Birth Name: Richard Ishmael
Bir… Read Full Bio ↴Artist Name: Richie Righteous
Birth Name: Richard Ishmael
Birth Place and Date: Guyana, May 17, 1978
Official Bio
"When the bullet missed me yall; and it went and hit the wall; that wasn't bad aim; that was Jesus Christ."
Held at gunpoint with thieves rummaging through their house, Richie experienced a world where people are harsh. His newborn sister's life was threatened and his father's life was endangered by thieves who believed that his father being a Pastor, would have much wealth. They were mistaken for they only left with his parents' wedding rings. That night Richie saw the world through the eyes of a seven-year-old. In one night he saw fear, terror, tears, and God's faithfulness. Little did he know that bullets in various forms, whether they be criticisms, loss of relatives, disappointment, etc., would pass his way, but would miss him because of Jesus Christ.
Richard Mohammed Ishmael was born a Pastor's son in the country of Guyana, South America. His dad was the Pastor of a church called Eccles assembly of God. At around age 11 Richie and his family migrated to the United States where they settled in Queens NY. There Richie quickly fell in love with the hip hop culture which was rapidly growing in America. His dad started a church in Jamaica, Queens called Jamaica Assembly of God. In church Richie was active playing the drums. Although he was active in church he was being heavily influenced by the outside world. His actions with the kids in his apartment building and at his high school were not approved by his father. He even hung out in places where drugs were being heavily sold and guns were carried, fortunately Richie was never involved in a crime. In addition to this, he never smoked or drank. Richie hung with people that did not know God and even though he rarely mentioned God he still wished that they knew Christ. Richie's brother then purchased a keyboard and it was then that Richie started experimenting with it and started to write his own songs; solely hip-hop and reggae. He began to reach out to his friends through his music. Typical of teenagers, Richie began to feel that he knew everything and his father and him grew apart. And when Richie and his dad finally began to develop a relationship his father died in front of him. During this time Richie went through a time of sorrow and questioning. His faith in Christ took a strong blow; he was doing music but it was not "real" to him. He, during this time eventually went on to get a girl pregnant out of wedlock. Now he was faced with the decision of whether or not he should abort his unborn child. Concerns, fears and thoughts ran though his head: he was in the church and a known artist locally; how could he go about telling people that he got a girl pregnant? The choice of abortion seemed to be the best one but then God stepped in and said, "Enough!". God and Richie made an agreement that if he kept the baby, God would take care of the child. Richie from then on became Righteous and kept the child. Today his son, Sehven, is three years old and Richie is happily married to his son's mother, Sherry-ann Ishmael aka Lady Righteous. Now Richie, his wife, his son and newly born daughter minister the gospel wherever they go as a family. God has brought this Richie a long way and will continue to.
Today Richie Righteous is an MC who simply spits for the great- "I AM" and un-relentlessly tells what's "the real". His music transcends what's "normal", or "religiously accepted", he spits for Christ and Christ alone with no compromise. He has started a label known as Righteous Entertainment, whose goal is to "Flood the Market with the Gospel", a vision to take back music for Christ and flood the music industry and the world with the Gospel of Christ.
Exclusive Interview with GospelReggae.com
GospelReggae.com: What is the most valuable lesson that you learned from your Mom or Dad growing up that you still apply today?
Richie: My parents raised me to follow Christ and let him be the example of how to live. Today Christ is still whom I follow, and he is still the example that I look to.
GospelReggae.com: What has been the greatest mistake that you have made in ministry and learned from? How have you used this experience to change the way you approach ministry?
Richie: Its funny because one of my biggest mistakes turned to bring forth one of my greatest blessing. Time would not permit me to get into details but if you check out my bio you will understand.
GospelReggae.com: I know that you have written a whole heap of songs in the past, but what's your favorite one? Now, If that is too hard for you to answer, then tell me this; if you spent 5 minutes with an avid reggae fan and only had enough time to play them one of your songs, which one would you play them?
Artist: There is a song I recently recorded called "One" it is off the chain.
GospelReggae.com: What were the last 5 CDs that you put in your disc changer?
Richie: Chevelle Franklyn, Israel and Nu- breed, and a whole lot of beats. Sorry that's it for now.
GospelReggae.com: Read any good books lately?
Richie: I just started reading "Just as I Am" by Billy Graham and "Behold the Pale Horse" by William Cooper.
