Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Sone Franklin
Christopher, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started making music when I was 13, but I didn’t take it seriously until I hit 16. It all began when my brother’s best friend, JD, who we called BeatWhite, would spit his own raps right in front of me. Watching him, I thought, “Man, I could do that.” Around the same time, a group of kids in my neighborhood started their own little label, and I just wanted to be a part of that energy.
The first artist that really introduced me to music on a deeper level was Mike Shinoda, the founder of LINKIN PARK. His diversity blew me away—he wasn’t afraid to step outside the box. Then I discovered Eminem. The song Rabbit Run hit me hard. That track felt like my life. I could see myself in those lyrics, and it lit a fire in me. That’s when I knew: I wanted to rap.
Years later, though, something happened that changed everything. I had this divine encounter with Jesus Christ, and it flipped my whole perspective on life, faith, and even music. I realized my purpose wasn’t just to rap, but to create something bigger—to write music for Him.
That moment redefined who I was as an artist. Here I am now, still telling my story, but now with a message that’s about transformation and truth.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been anything but a smooth road. I mean, chasing a dream is never easy, right? Early on, I dealt with a lot of rejection. I’d put my heart into my music, and people would either dismiss it or take advantage of me. One of the toughest moments was when I signed with a label back in Jersey. I was young and hungry, and they saw that. They didn’t treat me right, and eventually, I had to walk away. It felt like starting all over again.
Then there were the personal struggles. I’ve lived through poverty, anxiety, and even moments where I doubted myself and my purpose. At one point, I thought maybe I wasn’t cut out for this. But the hardest hit came when my daughter almost drowned in 2014. That was a life-changing moment. It shook me to my core, but it also brought me closer to God and gave my music a new direction.
Since then, it’s been about balancing faith, family, and my music. It’s not easy to stay true to your message in an industry that wants you to follow trends, but I’ve learned to trust the process. Every struggle has made me stronger and more focused on the bigger picture.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is all about telling real stories through my music—stories that people can feel and relate to. I specialize in creating music that’s raw and honest, blending my life experiences with my faith. What I’m known for is bringing that balance: I keep it real about the struggles while shining a light on hope and redemption. My style is hip-hop, but I’m versatile. I don’t box myself in, because life ain’t one-dimensional, and neither is my music.
One of my proudest projects is my 10-day devotional called Avenue J. It’s deeper than just music—it’s a reflection of my journey. It walks you through struggle, redemption, and finding purpose, all tied to the experiences that shaped me. For me, Avenue J isn’t just about faith—it’s about giving people something real to hold onto when life feels heavy.
What makes me different? I’m not scared to be vulnerable. I put my heart out there—flaws, mistakes, all of it. My music ain’t just about rhymes; it’s about leaving something meaningful. I want people to hear my story and know they’re not alone, no matter what they’re going through. That’s what sets me apart: I don’t just make tracks, I make impact.
What’s next?
My plans for the future are all about shifting the way I release music and connect with people. I’m not just dropping songs anymore—I’m dropping a message. From now on, every song I release will come with a devotional that I’ll put on my website. The idea is to give people something deeper to connect with. Music moves people, but I want to take it a step further and give them something to reflect on, something that helps them grow spiritually.
I’m also planning to expand my reach, get my music and message into new spaces, and connect with people who might not even realize they need it yet. Big changes are coming, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this new approach resonates with people. This isn’t just about streams or downloads—it’s about impact. That’s the future for me: music with meaning, tied to something bigger than just the beat.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://popl.co/card/i64r97A6/1/s
- Instagram: @itsbeensone
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsbeensone
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@christophersonefranklin?si=O9nqA4V2xPHcfU4D
