Aaron Cole shines bright on the hip-hop scene

The music industry is one in which some of the most famous and successful Black artists have emerged. Genres range from blues, to jazz, hip-hop and R&B. One up and coming artist is a Christian rapper, singer and songwriter, Aaron Cole. Cole has been a part of the music industry since the age of 15, but is now touring and promoting his most recently released album, “Sorry I Changed.”
Cole was born in Bristol, Va. on Feb. 28, 1999. Cole’s family is musically inclined, with his father owning a recording studio and his uncle being a Christian rapper. Cole attended almost every musical session at his father’s studio and began rapping at 3 years old. Young Cole was like a sponge rapping and reciting verses back to his father.
His father wrote him a song titled, “Jesus is the Rock” and at the age of four he released his first album under the same name. His family was heavily involved in the church and around the age of 6 or 7 he began singing in the church choir. Between the ages of 11 and 12, Cole became more focused and serious about his musical talents and did several local shows. It was at this time in his life that he decided he wanted to become a Christian rapper, much like his uncle.
Part of Cole’s discovered talent included listening to various genres of music. He grew up listening to 1990’s and 2000’s R&B and notes that he enjoys Omarion, Mario, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, to name a few. At the age of 15, after a deal with Gotee Records who represented Christian artist TobyMac, Cole moved to Nashville. After relocating to Nashville, he then released two albums, one entitled “Not By Chance” in 2017 and “Two Up Two Down” in 2019. From the two albums, three number one-hit singles were acquired, including the hit “Right on Time.” In addition, he won two Dove Awards, and a Stellar Award nomination. He also toured the world with TobyMac on the Hits Deep Tour. This would prove to be one of the most memorable experiences of his adolescence. Another memorable experience included working with Kirk Franklin on his new album. Cole looks to Franklin as an inspiration.
Cole’s newest album is entitled “Sorry I Changed,” which was released in April. His deluxe album was released in August, called “Sorry I Changed Again” with an additional five songs. In addition to his new album, Cole recently went on tour to promote his new album in August. Cole’s album includes 13 original hit songs and was inspired by self-love and divine conviction in his own life. Cole is full of positivity and embracing joy through faith as well as his devotion to God. His latest single, “I Love It,” is a testament to Cole’s relationship with God which has played a major role in his development as an artist and an individual.
Cole says of the recording process and inspiration for his album, “When it comes to ‘Sorry I Changed’ there were a lot of changes that happened in my life. The record label and stuff like that but I also feel like it was just God showing me that like real life changes you. And going through real life situations of losing family members, losing friendships and really trying to navigate different relationships in your life. As you continue to go to the level that God has called you to go to, there’s a lot of people you have to let go, there’s a lot of things you have to let go about yourself.”
The new album is produced by Saint X, Lynx, and 1955. He has matured interpersonally and professionally and has become more reflective. Cole is now a happily married man. Unfortunately he has lost some loved ones, including his beloved grandmother. Additionally he has felt the brunt of taking on family concerns and challenges and supported them throughout those adversities. All in all the changes have helped shape him into a relatable and versatile artist.
Cole says, “When you start to change and give your life to God, there’s some remorse. You can’t do some of the things you used to do or hang with the people you used to,” he says. “It’s kind of like, sorry, but I’ve changed. For you to reach the next level or the place that God has called you to reach, you have to change.”