GospelReggae.com: What do you have to say about (or to) artists that started off in the Christian industry (CBA) doing gospel music and now sing secular (mainstream) with a watered down, or ambiguous message?
Richie: I would ask them "why did you make that decision?" This is something that has been happening for years and most Christians have their own opinions about it. I would love to hear what causes a lot of our talented to stop proclaiming their faith.
GospelReggae.com: Do you prefer being in the studio or on the road??
Richie: I love both of them. My studio experience at times is very frustrating becaase I don't have an engineer. I really need one badly.
GospelReggae.com: If you could whisper in the ears of youths aspiring to start a music ministry like yours, what would you say?
Richie: If this is what you are gifted in and good at and called to, then put God first--pray a whole lot, don't loose focus, work hard, stay in the word and don't quit.
GospelReggae.com: Why do you do music? What is your primary goal?
Artist: In the beginning of my career, I had many reasons why I did music, now I do it mainly as an evangelistic tool. Also I do it to strengthen those that are in Christ, so that they may hold on to Christ and never let go.
GospelReggae.com: Are you working on any future projects/releases that we should look out for?
Artist:I am working on my second album that is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2006. I have also finished a reggae compilation which is will be out in the fall of 2005. I also have many sermons and underground live shows that are available on http://www.RichieRighteous.com
GospelReggae.com: What is your philosophy of stage ministry? Is there any one message that you always want to leave with your audience with?
Richie: Stage ministry can become complicated if you don't have purpose for being on the stage. Most people step on the stage with several purposes, some might want the crowd to get hype, others might want to attract someone of the opposite sex, Some people even view it as just a job, others think this is their opportunity for superstardom, then there are those who just step on the stage and don't have clue why they are there. As for me, my purpose is always the Great Commission. I view the stage as a house that is on fire and there are people inside. I am an authorized firefighter and I have whatever amount time to go in and help save those lives. My time depends on the amount of time I was told I have on stage. Even though this a metaphor--it is the reality of what I d--I try to help save as many from the fire as I possibly can. My # 1 message to the audience is that Jesus Saves.
GospelReggae.com: What are the three things you enjoy most about touring? And least?
Richie: I have been on one tour before that took me away for about 20 days from my home. I do travel a lot now and almost every weekend I am leaving my home.T he three things that I enjoy are:
# 1. I enjoy seeing people accept Christ as their personal savior, and seeing those that are saved get inspired to do more for Christ.
# 2. I enjoy worshipping with other believers
# 3. I enjoy traveling to new places to see how other people live.
The three least things are:
# 1. I don't like to be away from my wife and two little children.
# 2. I don't like going to an event with a bad sound system.
# 3. I don't like not having a band or a deejay
GospelReggae.com: What is the best audience that you have ever played in front of?
Richie: I got to be careful how I answer this one because one audience might think I like them better than another. I have been in front of large crowds and very small cowds. I love them both. But the truth is I have learned over the years how to not look at the physical audience packed with people or not packed, but to remember that in the spiritual I am playing for an audience of One, and that is God. Just knowing that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is watching and listening every time, who could ask for a better audience.
Ministry
"My desire is to fulfill God's will and to carry out the Great Comission."--Richie Righteous
Discography
Censorship, Richie Righteous
Raggamuffin Hip Hop 1, Various Artists
Raggamuffin Hip Hop 2, Various Artists
Righteous Riddims, Various Artists
Richie Righteous live the ER
What do you want from me? (Sermon)
M.R.I
Richie Righteous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The doctor said you need an M.R.I
doctor doctor! Im i alright?
Let me take some time to explain
Why this doc wanted ex-ray pictures of my brain
See after shows i used to get severe headaches
My wife said we should call the paramedics
I said no baby imma be alright
I should've went to see a doctor much sooner
Cuz Now im getting checked up for a tumour
Nah nah hold up wait!
I gotta practice what i preach
I better exercise faith
Besides-I got records to make
I gotta take my son to college and my daughter on a first date and i-wanna grow old with my wife so lord could you spare my life?
BRIDGE
Nurse please pass the scapel
Yes doctor
What is his heart rate?
Doctor its dropping
And he is breathing?
It doesnt look good either
Nurse tighten up the plan
Yes doctor
Doctor can you see?
No there is too much blood over here i cant see anything we need more sponges over here!
Sponges! sponges! We need sponges!
And as of fact i cant see that matter
Ok doctor i got him.
What is his heart rate?
