Since his toddler years, Russell Hickman a.k.a Raptillion has always been fascinated with rap music. For self entertainment, Russell would rap for hours at a time to himself making up song after song. Although Russell was eager to explore his talent, he didn’t really take his gift seriously until one Sunday afternoon when he gave his life to the Lord. Russell spent a lot of time reading and memorizing scriptures to strengthen his relationship with the Lord and also help equip his lyrics with more biblical terminology. After 6 months of seeking God and asking him what his divine will was, Russell knew that his God given calling was to use his gift to win souls. Although he faced much opposition from what he calls “traditional church members” and family, Russell kept pressing on determined to do what God had called him to do.
In 1991 he founded his first group called Eternal Crew. His mission for the group was to take a message of hope and love to communities up and down the Eastern Shore. The members of the group at the time it was founded were Terry Henry, his brother, Trisha Henry, his sister-in-law, Renee Hickman, his wife, and a family cousin, George Davis. The group did many shows and events together where the watched souls come to Christ and families be restored. Although the group enjoyed ministering together, the members of the group decided to pursue other interests and callings. They went there separate ways in 1995. Russell did not loose his focus for using his gift and continued to look for other ministers to join his group.
In the same year that the original group went their separate ways, Russell met several new rappers who joined his group and performed at concerts and other events over the next several years. In 1998, the crew was offered a record contract from M.O.M.R.I Records of Beltsville, MD. The group only consisted of Russell and another member but God was truly opening doors for “the crew.” The crew was invited to Christian Coffee Houses, Youth Detention Centers, Churches, and other events where they ministered the gospel and saved souls. It wasn’t an easy road for Russell but it was one that he was willing to travel if it meant being obedient to God’s perfect will.
Russell went on from his founding of Eternal Crew to establish a new group after the other member in Eternal Crew went off to attend Bible College in another state. Russell continued to pursue his calling and founded the group Damascus Click. Although he was excited about the new ministry opportunity, the group was short lived due to “personality conflicts.” Russell wants it to be clear that,” Christians have personality conflicts just like anyone else.” Although Russell now operates as a solo artist, he is still inspired and collaborates with many other Christian Rappers and was proud to release his first solo project in 2008 entitled “Ghetto Therapy.” He has completed his third solo project due to release January 2009 entitled " I'm Goin' Shine.
To obtain Raptillion latest release "I'm Goin' Shine"
Please mail a $9.00 check or money order to:
RUSSELL HICKMAN 111 ALBURY AVE. GEORGETOWN, DE 19947
all orders will be sent out A.S.A.P.
Thank you!
1. Intro of I’m Goin’ Shine
2. I’m Goin’ Shine
3. La La La
4. UpGraded
5. True Love
6. My Life ( skit )
7. My Little Light Shines ( Featuring Russell Hickman Jr. )
8. So So Southern
9. Mr. Backslidda
10. Bathtub ( skit )
11. A New Day ( Featuring Promise2U )
12. Temptation
13. Myspace Celebrity
14. Invitations
15. Da First Sound of Hip Hop ( skit )
16. Blessings in the Rain ( Featuring Janara Kay Hickman )
17. What Family iz
18. Jazzy Moment of Praise
19. 302
20. Follow Christ
21. Think About It
22. Outro of I’m Goin’ Shine ( Prayer )
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