle's questioning of the imagery promoted through the music of rappers like Kanye West, Rick Ross, and Jay-Z.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ihiphopmusic.com/bizzle-the-good-fight-album-cover-release-date.html |title=Bizzle 'The Good Fight' Album Cover + Release Date |publisher=Ihiphopmusic.com |date=March 19, 2013 |access-date=August 5, 2013 |archive-date=October 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024191810/http://www.ihiphopmusic.com/bizzle-the-good-fight-album-cover-release-date.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> On January 16, 2010 he released the track "You Got Some Explaining to Do". The song was directed towards Jay-Z, criticizing him for negative references towards Jesus in his lyrics.<ref>Thomasos, Christine. Rapper Bizzle Talks Finding Christ, Challenging Jay-Z, Kanye West for 'Glorifying Sin'. August 10, 2012. ''The Christian Post'' http://global.christianpost.com/news/rapper-bizzle-talks-finding-christ-challenging-jay-z-kanye-west-for-glorifying-sin-79845/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201221702/http://global.christianpost.com/news/rapper-bizzle-talks-finding-christ-challenging-jay-z-kanye-west-for-glorifying-sin-79845/ |date=February 1, 2014 }}</ref> The result of the diss song led Bizzle to being called the "Christian Rapper that dissed Jay Z".<ref name="Biography"/>{{better source|date=July 2023}} Overwhelmed by the positive response and media attention he received, Bizzle decided to make music that proclaimed a Christian message and exposed influences within the music industry that he believed to be negative.<ref name="Biography"/>{{better source|date=July 2023}}
Bizzle released his first Christian mixtape, ''The Messenger'', on March 30, 2010 on DatPiff.<ref name=TheMessenger>{{cite web|title=The Messenger Mixtape|url=http://www.datpiff.com/Lavyss-Aka-Bizzle-The-Christian-Rapper-The-Messenger-Mixtape.109265.html|access-date=February 18, 2014|date=March 30, 2010|archive-date=February 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225040254/http://www.datpiff.com/Lavyss-Aka-Bizzle-The-Christian-Rapper-The-Messenger-Mixtape.109265.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''The Messenger 2: Delivered'' & ''The Messenger 3: Truth Music'' followed in 2010 & 2011 respectively.{{cn|date=July 2023}}
Shortly after the release of "The Messenger", Bizzle founded God Over Money Records in Houston, Texas. Since its creation, the label has released eight mixtapes,<ref>{{cite web|author=GOMRecords|title=Mixtape Releases|url=http://godovermoney.com/releases/mixtapes/|publisher=GOMRecords|access-date=February 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222023425/http://godovermoney.com/releases/mixtapes/|archive-date=December 22, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> a collaborative album with artist Willie 'P-Dub' Moore Jr.,<ref>{{cite web|author=GOMRecords|title=Best of Both Worlds: The Album|url=http://godovermoney.com/audio/best-of-both-worlds-the-album/|publisher=GOMRecords|access-date=February 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224055420/http://godovermoney.com/audio/best-of-both-worlds-the-album/|archive-date=February 24, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and three full-length studio albums;<ref>{{cite web|author=GOMRecords|title=Album Releases|url=http://godovermoney.com/releases/albums/|publisher=GOMRecords|access-date=February 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131223170356/http://godovermoney.com/releases/albums/|archive-date=December 23, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> it has also signed two artists.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rood|first=Philip|title=Bizzle's God Over Money Records Signs Bumps INF|date=April 6, 2011|url=http://www.rapzilla.com/rz/news/1-press/3046-god-over-money-signs-bumps-inf|publisher=Rapzilla|access-date=February 19, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Sketch the Journalist|title=No Joke: Bizzle's God Over Money Records Signs Bumps INF|url=http://blog.chron.com/jesusmusik/2011/04/no-joke-bizzles-god-over-money-records-signs-bumps-inf/|newspaper=The Houston Chronicle|access-date=February 19, 2014|archive-date=February 