Doctor its still dropping
No no no thats still not right
Im losing him nurse we need more sponges!
He's losing too much blood
No im losing him!(im losing him)
Mrs ishmael?
Yes doc. Is? Is he ok? Is everything alright?
I have some bad news
No. Noo noo nooo noooo! That cant be true
Mommy!
Why you crying?
Mommy stop crying!
Stop crying mommy!
It was jus a dream!
VERSE 2
I took the test and it came back negative
I thank God because now i gotta leave
cuz somebody got digonosed today
I hope that somebody knows to pray
Cuz even if they told you got cancer
Raise your hands and worship
Cuz he is still the answer
All from the healing
All just to set me free
He took more strikes on his back than the referee
29 lashes
His pain was my gain
So in the name of jesus that come against migrate
If you need the cure let the blood flow
Cuz cancer gotta bow down
And aids gotta go
Sugar diabetis, schizopherenia, paralyisis, mutipos, tuberclosis an even miscarrieges
Nothin is too diffucult
Tell him whatchu meed is
Nothing is impossible for the blood of jesus!
The lyrics of Richie Righteous's song "M.R.I" talk about the artist's personal experience of being recommended for a brain scan by a doctor due to severe headaches, which led to throwing up and other alarming symptoms. Initially, he refused to see a doctor, but finally, when the symptoms got worse, he went to see a doctor and found out that he needed an M.R.I. The song takes listeners through the emotional rollercoaster that the artist went through while waiting for the results of the scan, along with the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty that arose from the situation.
The lyrics of the song offer a ray of hope to people who may be dealing with challenging health situations. The bridge section of the song speaks of the surgeon's attempts to save a person's life, which highlights how sensitive and, at times, unpredictable life can be. The artist, through the lyrics, acknowledges that faith can play a constructive role in the cure and the healing process of those diagnosed with severe illnesses. The lyrics also speak about how powerful the blood of Jesus is and let the listeners know that no matter the condition, all they need to do is pray and ask Jesus for the cure.
Line by Line Meaning
The doctor said you need an M.R.I
The doctor informed me that I need to undergo an M.R.I to take X-ray pictures of my brain and identify any problems.
doctor doctor! Im i alright?
I inquire if everything is okay after hearing that I need to take an M.R.I as it can be daunting.
Let me take some time to explain
Before the doctor proceeds with treatment, I need to understand why an M.R.I is necessary.
Why this doc wanted ex-ray pictures of my brain
I am curious as to why a doctor needs X-ray pictures of my brain, and it makes me anxious.
See after shows i used to get severe headaches
After concerts, I get severe headaches, and it is an indicator that something may be wrong, leading me to take an M.R.I scan.
My wife said we should call the paramedics
My wife suggested calling the paramedics, implying the severity of my headaches and the need for immediate medical attention.
I said no baby imma be alright
Instead of seeking medical attention, I reassured my wife that I would be okay in a bid to stay fearless and not show vulnerability.
Meanwhile im in the bathroom throwin up all night
I got ill throughout the night, leading me to throw up, which further shows a concern that something was wrong.
I should've went to see a doctor much sooner
In hindsight, I should have gone to see a doctor much earlier before things got worse.
Cuz Now im getting checked up for a tumour
As a result of the severity of the headaches, I am concerned that I may have developed a tumour and am getting assessed.
Nah nah hold up wait!
I need to take a step back and re-evaluate the situation before it gets any worse.
I gotta practice what i preach
As a Christian, I have to practice what I preach, including faith and trust in the Lord to heal me.
I better exercise faith
To avoid panicking, I need to express faith and hope that everything will work out in the end.
Besides-I got records to make
I have a lot of music to produce and perform, and I need to look after myself to achieve that.
I gotta take my son to college and my daughter on a first date and i-wanna grow old with my wife so lord could you spare my life?
I have a lot of responsibility, such as taking my children to college, attending my daughter's first date, and growing old with my wife, and I ask the Lord to spare my life.
Nurse please pass the scalpel
In this scene where the patient is losing blood, the surgeon requests the nurse to pass a knife-like surgical instrument used to make incisions.
What is his heart rate?
The medical personnel are monitoring the patient's heart rate to determine whether their life is at risk or not.
Doctor its dropping
The patient's heart rate is falling, which indicates that the person's life may be in danger.
And he is breathing?
The doctor enquires whether the person is still breathing, which is a vital aspect of whether the medical personnel needs to take more action or not.
