Drew Temple

Being a native of West Virginia is not where you'd find your typical hip-hop artist, but that is where we find Drew Temple.Growing up in the small town of Inwood, WV, Drew discovered a love for music at an early age. "I always enjoyed listening to a variety of music growing up," says Drew. "Everything from Michael Jackson to Jay-Z to stuff like Relient K and Five Iron Frenzy."After many years of playing in middle school and high school bands, Drew developed a desire to pursue a career in the music industry. However, after several failed attempts of starting bands with friends, he all but gave up on his dreams completely.While attending Marshall University in Huntington, WV Drew discovered a new found love for the hip-hop community and it's music. It was at Marshall that he found the outlet for his new found love. A group of friends had recently started a Christian hip-hop group called PS and they were curious if he wanted to join up. Eager to take the opportunity, Drew soon joined the group after they had released their debut album "The Ballad of Pete Rose." In post-"Rose" years, PS recorded a mixtape that was released in November of 2007. However, soon after, the group disbanded after several members wished to pursue solo efforts.In the year since PS disbanded, Drew has been working steadily on his first solo album. Two of his original tracks "Finest Hour" and "Faith Departed" have appeared on the mixtape "Shut Up and Rap: Volume One." He is working diligently now on his freshman release which is yet to be titled but is set to release in early 2009."It has been difficult recording the new stuff," says Drew. "I'm still trying to mature past my PS days. However, the songs seem to be flowing through me now and the right words seem to be coming. I thank God for that. I ultimately want this album to be about Him. This isn't for me, it's for my fans to get a worship experience from. I want them to learn something from the songs as well. That's why 'Faith Departed' will be featured on the album. I believe it has a strong message of hope and redemption that people don't get out of listening to the mainstream stuff. That is my hope ultimately, that they can feel a passion for God through the music He has given me."