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225144006/http://blog.chron.com/jesusmusik/2011/04/no-joke-bizzles-god-over-money-records-signs-bumps-inf/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Sketch|title=God Over Money signs Selah aka The Corner, announces GOM group album|url=http://wadeoradio.com/god-over-money-signs-selah-aka-the-corner-announces-gom-group-album/|publisher=Wade-O Radio|access-date=February 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328211603/http://wadeoradio.com/god-over-money-signs-selah-aka-the-corner-announces-gom-group-album/|archive-date=March 28, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Bizzle released his debut album, ''Tough Love & Parables'', on June 21, 2011. It debuted at No. 15 on the ''Billboard'' Gospel Albums chart.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/286688/bizzle/chart?f=323 |title=Bizzle – Chart history |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 23, 2014 |archive-date=November 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125035823/http://www.billboard.com/artist/286688/bizzle/chart?f=323 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It appeared on the iTunes Store swoosh banner.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rood|first=Philip|title=Bizzle's Debut Album Featured on iTunes "Swoosh" Spot|date=July 6, 2011|url=http://rapzilla.com/rz/news/38-backstage/3336-bizzles-debut-album-featured-on-itunes-swoosh-spot|publisher=Rapzilla|access-date=February 19, 2014}}</ref>
===2012–14 ''BoBW, The Good Fight and working with Boi-1da''===
On February 7, 2012, Felder and Willie Moore, Jr. released ''Best of Both Worlds: The Album''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Best-Of-Both-Worlds-Album/dp/B0076DDVMS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339008954&sr=8-2 |title=Best Of Both Worlds: The Album |website=Amazon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527161315/http://www.amazon.com/Best-Of-Both-Worlds-Album/dp/B0076DDVMS |archive-date=May 27, 2012 |access-date=June 6, 2012 }}</ref> The album reached No. 5 on the iTunes Hip Hop/Rap Chart.<ref>{{cite web|author=Rapzilla|title=Bizzle & Willie 'P-Dub' Moore Jr. 'BoBW:The Album' Tops 5 iTunes Hip Hop/Rap|date=February 7, 2012|url=http://rapzilla.com/rz/news/38-backstage/4157-bobw-top-5-itunes|publisher=Rapzilla|access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref>
On May 7, 2013, Bizzle released his second studio album, ''The Good Fight''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rapzilla.com/rz/news/38/6165 |title=Bizzle 'The Good Fight' Tracklisting & Production Credits Revealed |publisher=Rapzilla |date=May 7, 2013 |access-date=August 5, 2013}}</ref> The album features production-works from Grammy-winning producer Boi-1da.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rapzilla.com/rz/news/38/5753 |title=Bizzle teams with Boi-1da for upcoming second studio album 'The Good Fight' |publisher=Rapzilla |date=February 20, 2013 |access-date=August 5, 2013}}</ref><ref>'Bizzle Reveals The Good Fight Tracklist And Production Credits'. ''Wade-O Radio''. 2013. http://wadeoradio.com/bizzle-reveals-the-good-fight-track-list-and-production-credits/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130810234628/http://wadeoradio.com/bizzle-reveals-the-good-fight-track-list-and-production-credits/ |date=August 10, 2013 }}</ref> Its first single, "Soldier" was released January 26, 2013<ref>'Bizzle – Soldier (Feat. No Malice)'. iTunes Store. https://music.apple.com/us/album/soldier-feat-no-malice-single/597929475</ref> and features No Malice and included a music video. Later singles were "Dear Hip-Hop"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rapzilla.com/rz/music/5958-bizzle-dear-hip-hop |title=Bizzle – Dear Hip Hop (Prod. by Boi-1da) |publisher=Rapzilla |date=March 26, 2013 |access-date=February 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705160244/http://www.rapzilla.com/rz/music/5958-bizzle-dear-hip-hop |archive-date=July 5, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and "My Confession" (featuring Sevin).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rapzilla.com/rz/music/6180-bizzle-my-confession |title=Bizzle – My Confession Ft. Sevin (Prod. by Boi-1da) |publisher=Rapzilla |date=April 30, 2013 |access-date=February 17, 2014}}</ref> ''The Good Fight'' debuted at No. 2 on ''Billboard'''s Gospel Albums chart, No. 7 on Christian Albums, No. 11 on Top Rap Albums,<ref>[{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=bizzle|chart=Rap Albums}} Artists: Bizzle. ''Billboard'']</ref> and sold a total of 3,962 copies in its first week.