It doesnt look good either
From the current situation, things don't seem to be improving, and the patient's condition is not stable.
Nurse tighten up the plan
The nurses need to come up with a quick plan to address the patient's declining condition and improve their quality of life.
Doctor can you see?
The doctor is checking if they can see anything to help the patient, but due to blood and other factors, they cannot see much affecting their treating and surgery.
No there is too much blood over here i cant see anything we need more sponges over here!
They cannot see much because there's too much blood in the surgery area, so they need more sponges to clean it and provide better visibility for surgery.
Sponges! sponges! We need sponges!
The medical personnel needs sponges to mop up the excess blood and aid in the operation.
And as of fact i cant see that matter
Even with sponges, there is still too much blood in the area, which is obstructing the doctor's view and makes it impossible to see the underlying issue.
Ok doctor i got him.
The medical personnel have finally stabilized the patient and can continue monitoring them to ensure recovery.
What is his heart rate?
The medical personnel continue to monitor the patient's heart rate to document how well they are responding to the surgery and the aftermath.
Doctor its still dropping
Unfortunately, the patient's heart rate is still falling, and more needs to be done to stabilize them further.
No no no that's still not right
The medical personnel is still not satisfied with the patient's heart rate and needs to come up with a better solution for the person's recovery.
Im losing him nurse we need more sponges!
Despite sponges, things are not looking up as the patient's condition remains critical, and the medical team is in a race against time to stabilize them.
He's losing too much blood
The patient is still losing a lot of blood and needs immediate attention, else it could be life-threatening.
No im losing him!(im losing him)
One member of the medical personnel realizes the patient's condition is worsening, and they may not be able to save the person from dying anymore.
I took the test and it came back negative
The test came back negative, and I don't have cancer or any other significant illness, which is a massive relief.
I thank God because now i gotta leave
I thank God that I don't have cancer or any other dangerous illness that could endanger my life, allowing me to leave the hospital and continue with my life.
Cuz somebody got digonosed today
Unfortunately, someone got diagnosed with cancer today, and it's a sad day for those friends or family of the person affected.
I hope that somebody knows to pray
I hope whoever got diagnosed with cancer has friends or family who would be praying for them and offering them support they'll need through this tough time.
Cuz even if they told you got cancer
Even if someone gets diagnosed with cancer or any serious ailment, their hope should be in God, who is the answer to everything and can cure them of it.
Raise your hands and worship
Irrespective of your situation, one should offer praise, worship, and adoration to God as it could be the best answer to your situation.
All from the healing
God can heal people and to see healing happen, we should pray and call upon Him to assist us.
All just to set me free
Through God's healing, we could be delivered from whatever is holding us down and be free of the situation, especially when it is related to cancer and other serious illnesses.
He took more strikes on his back than the referee
Jesus took all the pain, bruises, stripes, and lashes to redeem humanity from sin and hold, which are far more significant than any football or award-related injuries.
29 lashes
Jesus suffered 29 lashes on his back during his crucifixion to redeem humanity from their sins.
His pain was my gain
Christ suffered the pain and eventual death that was supposed to happen to us all, making it possible for us to be saved and forgiven.
So in the name of Jesus, that comes against migrate
With the power of Jesus, we can overcome cancer, and through faith, one can stand even if it's a life-threatening condition like cancer or a deadly disease like AIDS.
If you need the cure let the blood flow
In Christ's blood, we can find solace and spiritual healing, and it can be extended to physical healing.
Cuz cancer gotta bow down
Through faith in Jesus, cancer should bow down and give way to our healing since God is greater than any situation.
And AIDS gotta go
Anything ailing us like AIDS, Diabetes amongst others should exhibit obedience to God and bow down to God's power through prayer, and we'll have a transformational healing.
Sugar diabetes, schizophrenia, paralysis, multiples, tuberculosis, and even miscarriages
All illnesses (such as Sugar diabetes, schizophrenia, among others) should exhibit obedience to God and bow down to God's authority through prayer, and we'll have a transformational healing.
Nothin is too difficult
With faith in God, there's no limit to what we can accomplish, overcome, or achieve no matter how difficult the situation may look.
Tell him whatchu need is
We should offer our prayers and supplications to God and tell Him what we need when faced with a difficult situation.
Nothing is impossible for the blood of Jesus!
With the slaying through Jesus, every limit is broken when we put our trust in Him, with all things possible.
Contributed by Dominic W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.