Featured Artist: TobyMac
Kevin Michael McKeehan also know to us as TobyMac was born in Virginia and is best known for being one third of mega band DC Talk from 1989 until their departure in 2000. DC Talk produced some of the most popular albums of the mid nineties, the biggest being "Jesus Freak", selling over two million copies. TobyMac said about his old band, "DC Talk is something of the past. In order for DC Talk to be anything of the future, it will be up to each individual member to come together to create something that is lasting and substantial. There is an audience out there interested in seeing DC Talk back together as a group and as an entertaining and creative force, but I feel that the spirit of the thing is dead. I appreciated the time that we had together those many years, and I thank God many times over for allowing me to be a part of something that was so far reaching and helped so many people, but to be honest, just doing a show to do a show is not interesting to me. It must be thought out, creative and passionate."
Now a solo singer and performer in his own right, TobyMac has moved away from the rock based DC Talk music and leans towards a more urban, hip hop sound. His first solo album was released in 2001 under the title 'Momentum', followed by 'Welcome to Diverse City' in 2004 and then 'Portable Sounds' in 2007. Not content to just release these albums, TobyMac also released two remixed albums titled 'Re:Mix Momentum' and 'Renovating Diverse City'.
Between DC Talk and his own solo career, TobyMac has sold over 10 million albums. His Live Concert CD+DVD combo album, 'Alive and Transported', was released in 2008 and received the Grammy Award for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album at the 51st Grammy Awards in 2009.
Many more of Toby's songs have also been used in commercials. "Atmosphere" was used in a Volvo car commercial, "Burn For You" was used for cinnamon gum commercials (as well as on a Dr. Phil advertisement), "Ignition" is being used by ABC/ESPN to promote its coverage of NASCAR, and "Boomin'" has also been used to promote a new crime-drama, The Women's Murder Club on ABC.
TobyMac's fourth studio release, 'Tonight' is released in February. The album's first single, "City on Our Knees", was released on 14th August 2009 and was a great success in the American Christian Charts. TobyMac will be touring America with rock band Skillet on the "Awake Tonight Tour" during March and April 2010.