<ref>{{cite web|last=Patrick|first=Kris|title=This Week's Billboard Top Gospel CDs: Tamela Mann #1, Bizzle Debuts at #2|url=http://pathmegazine.com/news/gospel-rap/this-weeks-billboard-top-gospel-cds-tamela-mann-1-bizzle-debuts-at-2/|date=May 20, 2013|work=Path Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Arbet|first=DeVante|title=Bizzle's 'The Good Fight' Debuts at No. 2 On Billboard Gospel Chart|url=http://thegospelguru.com/2013/05/bizzles-the-good-fight-debuts-at-2-on-billboard-gospel-chart/|date=May 15, 2013|publisher=TheGospelGuru.com}}</ref> His previous works with Boi-1da include "Forgive Me" released on March 16, 2011<ref>BIZZLE "FORGIVE ME" FT. JIN (PROD. BY BOI1DA). March 16, 2011. ''Rapzilla''. http://www.rapzilla.com/rz/music/2979-bizzle-qforgive-meq-ft-jin-prod-by-boi1da</ref> which features rapper MC Jin and "Lost and Found" on his collaborative mixtape ''Martyrs in the Making'' with Bumps INF.{{cn|date=July 2023}} Bizzle stated that Boi-1da worked free of charge on the project.<ref name="Bizzle, Christian Rapper: God Provided After I Quit Chasing Money."/> The collaborative work between the two was highlighted in the 2012 September edition of ''XXL''.<ref>Sketch the Journalist. Houston Christian rapper Bizzle teams with Grammy-winning super producer Boi-1da (Drake/Eminem) for upcoming album. February 23, 2013. http://www.dasouth.com/news/24-news/10907-bizzle-teams-with-grammy-winning-super-producer-boi-1da-drakeeminem-for-upcoming-album {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301044711/http://www.dasouth.com/news/24-news/10907-bizzle-teams-with-grammy-winning-super-producer-boi-1da-drakeeminem-for-upcoming-album |date=March 1, 2013 }}</ref>
Bizzle received nominations for ''Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of The Year'' at both the 2012<ref>{{cite web|last=Remy|first=Logan|title=2012 Stellar Awards Ballot Includes 116 Clique, Trip Lee, Flame, DA' T.R.U.T.H., Shai Linne and More|date=September 20, 2012|url=http://www.rapzilla.com/rz/news/38-backstage/5071-2012-stellar-awards-ballot|publisher=Rapzilla|access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Kingdom Broadcast Network|title=The List of Nominees for 28th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards|url=http://www.kbnlive.com/news/?n=The-List-of-Nominees-for-28th-Annual-Stellar-Gospel-Music-Awards&page=10|publisher=KBN Live|access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref> and 2014 Stellar Awards,<ref>{{cite web|author=Stellar Awards|title=29th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Nominees (2013–2014)|url=http://www.thestellarawards.com/nominees.html|publisher=Stellar Awards|access-date=February 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015054243/http://www.thestellarawards.com/nominees.html|archive-date=October 15, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Rapzilla|title=Lecrae, Bizzle, WLAK and More in Stellar Awards 2014|date=October 28, 2013|url=http://www.rapzilla.com/rz/news/38-backstage/7245-lecrae-bizzle-wlak-and-more-in-stellar-awards-2014|publisher=Rapzilla|access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref> sharing the category with artists Derek Minor, Lecrae, and Thi'sl. He also received three nominations at the 2012<ref>{{cite web|author=DJ Wade-O|title=Swoope, Andy Mineo & Bizzle Headline 2012 Kingdom Choice Award Nominees|url=http://wadeoradio.com/swoope-andy-mineo-bizzle-headline-2012-kingdom-choice-award-nominees/|publisher=Wade-O Radio|access-date=February 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201200349/http://wadeoradio.com/swoope-andy-mineo-bizzle-headline-2012-kingdom-choice-award-nominees/|archive-date=February 1, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Z180 Radio|title=Chris Williams disses Corey Red? Nominees List|url=http://z180radio.com/news.php?id=1487|publisher=Z180 Radio|access-date=February 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223145439/http://z180radio.com/news.php?id=1487|archive-date=February 23, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and 2013 ''Kingdom Choice Awards''. Although he did not win any Kingdom Choice Awards in 2012, he won in 2013 for Rap Single of The Year, Hip Hop Album of The Year, and Music Video of The Year.<ref>{{cite web|author=Kingdom Time Entertainment|title=The 2013 Kingdom Choice Award Nominees|url=http://kingdomtimeent.com/kca-nominees|publisher=Kingdom Time Entertainment|access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref>
