CL

 

Chung Lee aka CL (Christ Lives), grew up in the church but still ran from God and fell into many worldly sins! This new emerging sensation has now turned his life over to Christ which was the only thing that delivered him from a life of drugs and alcohol addictions. This Christian emcee and speaker gives strong testament from the living word of God and his own real life experiences. CL represents his salvation through his music and ministry about the coming from the darkness into the light.

While developing his God given talent, CL has been actively building his ministry, teaching youth at his church and attending Washington Bible College. Using Christian rap as a tool, CL reaches out to youth, college, and young adults in hopes to spark an awakening in their hearts for Christ. Stay tuned for fresh singles from his first album From Darkness to Light, projected to be released in summer of ’09.

CL’s main focus is not only to share his music but to share his journey in life which led him to Christ. "I really want to build a ministry that goes beyond the stage." We had the honor to interview Chung “CL” for Grace & Mercy Magazine.

 
GMM:  How did CL come about?

CL:  After facing many struggles in life, there came a point when I had everything stripped from me.  I was a drug and alcohol addict for 13 years, could not let it go.  After many ups and downs there came a point in my life where everything seemed to be going well, I had a nice job, nice car, bought a condo and was making good money.  However, my pride in self-accomplishment and self-reliance brought me down as well as the continuing alcohol and drug issues.  To make a long story short, I lost my jobs, money, friends, house and everything I worked for.  It was then I surrendered to God because I knew I could not do it myself, I needed Him, I didn't know why, but I knew that I did.  As I came to Him, my passion was always music, but I still couldn't accept Christian Rap as being edifying, ironic.  However, one night as I was going through some old music, my mom comes downstairs and asks to hear some of my music.  I produced secularly for 4 years.  So, I had this song open and it was a song that I wrote during the hard times that I faced and it was my cry to God, I actually recorded it while being messed up.  I played it for her and the first thing she said was, who was that singing, actually rapping, and I told her it was me and she said, this is a great way to reach youth.  Now, let me share with you that my mom never comes down to my room and never asks to listen to my music, and even till this day she hasn't asked, so this was no coincidence.  Through words spoken through my mother and constant encouragement and confirmation, I took that step and pursued in using Christian Rap to minister to the youth and young adults.  One song that I wrote when I was crying out to God turned into what the ministry is today, a reaching out to youth and young adults that they may just cry out to God in full surrender. 

 
GMM:  What were some of your greatest challenges in becoming what God called you to be?

CL:  My greatest challenge was accepting Christian Rap as being Christian.  I grew up in a very traditional, conservative church, I mean singing from the hymn books, having the orderly worship structure, suit and tie, I mean straight traditionally conservative.  So, it was hard for me watching people rap on stage and think that it was pleasing to God because rap music to me was always completely against God because of the sinful nature of secular rap.  However, it was the song "Praying For You" by Lecrae that helped me to see that Christian Rap could be used in such a great manner to deliver the gospel in a way that can really effect the youth today. 

 

 
GMM:  What does your music say about whom you are and who God called you to be?

CL:  My music says everything about me, from the darkness God has brought me out of to what He has taught and revealed to me.  The music is really my testimony of who I was and how God changed me and I sue my experiences to try and encourage younger brothers and sisters to seek after God and turn from worldly things.  I pour out who I am in the songs because God really did change me and all that I am is for Him, may His name be glorified!

 

 
GMM:  How has all this changed your life?

CL:  As I took this step of faith, the Lord has guided me in such a manner that it is undeniable that God is faithful and that His love is never failing.  His grace and mercy runs deeper that what we could ever fathom.  He has changed my life because He gave me the desires of my heart, I love rap and He allowed me to use it to glorify Him!  I'm not worthy of any of this, but God is so loving, that He would use a wreck like me and let me do what I love to do for Him.  I have never been so filled with peace, joy, love, and happiness!

 

 
GMM:  What positive change would you like your music to bring about?

CL:  I would like my music to awaken and revive hearts.  To bring the lost to Christ and to spark a fire in the heart of the lukewarm.  Ultimately, I want people to listen to the music and feel convicted and fall before Christ right there.

 
GMM:  How has it changed your life?

CL:  The music has changed my life in a way that I desire after a deeper relationship because no matter how great the music and ministry may get, my relationship with God must be greater.  Whatever I write, it has to be in line with God and writing these songs, it draws me closer and is a constant reminder of seek earnestly after God.  If I want the music to have a deeper impact, if I want the music to make people just cry out for God, then I must be in deep relationship with God, I must be led completely by His Spirit because He is the only one who can do this.  I am nothing but a man, I can't do any of this, but it is Him who can do all of this through the power of the Holy Spirit that resides in me.

 
GMM:  Where do you see God taking you next?

CL:  To be honest, I see God taking me to different states and different countries.  I am planning on going to Tanuku, India next year and Uganda.  But I also see God creating a strong movement using Christian Rap in the MD area.  He has unified so many brothers in Christ who minister the Word through music and I believe that it is for a powerful reason. 

 

 

 If you want to check out his music go here to In Christ's Love, www.forgivenmuzic.com