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)
Who You Represent?
Richie Righteous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yh We represent God we represent God
Yh we rep rep rep rep represent God
Yh we represent God
Yh we rep rep rep rep represent God
You got to keep a close eye on the people that you move with
Everybody nowadays be marching in a movement
They be marching for the right to do what is the wrong
Abortion is a sin
Home Sex is a sin
If you're born that way then u can be born again
Sometimes I really wonder if this world is listening
Cuz we are the same I'm a Christian
I rep the Bible
Christ is what I'm into
It should show if he has a relationship with you
Take up your cross deny yourself and follow me
If you are a man of God you cannot watch pornography
You can't fornicate so throw away the condoms
I don't care how much honey says she wants them
Even when they not looking Rep him to the cause
Rep him in the public eyes and behind closed doors
Who you represent
Yh we represent God we represent God
Yh we rep rep rep rep represent God
Now don't get me wrong I'm not trying to start a riot
But I do believe the church has been to quiet
While the world is busy marching legalizing everything
But what they really want to legalize is sin
Same sex marriages
Let me just testify once you
legalize that then here comes the pedophile
And the polygamists
And the one who weed smoke
Next you know you gon have to legalize real coke
If you birth abortion you are anti life
This is a lawless society who's anti Christ
God hates racism
And he hates to see injustice
The question that I'm asking is where are the churches
They keep telling me learn to tolerate
But when I say what I believe then they tell me that it's hate
But I love all sinners and I don't discriminate
But when it comes to sin I refuse to participate
Who you represent
We represent God we represent God
Yh we rep rep rep rep represent God
Now come into my classroom grab a chair please sit
A lot of things we think is cool God ain't really pleased with
You think you can get away with it cuz it's done in secret
But you fool yourself because he always sees it
I've been bought with a price and yes I'm loving it
God so loved the world that His only Son covered it
On the cross I'm under his government
The rainbow is not a sign of gay pride but of a covenant
This is not a hate speech this is just a warning
What you call a lifestyle God already calls it
This world is impatient
They constantly racing
I switched up my style to bring it to your generation
Who needs salvation? You are so unaware
There's a God up there and He really do care
But you built up a Great Wall around you like China
you're a perfect design but tell me who is your designer
Who you represent
Yh we represent God we represent God
Yh we rep rep rep rep represent God
In Richie Righteous's song "Who You Represent?" he questions who people ultimately stand for and who they represent. He discusses how important it is to keep a close eye on the people one surrounds themselves with, as many people today are involved in movements that do not align with God's teachings. He speaks on how many are fighting for things that are wrong and harmful to themselves and others. Richie touches upon topics such as abortion and homosexuality, stating that they are sins that go against God's will. He emphasizes that one cannot watch pornography or fornicate if they identify as a man of God. Instead, they must take up their cross, deny themselves, and follow Christ.
Furthermore, he feels that the church has been too quiet in a world where everything is being legalized, including sin. Richie argues that legalizing same-sex marriage will only lead to more sinful acts such as pedophilia and polygamy. He believes that it is crucial to stand for what is right and represent God in public and private matters. Richie warns that there are many things that people believe to be cool, but God is not pleased with them. He asserts that people need to understand that there is a God up above who cares about them, and they should not build walls around themselves.
Overall, "Who You Represent?" encourages listeners to question who they are representing and to make sure that they align themselves with God's teachings.
Line by Line Meaning
Who you represent
Asking everyone which side they are on - are they representing God or something else?
Yh We represent God we represent God
Affirming the belief that the singer and his community represent God and His values.
You got to keep a close eye on the people that you move with
Be aware of the company you keep and the beliefs they promote.
Everybody nowadays be marching in a movement
A comment on the popular trend of people joining movements without fully understanding what their beliefs are.
Some they don't like what I'm saying in my songs
Acknowledging that some people may have differing opinions on the singer's message.
They be marching for the right to do what is the wrong
A criticism of movements that advocate for behaviors that are contrary to God's teachings.
Abortion is a sin
A declaration that abortion goes against God's will and is a sin.
Home Sex is a sin
A statement condemning sex outside of marriage in the home and emphasizing that it goes against God's values.
If you're born that way then u can be born again
Making the point that regardless of one's predisposition, they can make the choice to become a new creation in Christ.
Sometimes I really wonder if this world is listening
Acknowledging that the world's attention is often in the wrong places and that the singer's message may not be heard by many.
Cuz we are the same I'm a Christian
Emphasizing that Christians are no different than anyone else, but are simply saved by grace.
I rep the Bible
Stating that the Bible is the foundation for the singer's beliefs and values.
Christ is what I'm into
The singer's declaration that his relationship with Christ is his main focus in life.
It should show if he has a relationship with you
Pointing out that a person's actions will demonstrate whether or not they truly have a relationship with Christ.
Take up your cross deny yourself and follow me
A call to follow Christ completely, even if it means denying one's own desires and putting Christ first.
If you are a man of God you cannot watch pornography
A warning against watching pornography, which goes against God's teachings.