=== "Same Love" controversy === On January 28, 2014, Bizzle released a single entitled "Same Love (A Response)"<ref>{{cite web|title=Singles ~ God Over Money Records|url=http://godovermoney.com/releases/singles/|access-date=February 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310035615/http://godovermoney.com/releases/singles/|archive-date=March 10, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> in reaction to the pro-gay rights single "Same Love" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. It opens with the rapper reciting a quotation from the Book of Timothy, then leads into the same instrumental track as Macklemore's original. <ref>{{cite news|last=Schroeder|first=Audra|title=This Christian rapper has his own 'Same Love,' and it's not exactly LGBT-friendly|url=http://www.dailydot.com/lifestyle/bizzle-same-love-response/|work=The Daily Dot}}</ref> The song is critical of the media in its promotion of homosexuality, stating that it is hypocritical to call for tolerance for same-sex relationships while at the same time branding opponents of homosexual behavior as "hateful".<ref>{{cite web|title=Bizzle – Same Love ( a Response) Lyrics|url=https://genius.com/Bizzle-same-love-a-response-lyrics|publisher=Genius.com}}</ref> The single takes issue with the analogy of gay rights with the African-American civil rights movement.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kyles|first=Yohance|title=Christian Rapper Bizzle Releases Response Track To Macklemore's "Same Love"|url=http://allhiphop.com/2014/01/30/christian-rapper-bizzle-releases-response-track-to-macklemores-same-love/|website=AllHipHop|date=January 30, 2014|access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Cooper|first=Roman|title=Christian Rapper Bizzle Responds To Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' "Same Love": Bizzle takes issue with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis comparing the LGBT struggle to the Black struggle.|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.27305/title.christian-rapper-bizzle-responds-to-macklemore-ryan-lewis-same-love-|magazine=HipHopDX}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Broderick|first=Ryan|title=BuzzFeed A Christian Rapper Recorded An Anti-Gay Version Of Macklemore's "Same Love" |date=January 31, 2014 |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthis/a-christian-rapper-recorded-an-anti-gay-version-of-macklemor|publisher=BuzzFeed LGBT}}</ref> It also encourages Christians who struggle with homosexual attractions to "fight the good fight".<ref>{{cite web|last=Kyles|first=Yohance|title=LISTEN: Christian Rapper Bizzle Releases Response to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' "Same Love"|date=January 30, 2014|url=http://www.blackchristiannews.com/2014/01/christian-rapper-bizzle-releases-response-to-macklemore-ryan-lewis-same-love/|publisher=Black Christian News|access-date=February 1, 2014|archive-date=February 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201210213/http://www.blackchristiannews.com/2014/01/christian-rapper-bizzle-releases-response-to-macklemore-ryan-lewis-same-love/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Three days after its release, the song garnered over 30,000 views on YouTube.<ref>{{cite news|title=Listen: Christian rapper Bizzle records homophobic rap response to 'Same Love'|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/01/31/listen-christian-rapper-bizzle-records-homophobic-rap-response-to-same-love|newspaper=Pink News}}</ref> ''The Huffington Post'' called the track "very disturbing".<ref>{{cite news|title=Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's 'Same Love' Gets Anti-Gay Makeover By Christian Rapper Bizzle|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/31/same-love-anti-gay-bizzle_n_4702483.html|work=HuffPost|access-date=January 31, 2014}}</ref> ''The Advocate'', a newspaper that represents the LGBTQ+ community, said Bizzle's single "uses the instrumental hook from Macklemore's 'Same Love' to say that LGBT people are sinful, violent, and just like pedophiles."