- Originally released in 1994 on Myx Records, a dance/hip-hop imprint of Frontline Records
- Includes a 12-page lyrics booklet and jewel case packaging
- Remastered by Rob Colwell for superior sound quality
- Part of the Retroactive Records elite Legends Remastered series
- Limited to just 300 copies
- Produced by DJ Dove (SFC)
- West Coast Christian hip-hop group from Los Angeles, California
- Group name reflects that the original members were former members of the notorious Crips and Bloods gangs
- Founder Mr. Solo became a Christian after nearly dying in a gang-related shooting
- Ranked No. 37 on the Greatest Christian Albums of All Time list
- Peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart
- Praised by mainstream artists such as Coolio, Snoop Dogg, Salt ’n Pepa, and Run-D.M.C.
- Features a no-holds-barred presentation of the gospel tailored to ghetto audiences
- Some 90s Christian music retailers refused to carry the album due to its heavy use of gang slang, particularly the word "nigga"
- Tackled controversial and real-life issues, including police brutality, welfare struggles, gang warfare, sexual promiscuity, murder, rape, and drug dealing, making it both an equal-opportunity offender and a best-seller
- A revered Christian classic that, if released in the mainstream, would be honored alongside West Coast hip-hop legends like The Chronic, Doggystyle, Straight Outta Compton, and Life Is...Too Short
- A must-have for fans of Ice Cube, MC Eiht, N.W.A, Eazy-E, early Snoop Dogg, and Above The Law
ABOUT THE ALBUM
In 1994, at the height of the gangsta rap era, Gospel Gangstaz emerged with Gang Affiliated, a game-changing debut that redefined the possibilities of Christian hip-hop. As former members of the notorious Crips and Bloods, the group brought an authenticity to the genre that was unparalleled. Founder Mr. Solo turned to Christ after surviving a gang-related shooting, and with DJ Dove (of SFC) handling production, they crafted an album that was both a raw reflection of street life and a bold declaration of faith.
The album didn't shy away from the realities of the hood. Police brutality, gang violence, drug dealing, and systemic struggles were all addressed with an unfiltered honesty that made Gang Affiliated a controversial yet undeniably powerful statement. Its fearless approach led to resistance from some Christian retailers, who balked at the group's use of gang slang, particularly the word "nigga." Yet, the album’s refusal to conform only made it more impactful. The streets recognized its truth, and even mainstream artists like Coolio, Snoop Dogg, Salt ’n Pepa, and Run-D.M.C. gave it their respect.
Despite the Christian market’s hesitancy, Gang Affiliated became a landmark release. It peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and was later ranked No. 1 in HM Magazine’s July/August 2010 list of the Top 20 Christian Hip-Hop Albums of All Time. It also secured a spot at No. 37 on the list of Greatest Christian Albums of All Time. More than just an album, Gang Affiliated was a cultural statement, proving that Christian rap could stand toe-to-toe with its secular counterparts without sacrificing authenticity.
Musically, the production was a step ahead of most Christian rap of the era. Gospel Gangstaz delivered a polished sound that held its own against the biggest West Coast releases. Sampling mainstream rap tracks—something almost unheard of in Christian music at the time—gave it an edge that made it all the more groundbreaking. The album’s messages, though deeply rooted in the issues of the ’90s, remain strikingly relevant.
To curb controversy, two interview segments with a pastor were included in the album, acknowledging the pushback Gang Affiliated would inevitably face. Yet, its impact was undeniable. In a world where Christian hip-hop often struggled to be taken seriously, Gospel Gangstaz brought credibility, truth, and hard-hitting beats to the table. If Gang Affiliated had been released in the mainstream, it would be mentioned in the same breath as The Chronic, Doggystyle, Straight Outta Compton, and Life Is…Too Short.
The album remains a landmark in Christian hip-hop—a fearless, boundary-pushing release that still stands the test of time. Now, remastered by Rob Colwell and reissued as part of Retroactive Records' Legends Remastered series, Gang Affiliated is back in a way that honors its legacy. This special edition comes with a 12-page lyric booklet and a jewel case, limited to just 300 copies. It’s a must-have for fans of Ice Cube, MC Eiht, N.W.A, Eazy-E, Above The Law, and early Snoop Dogg. If you’ve never heard it before, now is the time to experience one of the most important and uncompromising Christian rap albums ever made.
TRACKS
Death For Life (Intro) 1:57
Before Redemption 5:25
O.G.G. Intro 1:29
Mobbin' (Gang Affiliated) 4:17
Testimony 6:06
Ain't Nuthin' Changed 0:40
Vengeance Is Mine 4:47
Interrogation 1 2:32
Y Cain't Da Homiez Hear Me 5:53
The Holy Terra 4:52
Interrogation 2 3:00
One Time 3:55
Trial By Error 0:49
Tears Of A Black Man 5:00
Da Gangsta Prayer 0:23
Gospel Gangsta Voyage 4:20
A Gruuv Fo Sum Preachin' 2:20
⚠️ Important:
We highly recommend adding low-cost insurance for your order at checkout. This insurance covers your entire order against any damage incurred during delivery. Please note, insurance does not cover lost packages or delays caused by the carrier.
If you choose not to purchase insurance at checkout, your items will not be protected against damage. In such cases, any claims for damages will be denied, replacements will not be issued, and refunds will not be provided. Protect your purchase by adding insurance at checkout.
Product, Packaging, Shipping and Insurance
All new items are shipped brand-new and unopened in original packaging and come without damage or cracks. Every record or CD is shipped in original factory sealed shrink wrap. If we notice damage we will either put it in a new jewel case or send you a replacement case with your order. If you get a CD that is opened, it's because it was either an import or the jewel case was replaced. If your product does meet your expectations, please contact us immediately. All of our New CDs are factory sealed direct from the manufacture, distributors or bands. We sell pre-owned CDs as well which will be labels as pre-owned in the title, bullets or description. We do not sell CDRs or Syntax Creative that you get when you order CDs via print on demand from Amazon, yes those are also CDRs.
Insurance/Damage
Protect Your Order with Insurance
We strongly encourage you to purchase insurance for your order at checkout to ensure your items are fully covered in case they are lost, stolen, or damaged during transit. This insurance covers your entire order, not just individual items, providing peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
Without insurance, your order will not be eligible for replacement or refund, regardless of the issue. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Bent corners or creases
- Seam splits on vinyl jackets
- Cracked jewel cases
- Vinyl blemishes or marks of any kind
How Insurance Works for Damaged Items
- If a jewel case is cracked during shipping, your insurance will cover the cost of sending you a replacement case.
- If you prefer a new, factory-sealed CD instead of a replacement case, you will need to ship the damaged product back to us at your own expense. Once we receive it, we will send you a new, sealed CD.
- Please note that insurance does not cover the cost of return shipping.
Insurance Costs:
- $5.99 in the USA
- $8.60 in Canada
- $16.99 elsewhere
It is crucial to select the correct insurance coverage for your location. Claims will not be honored if you purchase the wrong insurance.
By adding insurance at checkout, you’re safeguarding your order against unforeseen issues during shipping. Don’t take unnecessary risks—add insurance today for a hassle-free experience!
Shipping
All CDs are shipping in a high quality bubble mailer or rigid envelope via USPS First Class Mail or Media Mail domestically. All international orders are sent USPS Global Post Economy unless requested differently. International customer may be required to pay import duties or taxes. Those fees are not included in the shipping cost. We package all vinyl using heavy duty record mailers with padded inserts to minimize damage to vinyl during shipments. 99% arrive without issue.
See our Shipping Insurance, Refunds, and Returns and Exchanges
policy here.