Sho Baraka

Sho Baraka
Background information
Birth name Amisho Baraka Lewis
Born (1979-01-10) January 10, 1979
Genres Christian hip hop, conscious hip hop
Occupation(s) Rapper, songwriter, director
Years active 2004–present
Labels Reach, High Society
Associated acts 116 Clique, High Society
Website Sho Baraka on Myspace

Amisho Baraka Lewis (born January 10, 1979), better known by his stage name Sho Baraka, is an American Christian hip-hop artist and writer who has recorded both independently and as a founding member of the 116 Clique. He was originally signed to Reach Records until leaving in March 2011. He then co-founded a record label and group known as "High Society" with fellow Christian rappers J.R., Swoope, and Suzy Rock. His debut album Turn My Life Up was released in November 2007. His second album Lions and Liars, was released March 2010. His third album Talented Xth was released in January 2013.

Biography

Born in Alberta, Canada on January 10,[1][2] 1979,[3][4] but raised in California, he resided in Texas and currently lives in Atlanta. Sho Baraka was introduced to hip hop at a young age. Living in Southern California during the height of gangsta rap presented its challenges to many youths, as well as Sho. In high school Sho and some friends from his neighborhood formed a rap group that began touring with major recording artists. But his life took a different turn after the rap group fizzled out and close friends were killed or incarcerated due to the gang life they led. Sho then enlisted and served in the military. He decided to heed his father's advice and apply to college, pursuing education instead of the streets. There he came into contact with Lecrae and Tedashii and eventually the 116 Clique and Reach Records were formed.

Leaving Reach Records and new website

On April 13, 2011, Rapzilla posted a blog from Sho stating that he planned to leave Reach Records after four years and two albums with the label. Although he is leaving the Reach label, Sho said he would continue to be an artist with Reach booking and continue to do concert dates and events with the label through 2011. He would also be featured on Reach projects released through the year.[5] Sho Baraka is now a part of the music & art group High Society with Swoope, J.R., & Suzy Rock. Lewis announced that he will release a new album, Talented Xth, on January 1, 2013.[6]

Cameos

Baraka can be spotted as Trip Lee's fictional boss at the newspaper Trip Lee works for in the video for Trip lee's song The Invasion (hero) off the album Between Two Worlds. He also was in the music video for Lecrae's lead single, "Don't Waste Your Life" from his 2008 album, Rebel, as a former gang member of Lecrae's who escaped arrest years before, with Lecrae portraying a converted Christian, writing to his former friend about how God had changed his life.

Discography

Studio albums

Year Album details Peak chart positions
US US Christ US Rap US Gospel
2007 Turn My Life Up
  • First studio album
  • Release date: November 20, 2007
    •
  • Label: Reach
 — — — 43
2010 Lions and Liars
  • Second studio album
  • Release date: March 30, 2010
    •
  • Label: Infinity / Reach
 149 10 15 3
2013 Talented 10th
  • Third studio album
  • Release date: January 15, 2013
    •
  • Label: Infinity / Lions & Liars
 108 5 12 1
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Singles

Guest Appearances

With the 116 Clique

With High Society

With JAMM as Hello Revolution

Mixtapes

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
2011 October Baby Drama coach Credited as "Amisho Lewis"[7]
2012 Grace Card Reformed Ex con

Videography

2006

See also

References

  1. ↑ Sho Baraka (AmishoBaraka) (January 10, 2013). "Thank you for all the birthday love. Shalom.". Twitter. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
  2. ↑ Sho Baraka (AmishoBaraka) (January 10, 2014). "Thank you for all the birthday wishes.". Twitter. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
  3. ↑ "Amisho B Lewis in Georgia". Intelius. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
  4. ↑ Family Search (2009). "U.S. Public Records Index". Family Search. 385916656.
  5. ↑ "Sho Baraka's New Future - Leaving Reach Records". Rapzilla. April 13, 2011. Retrieved November 24, 2012.
  6. ↑ Horton, Chad (November 19, 2012). "Sho Baraka 'Talented Xth' Album Cover & Tracklisting". Rapzilla. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  7. ↑ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1720182/fullcredits#cast
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