<ref>{{cite web|last=Brydum|first=Sunnivie|title=WATCH: Christian Rapper's Antigay Response to 'Same Love'|date=January 31, 2014|url=http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/music/2014/01/31/watch-christian-rappers-antigay-response-same-love|publisher=The Advocate}}</ref> Bizzle has reported that he has received death threats because of the song. He also created a website that chronicles the backlash against him<ref name="Galvan">{{cite web|last=Galvan|first=Kristine|title=Christian rapper receives death threats over a song|url=http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/24687124/2014/02/10/christian-rapper-recieves-death-threats-over-a-song|publisher=MyFoxHouston.com|access-date=February 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223020714/http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/24687124/2014/02/10/christian-rapper-recieves-death-threats-over-a-song|archive-date=February 23, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and maintained that he was not homophobic but simply stating an opposing argument to that in popular media.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kyles|first=Yohance|title=Christian Rapper Bizzle Addresses His Macklemore Response, Jay Z Pushing The Gay Agenda, & Media Manipulation|url=http://allhiphop.com/2014/02/13/christian-rapper-bizzle-addresses-his-macklemore-response-jay-z-pushing-the-gay-agenda-media-manipulation/|website=AllHipHop.com|date=February 13, 2014|access-date=February 14, 2014}}</ref>
==Personal life== Bizzle became a Christian in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/bizzle-i-was-saved-after-pimping-pastors-daughter-christian-rapper-shares-testimony.html|title=Bizzle- I Was Saved After Pimping Pastor's Daughter; Christian Rapper Shares Testimony|first=Vincent|last=Funaro|date=March 24, 2014|website=The Christian Post}}</ref>
After 18 years of recording in Los Angeles,<ref name="Biography"/> Bizzle relocated to Houston, Texas. As of 2014, he resided with his wife and two children in Houston.<ref name="Galvan"/>
==Discography==
===Albums=== *2011: ''Tough Love & Parables'' *2012: ''Best of Both Worlds: The Album'' (with Willie 'P-Dub' Moore Jr.) *2013: ''The Good Fight'' *2014: ''Well Wishes'' *2015: ''Surrender'' *2016: '' Crowns and Crosses''{{citation needed|date=October 2016}} *2018: ''Light Work'' (EP){{citation needed|date=December 2018}} *2019: ''Light Work 2: Bars & Melodies''{{citation needed|date=October 2019}} *2020: ''The Messenger 4'' *2021: ''Soul Therapy'' (EP) *2023: ''Light Work 3'' *2025: ''Nobody's Mascot''
===Mixtapes=== *2010: ''The Messenger'' *2010: ''The Messenger 2: Delivered'' *2010: ''Best of Both Worlds: The Mixtape'' *2011: ''The Messenger 3: Truth Music'' *2012: ''Martyrs In the Making'' (Bizzle and Bumps INF) *2013: ''Martyrs In the Making 2'' (Bizzle, Bumps INF, Flo and Selah the Corner)
===Additional label releases=== *2010: ''Who is Mark James?'' (Bumps INF mixtape project) *2011: ''Who is Mark James 2?'' (Bumps INF re-release) *2012: ''Pain in Paragraphs'' (Bumps INF debut album)
==See also== * Andy Mineo
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== * {{Official website|1=https://www.godovermoney.com|name=God Over Money Records LLC Official Website}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:1983 births Category:African-American Christians Category:21st-century African-American male rappers Category:21st-century African-American rappers Category:20th-century American male rappers Category:20th-century American rappers Category:21st-century American male rappers Category:African-American poets Category:African-American record producers Category:American evangelicals Category:American hip-hop record producers Category:Living people Category:American performers of Christian hip-hop Category:Rappers from Houston Category:Songwriters from Texas Category:West Coast hip-hop musicians Category:21st-century American rappers Category:21st-century American poets Category:Record producers from Texas Category:African-American songwriters Category:21st-century African-American writers Category:20th-century African-American musicians Category:American male songwriters