We caught up with West Coast artist Crip Jesus, the latest artist to sign with Wu-Tang affiliate Killah Priest, to break down his path through Hip Hop, faith, redemption, and his project, Blu Tang Forever. Special shout-out to the homies over at Rap Seminar for connecting the dots on this feature.
Who Is Crip Jesus Beyond the Name? What’s the Story Behind That Identity?
Crip Jesus: My life is like a tree and I didn’t even plant it. (Laughs.) The root is Crenshaw, Leimert Park, Hip Hop and prison. I can’t change that. That’s CRIP. But the branches and fruit that grew from it was a prophet. That’s Jesus.
When and Where Did You Become a Crip, and What Was Happening in Your Life That Led You Down That Path?
Crip Jesus: I grew up around Crips, but I started banging after my mom started smoking crack when I was about 14 or 15. I got put on 40’s after I caught an Attempted Murder case at 17.
How Did the Nation of Gods and Earths Become Part of Your Journey, and How Has It Changed Your Perspective?
Crip Jesus: I joined the 5% Nation in prison in 2011. By 2015, the whole High Desert State Prison was calling me “ShaBaKa the God.” (Laughs.) Like an African warrior.
Your Music Often Feels Like a Street Sermon. What’s the Message You Hope People Take Away?
Crip Jesus: That words are powerful and they can move mountains. Those songs aren’t lessons—they are experiences.
Some People Point to Figures Like Big U and the Tragic Death of Nipsey Hussle as Proof That Nothing Good Comes From Gang Culture. What’s Your Response?
Crip Jesus: People focus on the negative because it makes them feel up when they look down. I personally know countless kids Big U saved in South Central. As for Nipsey, his legacy is legendary. He had an unfortunate ending, but that doesn’t take away from the good he created.
What Would You Say to a Young Person Thinking About Joining a Gang Today?
Crip Jesus: I meet kids every day that want to join. I don’t tell them anything, I just show them. Kids don’t listen to what you tell them. They follow what they see. I was given this name in 2020 and since then I’ve saved hundreds of kids. None of them are gang bangers.
How Did Your Relationship With Killah Priest Begin, and What Led to You Joining Royal Priesthood?
Crip Jesus: I met Killah Priest on his podcast in 2023. I joined Royal Priesthood in early 2024. KP loves how I blend Biblical metaphors with gang lingo and street stories. I follow the blueprint he created on his song Ghetto Jezus (2007). Also, me and KP got the same name. He’s the Killah’s Priest and I’m the Crip’s Jesus.
What Does Blu Tang Forever Represent to You?
Crip Jesus: Killah Priest made up Blu Tang as a joke. I made it real as an album. Then after repping it onstage with GZA, the homie got it tatted, so it’s Forever.
Crip Jesus repping with GZA of Wu-Tang Clan.
Looking Ahead, What Do You Hope Your Legacy Will Be?
Crip Jesus: I hope they read The Blue Bible. That’s my legacy in 120 pages. As for music, I want to see if Killah Priest, Ras Kass, Kurupt and Canibus will let me be the 5th Horseman!
Any Last Words or Shout-Outs?
Crip Jesus: Free King 7 Allah! The heart and soul of the Blu Tang Gang. First to get it tatted in the skin. Official! Now that’s Forever.
Listen: Stream Crip Jesus on Spotify and follow him on Instagram @cripjesusmusic_.