You can't fornicate so throw away the condoms
A statement that sex outside of marriage is immoral and condoms are not a solution for that.
I don't care how much honey says she wants them
Rejecting the notion that a partner's desire for sex makes it morally permissible outside of marriage.
Even when they not looking Rep him to the cause
Urging followers of Christ to represent Him always and not just when others are watching.
Rep him in the public eyes and behind closed doors
Stressing the importance of representing Christ not only in public, but also in private.
Now don't get me wrong I'm not trying to start a riot
Clarifying that the singer's intention is not to provoke conflict or violence.
But I do believe the church has been to quiet
Critiquing the church for not speaking up more about issues that matter to God.
While the world is busy marching legalizing everything
Commenting on the world's focus on legalizing various things, even those that go against God's teachings.
But what they really want to legalize is sin
Arguing that what the world is ultimately trying to legalize are immoral behaviors that go against God's values.
Same sex marriages
Calling attention to the issue of same-sex marriages, which go against God's design for marriage.
Let me just testify once you legalize that then here comes the pedophile
Warning that legalizing same-sex marriages opens the door to other immoral behaviors, such as pedophilia.
And the polygamists
Another example of how legalizing same-sex marriages could lead to legalizing other forms of sexual behavior that go against God's design.
And the one who weed smoke
Referencing the use of marijuana, which some people may view as a non-issue but which the singer is reminding is still against God's will.
Next you know you gon have to legalize real coke
Closing out the train of thought on legalizing immoral behaviors by suggesting that eventually society will want to legalize drugs that are currently illegal, such as cocaine.
If you birth abortion you are anti life
Redefining those involved in abortion as being against life.
This is a lawless society who's anti Christ
Commenting on the secular world as it is now, which often goes against God's values, and is therefore considered anti-Christ.
God hates racism
Stating that God is against racism and therefore His followers should be as well.
And he hates to see injustice
Identifying that God does not tolerate or endorse any form of injustice.
The question that I'm asking is where are the churches
Raising the question of why churches are not more active in promoting God's values and fighting against immoral behaviors in society.
They keep telling me learn to tolerate
Commenting on the church's tendency to promote tolerance at the expense of taking a stand against behaviors that are contrary to God's values.
But when I say what I believe then they tell me that it's hate
Acknowledging that sometimes speaking the truth, even in a loving way, will be perceived as hate by those who disagree.
But I love all sinners and I don't discriminate
Making it clear that loving all people is central to the singer's message and that opposition to certain behaviors does not equate to discrimination against anyone.
But when it comes to sin I refuse to participate
Stating that the singer refuses to compromise his values or participate in behaviors that go against God's will, despite societal pressure to do so.
Now come into my classroom grab a chair please sit
Inviting listeners to engage with and consider the message the singer is about to share.
A lot of things we think is cool God ain't really pleased with
Pointing out that many behaviors that are considered normal or cool by society are actually contrary to God's will.
You think you can get away with it cuz it's done in secret
Addressing the idea that because something is done in secret, it is okay or there are no consequences. However, ultimately, God sees everything.
But you fool yourself because he always sees it
Reiterating the point that God sees everything and that there is no way to hide from Him.
I've been bought with a price and yes I'm loving it
Acknowledging that Christ paid the price for the singer's sins and that he is glad to be a new creation in Christ.
God so loved the world that His only Son covered it
Referencing John 3:16 to highlight God's love for humanity and His ultimate sacrifice in Christ.
On the cross I'm under his government
Acknowledging that Christ's death on the cross established His government over the singer's life.
The rainbow is not a sign of gay pride but of a covenant
Correcting the common misconception that the rainbow represents gay pride and instead affirming its true meaning as a symbol of God's covenant with humanity.
This is not a hate speech this is just a warning
Making it clear that the singer's message is not one of hate or judgment, but of warning about behaviors that go against God's values.
What you call a lifestyle God already calls it
Highlighting that some behaviors are not merely lifestyle choices but are in fact contrary to God's will.
This world is impatient
Stating that the world is often restless and impatient in its pursuit of worldly possessions and pleasures.
They constantly racing
Expanding on the idea that people are in a hurry to accomplish things in life and often don't stop to consider the eternal consequences of their actions.
I switched up my style to bring it to your generation
Adapting the delivery of the message to reach a younger generation.
Who needs salvation? You are so unaware
Challenging those who are unaware of their need for salvation and highlighting their spiritual blindness.
There's a God up there and He really do care
Affirming that God exists and is deeply invested in the lives of each person.
But you built up a Great Wall around you like China
Pointing out that many people have hardened their hearts and constructed barriers, preventing them from receiving God's love and message.
you're a perfect design but tell me who is your designer
Affirming that humans are fearfully and wonderfully made, but pointing out that they were created by a Divine Designer, God.
We represent God we represent God
Reaffirming the belief that the singer and his community represent God and strive to promote His values and message above all else.
Yh we rep rep rep rep represent God
Emphasizing that representing God is the core of the singer's message and that he will continue to spread this message far and wide.
Contributed by Aaliyah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.